Answers to common questions

General questions about Stanley's Electrical Contractors Ltd

What is the purpose of RCD protection in a fusebox?

A Residual Current Device (RCD) helps protect against electric shock by disconnecting the circuit if it detects unsafe leakage currents.

Can a homeowner replace their own consumer unit?

Replacing a consumer unit is classed as notifiable electrical work under Part P of the Building Regulations. It must be carried out by a qualified and registered electrician.

What signs indicate a potential electrical fault in a property?

Common signs include burning smells, flickering lights, frequent tripping of breakers, buzzing from sockets, discoloured outlets, or warm electrical components.

What electrical qualifications are required for an electrician in the UK?

Electricians in the UK typically hold an NVQ Level 3 qualification in Electrical Installation along with the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations certification. Many also hold inspection and testing qualifications such as City & Guilds 2391.

How often should an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) be carried out?

For rental properties, an EICR is required at least every five years. For domestic owner-occupied homes, the recommended interval is every ten years unless issues arise sooner.

Questions About Domestic Electrical Services

How long does a typical domestic electrical job take?

Small jobs can be completed same-day, whereas full rewires or upgrades may take several days depending on the property size.

Do you provide certification for completed electrical work?

Yes, all relevant electrical certificates are issued as required by current regulations.

Will there be disruption during electrical work at my home?

Some disruption is unavoidable, but areas are covered, kept tidy and reinstated once work is completed.

Can I upgrade my consumer unit during other electrical work?

Yes, your fuseboard can be upgraded at the same time, which often improves safety and compliance.

Why should I use a qualified electrician for home electrical work?

Qualified electricians ensure your home electrics are safe, compliant with regulations and tested properly.

Questions About Commercial Electrical Services

Do you work outside normal business hours?

Yes, appointments can be arranged during evenings or weekends to minimise workplace disruption.

Do commercial installations require additional certification?

Commercial projects often require detailed documentation, including installation certificates and inspection reports.

Do you handle electrical compliance for business insurance?

Yes, testing and certification are completed to help meet insurers’ and landlords’ requirements.

Can you provide maintenance for commercial electrical systems?

Yes, regular servicing and scheduled inspections can be arranged to keep systems operating safely.

Can upgrades be completed without shutting the business down?

Where possible, systems are isolated in sections, allowing the premises to continue operating.

Questions About Industrial Electrical Services

Is ongoing electrical maintenance available?

Yes, regular servicing and inspection plans can be put in place to help prevent downtime.

Do you install and test industrial control systems?

Yes, we work with industrial wiring, control panels and equipment requiring specialised testing.

Are industrial spaces inspected differently to homes?

Industrial sites require more detailed assessment due to heavier loads and specialised safety controls.

Can work be completed in operational environments?

Yes, work can be staged around production, allowing operations to continue safely.

Do you handle upgrades to industrial machinery supplies?

Power upgrades, additional circuits and dedicated supplies can be installed and certified.

Questions About Electrical Testing & Certification

Does testing cause any disruption?

Power may need to be switched off briefly as circuits are tested, but disruption is minimal.

Do I need an EICR for a rental property?

Yes, landlords are required to hold a valid Electrical Installation Condition Report.

How long is an EICR certificate valid for?

Typically up to 5 years, though older installations may require more frequent testing.

Will I receive proof of compliance once completed?

Yes, certificates are supplied electronically and can be stored for legal and insurance purposes.

What happens if issues are found during inspection?

A report is issued showing recommended remedial work, with clear priority categories.

Still have questions?

Our Services

Domestic Electrical Services

We provide reliable and high-quality electrical work for homes across Stoke-on-Trent and surrounding areas. From small repairs to full rewires, our NVQ-qualified, Napit-approved electricians ensure everything is completed safely and professionally.

Home repairs
Lighting installs
Fuse board upgrades
Complete house rewires

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Commercial Electrical Services

We support businesses with safe, compliant and efficient electrical installations. Whether it’s an office, shop or unit, our commercial work is completed to industry standards with minimal disruption.

Shop wiring
Office installs
Testing and compliance
Full commercial rewires

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Industrial Electrical Services

We carry out specialist electrical work for warehouses, factories and industrial sites. With over 18 years of experience, we deliver safe, robust and high-performance electrical solutions.

Machine wiring
Industrial faults
Three-phase installs
Full site upgrades

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Electrical Testing & Certification

We provide certified testing, inspection and reporting for landlords, homeowners and businesses. All of our work is always completed to Napit standards with full documentation supplied.

EICR testing
Safety reports
Landlord certificates
Full compliance checks

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Service Hours

Stanley’s Electrical Contractors Ltd is a trusted, Stoke-on-Trent–based electrical company delivering reliable, high-standard work across Staffordshire and the surrounding areas. With over 18 years of hands-on experience, we’ve earned a reputation for clear communication, honest advice, and top-quality workmanship. From small domestic repairs to large commercial and industrial projects, our fully qualified and Napit-approved team is dedicated to keeping your property safe, efficient, and compliant.

We proudly serve homes and businesses throughout Stoke-on-Trent, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Crewe, Stafford, Uttoxeter, and nearby towns and villages. Wherever you are in the region, Stanley’s Electrical Contractors Ltd brings dependable service, fast responses, and electrical expertise you can count on.