Looking for an Electrician in Old Harlow?

Electrician in Old Harlow for EV Chargers, Rewires and Fuseboard Upgrades

We recently attended a property for what initially looked like a straightforward EV charger installation. Before connecting a new high-powered load, we carried out the appropriate checks on the existing electrical installation. Those checks identified several issues that needed dealing with first, including inadequate bonding to the gas and water services, an older fuseboard and lighting circuits containing old VIR cabling with no earth conductor.

Instead of simply installing the charger and leaving the existing problems untouched, we upgraded the consumer unit, installed modern RCD and surge protection, provided the required main protective bonding and rewired the affected lighting circuits

Only once we were satisfied that the installation was suitable did we install and commission the new EV charger.

That type of job reflects much of the electrical work we carry out around Old Harlow. There is a strong demand locally for EV chargers and consumer unit upgrades, and it is not unusual for us to come across older fuseboxes without modern RCD protection when carrying out our initial checks.

With around 20 years’ electrical experience, we work for homeowners, landlords, letting agents and local businesses. Dan runs JJB Electrical Ltd, and our approach is straightforward: we turn up when we say we will, explain what we find clearly and carry out the work properly.

Electrical Work in Old Harlow Based on What Your Property Actually Needs

If you are looking for an Electrician in Old Harlow, you may already know exactly what you need, such as an EV charger or a new socket. In other cases, particularly with older electrical installations, the first job is to establish what condition the existing installation is in.

We do not assume that every older property needs replacing from top to bottom. Equally, we will not ignore an issue simply because it makes the original job more complicated.

For an EV charger installation, for example, we need to know that the electrical installation supplying the charger is suitable for the additional demand and that the appropriate protective measures are in place.

The recent EV charger project described above is a good example.

A Recent EV Charger Installation That Uncovered Older Wiring

The customer originally contacted us because they wanted an EV charger.

During our initial electrical checks we identified that there was no adequate main protective bonding to the incoming gas and water services. We installed new bonding conductors to both services before progressing with the installation.

The existing fuseboard also needed upgrading, so we installed a new modern consumer unit incorporating RCD protection and a surge protection device.

Our testing then identified another issue on the lighting installation. Parts of the lighting circuits still contained old VIR cabling, and there was no earth conductor present.

That meant we were not comfortable simply reconnecting the existing lighting circuits into the new consumer unit. Due to the age and condition of the wiring, the affected lighting circuits were rewired using modern cabling with the correct earthing arrangements.

Once the necessary electrical work had been completed and tested, we installed the EV charger in a position that was convenient for everyday charging. We also routed the charger cable as neatly and discreetly as reasonably possible.

The completed work included:

• Installation and commissioning of the new EV charger
• Positioning the charger for practical everyday use
• Discreet cable routing wherever reasonably possible
• Installation of a new consumer unit
• RCD protection
• Surge protection
• Main protective bonding to the gas service
• Main protective bonding to the water service
• Removal of affected old VIR lighting cabling
• Rewiring lighting circuits where there was no earth conductor
• Testing of the electrical installation after completion
• Demonstrating the EV charger to the customer
• Cleaning the work area before leaving

For us, an EV installation is not simply about fixing a charger to the wall. We also need to consider the installation that is going to supply it.

EV Charger Installation in Old Harlow

EV charger installations are one of the most frequently requested services we provide in the Old Harlow area.

We can look at the proposed charger location, where you normally park the vehicle, the route back to the electrical supply and the condition of the existing consumer unit.

We aim to position the charger somewhere that works properly for the way you actually use your driveway or parking area, rather than automatically putting it wherever is easiest for us.

Cable routes are also considered carefully. Where possible, we will look for a route that keeps visible cabling to a minimum and avoids unnecessary disruption.

Before installation we will carry out the relevant checks so that we can identify issues with the existing supply or electrical installation before simply adding another significant electrical load.

Consumer Unit and Fuseboard Upgrades

Older fuseboxes with limited or no RCD protection are one of the electrical issues we regularly encounter locally.

That does not automatically mean every older board needs to be replaced immediately. We assess the existing installation and explain what we have found.

When a consumer unit upgrade is required, the existing circuits need to be considered as part of the job. A new consumer unit can sometimes expose existing faults that were not apparent with the previous equipment.

Our recent EV charger project is a good example. Replacing the fuseboard was only part of the work. Testing identified problems with the existing lighting wiring, which meant additional work was required before those circuits could be safely connected to the new equipment.

Modern consumer units can provide individual circuit protection, RCD protection and surge protection, depending on the design of the installation.

We will explain what we are proposing and why rather than simply giving you a list of electrical terminology.

Home Rewiring

We also carry out full and partial home rewires in Old Harlow.

Some properties require a complete rewire, while others may only have a problem affecting particular circuits or parts of the property.

Old VIR cabling, missing earth conductors, damaged wiring and alterations carried out over many years are examples of issues that can influence what work is required.

Our starting point is always the condition of the actual installation.

Where rewiring is necessary, we can discuss socket positions, lighting requirements and how the property is used rather than simply replacing everything on a like-for-like basis.

If you are renovating or have recently bought a property, it can also be sensible to investigate the electrical installation before decorating or carrying out extensive building work.

Solar PV and Battery Storage

As well as conventional electrical work, we install solar PV and battery storage systems.

JJB Electrical Ltd holds MCS certification, allowing us to undertake renewable installations within the relevant certification requirements.

We can discuss solar panels, battery storage or a combined system depending on what you are trying to achieve.

