Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions regarding our electrical services, compliance requirements, pricing and service availability. If your question is not addressed here, please do not hesitate to contact us directly using the contact details on our Contact page.
Services and Work
What does your NICEIC registration mean?
NICEIC registration confirms that Sinclair Electrical Contractors Ltd meets rigorous standards for electrical competence, professional conduct, and safety practice established by the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting. This accreditation demonstrates our compliance with industry-leading standards and provides assurance that work undertaken is conducted to the highest professional level.
What is an EICR report and do I need one?
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a comprehensive inspection and testing report that assesses the safety and compliance of your electrical system. If you are a landlord with residential properties, an EICR is a legal requirement under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020. EICR inspections are recommended for any property with older electrical installations or where the last inspection date is unknown. Reports identify any safety defects and provide recommendations for remedial work.
How often should EICR inspections be performed?
For rental properties, EICR inspections should be performed every ten years, or sooner if significant defects are identified. For owner-occupied domestic properties, EICR is not a legal requirement but is strongly recommended, particularly for installations over fifteen years old. For commercial properties, frequency depends on usage intensity and specific risk factors. We can advise on the appropriate inspection schedule for your specific circumstances.
What does fuse board upgrade involve?
A fuse board (consumer unit) upgrade involves replacement of outdated fused electrical systems with modern circuit breaker technology. The upgrade typically includes safe disconnection of supply, removal of old fused system, installation of modern consumer unit with dual RCD protection, installation of appropriate circuit breakers, comprehensive testing, and provision of an electrical completion certificate. The process typically takes one working day.
How long does a complete house rewiring take?
Timescale for complete house rewiring depends on property size, existing installation condition, and architectural complexity. A typical three-bedroom residential property usually requires 5-7 working days. Renovation projects or properties with complex layouts may require additional time. We provide detailed project timescales at the quotation stage following site survey.
Is 24/7 emergency call-out truly available?
Yes. Sinclair Electrical Contractors Ltd maintains a genuine 24-hour emergency service for urgent electrical problems. Emergency call-outs are attended with priority, with typical response time of 2-4 hours depending on location and demand. Emergency charges apply outside standard business hours.
Pricing and Quotations
How is pricing determined and are quotations free?
Initial quotations are provided free of charge. Pricing varies depending on the specific nature and scope of work required, property location, existing installation condition, and materials specified. We provide itemised quotations detailing labour, materials, and any associated costs. Our quotations are valid for 30 days from date of issue.
Do you offer discounts for multiple services or long-term contracts?
We do provide discounted rates for multiple services undertaken simultaneously or for regular maintenance contracts. Commercial clients undertaking multiple installations may be eligible for volume discounts. We recommend discussing your specific requirements to determine what cost efficiencies may be available.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept payment by bank transfer, cheque, and major debit/credit cards. For Large projects, we typically require a deposit upon quotation approval, with final payment due upon completion. We provide detailed invoices for all work undertaken, suitable for business records and insurance claims.
Compliance and Guarantees
What guarantees do you provide on completed work?
All completed workmanship is guaranteed for 12 months from completion date. Parts and materials are guaranteed in accordance with manufacturers' specifications. Our NICEIC registration provides additional assurance regarding work quality and compliance with standards.
Will all work be certified and compliant with Building Regulations?
Yes. All installations undertaken by Sinclair Electrical Contractors Ltd are designed and executed in full compliance with Building Regulations Part P and BS 7671 electrical standards. Upon completion, we provide electrical completion certificates recognised by building control authorities and insurers.
Are you insured for all work undertaken?
Yes. We maintain comprehensive public liability insurance covering all work undertaken. Certificates of insurance are available upon request.
Scheduling and Disruption
How much disruption should I expect during electrical work?
We aim to minimise disruption whilst maintaining professional standards. For certain work (such as complete rewiring), temporary disconnection of electricity may be necessary. We can plan work to minimise impact on your daily activities and will communicate clearly regarding any necessary temporary arrangements.
Can you accommodate work outside standard business hours?
For routine non-emergency work, appointments are typically scheduled during standard business hours. However, we understand that many commercial clients require out-of-hours service. We offer flexibility for emergency work and can discuss alternative scheduling arrangements for specific requirements.
I need electrical work urgently—what options are available?
Contact us immediately to discuss your urgent requirements. For genuine emergencies (power loss, electrical hazards), our 24/7 emergency service is available. For urgent but non-emergency work, we maintain flexible scheduling and can often accommodate rapid appointments within 24-48 hours.