Installing an electrical light fitting can be more complicated than it seems. There are a number of things that need to be considered. A lot of homes in the UK can have different types of wiring in the ceiling which may make installation easy or nearly impossible without modifying the light fitting or wiring.
The modification of the wiring may prove to be a problem when ensuring compliance with the electrical wiring regulations (BS7671). The manufacturers instructions for many lights will specify that wiring has to go inside a tiny little box with a rubber sleeve attached. This can prove nearly impossible for some older wiring systems that may have several cables at the ceiling point.
A “LIGHT FITTING ELECTRICIAN” that is experienced in all types of wiring systems can fit a light fitting for you. They should have sufficient skill and knowledge of the wiring regulations to ensure that the work complies with (and is therefore deemed safe) the wiring regulations.
What happens if the ceiling wiring is wrong?🤔
Your electrician can advise if the ceiling wiring needs modifying to ensure the safe installation of the light that you want fitted. Where wiring needs to be modified in bedrooms it is often possible to gain access to the wiring above in the loft and make an electrical junction above. Where wiring needs to be modified on the ground floor it can prove more difficult however your electrician can advise you and carry out the work in the safest possible way.
Can’t I just fit the light myself?🤷
I get it. We are a nation of DIY lovers and there is a never-ending bombardment of adverts for DIY stores, home improvements and renovation show on the TV. The truth is, lots of DIY work in the home can be carried out by unskilled, unqualified persons and if things go wrong then its not a massive problem if the paint peeled, the wallpaper fell off or the kitchen units were wonky. These can easily be rectified and repaired, if necessary be getting the help of a professional in. Issues arise when electrical work is undertaken by DIY enthusiasts who have neither the correct test equipment or knowledge to ensure that the work is safe. Gas, Electricity and various building work can be lethal if performed incorrectly. Did you know that there is NO WAY to be sure that there is an earth in your home UNLESS an electrician checks it? It doesn’t matter if the wire is there to connect, it cannot be proved safe unless it is tested. So many times, we have come across wiring that has all the correct wires in place but somewhere there is a dangerous break meaning no connection. ☹
It may appear simple at first to undertake electrical tasks yourself but we always strongly advise a “LIGHT FITTING ELECTRICIAN” to carry out light swaps or other electrical work that can not only do so safely but provide you with the electrical certification following the work which will not only give you peace of mind but would likely also keep your home insurance company happy too 😊
Is it possible to move a light fitting?💭
Yes, it is entirely possible to move a light fitting from one place to another. The complexity of this can vary. A wall light is a bit more difficult to move than a ceiling light normally at the electrical cable that feeds the wall light would need to be re-routed and kept in a safe wiring zone. This could potentially be quite costly as not only would the electrician have to cut channels into the but would also need to ensure that when the new light is fitted, all cabling has been safely joined and the buried cables comply with the wiring and building regulations for safe zone installation. Moving a ceiling light is sometimes a little easier but can still be tricky. The wires that feed the existing ceiling light would need to be made safe in a suitable junction complying with the necessary regulations for junctions. The cable would then need to be routed to the new location for the light fittings new position. An electrical certificate and relevant electrical testing would need to be completed to ensure that the work had been carried out correctly and to give you, the customer, peace of mind. So many electrical jobs are carried out without the completion of electrical certification which is against regulations and leaves many a job in a questionable condition from an electrical safety standpoint.
It is always worth asking the right questions from your electrician. A good electrician will be happy to discuss the work with you, what is needed and the costs for this. Unfortunately, whilst we know that price is a factor that often dictates which trades-person may ultimately end up with the job, cheaper often means corners are cut, safety issues ignored along with regulations and a job can end up needing doing twice or being unsafe.
How do I find a good electrician?🌟
Thankfully, the internet can be a useful tool for finding a decent trades-person 😊 Gone are the days of trawling through the phone directory trying to establish whose advert looked the best, asking all the neighbours, friends and family if they have used an electrician before and so on. The internet will likely give you all the information you need in order to find a good electrician these days. A thorough website is a great start, something that introduces the business, the people and shows the work they do. Informative blogs and articles that show the electricians have some knowledge, have fixed your problems before or carried out similar works to yours and their willingness to answer any questions that you may have too. Have a look at the Google reviews for the business and see what other customers have had to say about their work. A lot of great reviews can be an indication that the company may be ok to use.
If you need a “LIGHT FITTING ELECTRICIAN” or an electrician for any other type of work then there is a chance that we can help. We cover from Liverpool to Leigh along the M62 and East Lancashire Road so we are always happy to assist you in these areas. 😊