That might include reducing electricity imported from the grid, storing solar generation for later use or making better use of suitable electricity tariffs.

We prefer to look at the property, your electricity usage and what you want from the system before recommending equipment.

EICRs and Electrical Testing

We carry out Electrical Installation Condition Reports for homeowners, landlords and businesses.

An EICR is an inspection and test of the existing electrical installation. It can identify deterioration, defects and issues with electrical safety.

We also carry out testing when faults need investigating or when upgrading existing electrical equipment.

For landlords and letting agents, we can inspect rental properties and clearly explain any remedial work identified by the report.

For homeowners, an EICR can also be useful when the condition or history of an electrical installation is unclear.

Security and Outside Lighting

We install and replace security lighting, outside lights and other external electrical equipment.

This can include replacing an existing floodlight, adding lighting to improve visibility around the property or installing new external electrical supplies.

For larger outside lighting jobs, we can discuss switching, positioning and cable routes before beginning work.

Smaller Electrical Jobs Are Welcome Too

Not every job needs to involve a complete fuseboard or rewire.

We also carry out the smaller electrical jobs people often struggle to find an electrician for, including:

• Changing light fittings
• Installing additional sockets
• Replacing existing sockets and switches
• Replacing outside lights
• Installing security lighting
• Investigating faulty circuits
• Alterations to existing electrical installations

If you are unsure whether something is too small for us, call and ask. We would rather tell you whether we can help than have you put off an electrical job because you assume nobody will be interested.

Common Electrical Problems We Find Around Old Harlow

One of the more common issues we encounter is an older fusebox without the level of RCD protection expected on a modern installation.

We can also find that electrical installations have been changed and extended several times during the life of a property.

That does not necessarily mean the whole installation is unsafe or needs replacing. It means proper inspection and testing becomes particularly important before deciding what work is actually required.

This matters when customers are adding equipment such as an EV charger.

A charger is a substantial electrical load, so we want to understand the existing installation rather than treating the charger as an isolated item.

If we identify something that needs addressing first, we will explain it to you and discuss the options.

Why Customers Choose JJB Electrical Ltd

The point we put most emphasis on is simple: we turn up when we say we will.

If circumstances change, communication matters. Customers should not have to spend their day wondering whether their electrician is going to arrive.

We also have more than 200 customer reviews and around 20 years’ electrical experience.

JJB Electrical Ltd is:

• NAPIT registered
• MCS certified
• A Which? Trusted Trader
• TrustMark registered

Those accreditations sit alongside the practical experience of inspecting, diagnosing and working on real electrical installations.

For safety-related work, we believe those details matter far more than simply describing ourselves as a “local expert”.

What Happens When You Contact Us?

If you contact us looking for an Electrician in Old Harlow, we will first establish what you need help with.

For a simple job, we may be able to get most of the information we need from a description and photographs.

For larger jobs, such as EV chargers, rewires, consumer unit upgrades or renewable installations, we may need to visit the property.

We will look at the proposed work and, where relevant, the existing electrical installation.

If we identify something unexpected, we will explain it rather than simply carrying out additional work without discussion.

Once the work has been agreed, we arrange a suitable installation date and aim to arrive when promised.

When the job is finished, we test our work, explain anything you need to know and leave the work area clean and tidy.

Areas We Cover Around Old Harlow

As well as Old Harlow, we regularly cover the surrounding area, including:

Harlow, Sawbridgeworth, Epping, North Weald, Roydon and Hoddesdon.

If you are just outside these areas, call us on 01992 276087 and we can confirm whether we cover your postcode.

Whether you need a new EV charger, a consumer unit upgrade or someone to investigate a small electrical fault, the aim is the same: understand what is actually required, explain it clearly and complete the work properly.

FAQs

Do you install EV chargers in Old Harlow?

Yes. EV chargers are one of our most requested services locally. We check the existing electrical installation, discuss the most convenient charger position and look for a neat cable route before installation.

Does my fuseboard need upgrading before installing an EV charger?

Not necessarily. We inspect the existing installation first and advise you based on what we find. On one recent EV installation, our checks identified inadequate bonding, an older consumer unit and lighting circuits containing VIR cable with no earth, so those issues needed addressing before the charger was installed.

Can you upgrade an old fusebox with no RCD protection?

Yes. We carry out consumer unit upgrades and regularly encounter older boards with limited or no RCD protection. We will inspect the existing circuits and explain any issues that need dealing with as part of the upgrade.

How quickly can you attend a job in Old Harlow?

We aim to respond as soon as possible and will give you a realistic indication of availability when you contact us. For urgent requirements such as an EV charger needed for a newly delivered vehicle, tell us when you call and we will see what we can accommodate.

Are you NAPIT registered?

Yes. JJB Electrical Ltd is NAPIT registered. We are also MCS certified, a Which? Trusted Trader and TrustMark registered.

Do you take on small electrical jobs?

Yes. We carry out jobs such as changing light fittings, installing new sockets, replacing switches, security lighting and investigating faults, as well as larger projects including rewires, EV chargers and consumer unit upgrades.

How much does an electrician in Old Harlow cost?

The price depends on the work required, access, materials and the condition of the existing installation. Rather than publishing a figure that may not apply to your job, we will establish what is needed and provide the appropriate price or quotation before agreed work proceeds.

Need an Electrician in Old Harlow?

Whether you need an EV charger, a consumer unit upgrade, an EICR, new sockets or help working out what is wrong with an existing installation, give us a call. We are happy to talk through what you need and give you straightforward advice with no obligation.

Call us on 01992 276087