Lighting & Sockets

Lighting and socket work covers a wide range of tasks, from replacing a single light fitting to running a new circuit for a home office or outbuilding. A qualified electrician is needed for any work that involves connecting to the fixed wiring, adding new cables or outlets, or altering existing circuits.

Socket installation can include upgrading single sockets to double outlets, adding USB-equipped sockets, installing additional outlets in rooms where demand has increased, or running a new circuit to serve a defined area of the property. In rooms that contain a bath or shower, BS 7671 sets out requirements for the location and type of electrical accessories, including sockets.

These requirements take into account the position of the accessory relative to the bath or shower and the level of protection provided. A qualified electrician will assess the specific room layout to determine what is and is not permitted at each location, rather than applying a blanket restriction to the whole room.

Lighting work includes replacing existing fittings, upgrading to LED, installing recessed downlights, adding dimmer circuits, or fitting external lighting. Where recessed downlights are installed in a ceiling that separates two floors, or provides fire separation between spaces, fittings with fire protection should be specified to maintain the fire resistance of the ceiling.

The electrician will assess the ceiling construction and specify fittings appropriate to it. Fault symptoms associated with lighting and socket circuits include flickering or intermittent lights, sockets that are warm to the touch, visible scorch marks around outlet faceplates, circuit breakers that trip when a particular socket or light is used, and outlets where no power is present despite the relevant breaker being in the on position.

These symptoms can indicate loose connections, a fault in the circuit wiring or an overloaded circuit, and should be investigated by a qualified electrician.

Lighting & Sockets Services

Specialist Services We Offer

🔌

Socket Installation

Adding extra sockets or replacing existing ones is one of the most common electrical improvements in

Learn more

💡

Light Fitting Installation

Light fitting installation covers the replacement of existing fittings, the installation of new pend

Learn more

💡

Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor lighting for properties in Poole and surrounding areas covers a range of installations, from

Learn more

💡

Downlight Installation

Downlights, sometimes called recessed spotlights or ceiling lights, are a popular choice in kitchens

Learn more

Symptoms of Lighting and Socket Faults

⚠️

Sockets Warm to the Touch

A socket or switch that feels warm, or that shows discolouration or scorch marks around the faceplate, indicates that overheating is occurring at that point. This can be caused by a loose connection or a fault in the wiring and should be assessed by a qualified electrician before the outlet is used again.

⚠️

Flickering or Intermittent Power

Lights that flicker repeatedly, or outlets that intermittently lose power without a circuit breaker having tripped, suggest a loose connection, a deteriorating wiring joint, or a fault within the circuit that needs investigation and resolution.

How Lighting and Socket Work Is Carried Out

1

Circuit Assessment

Before adding outlets or new lighting, the electrician checks the capacity and condition of existing circuits serving the area and determines whether additional load can be connected to an existing circuit or whether a new circuit is required.

2

Installation and Connection

New outlets, fittings or circuits are installed and connected to the supply. In rooms with a bath or shower, the electrician assesses the room layout against the applicable requirements of BS 7671 before deciding on suitable locations and accessory types.

3

Testing and Certification

On completion, the electrician tests the circuit to verify correct wiring, earthing and protection. For notifiable work, an Electrical Installation Certificate is issued. For non-notifiable work such as additions to existing circuits, a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate provides a record of the work carried out.

Common Questions

FAQs About Lighting & Sockets

Can I add more sockets to a room without installing a new circuit?

Additional sockets can sometimes be added by extending an existing ring or radial circuit, depending on the area and load being served and the current capacity of the circuit. In other situations, a new dedicated circuit may be needed. A qualified electrician can assess your existing installation to determine the most suitable approach.

Are sockets permitted in bathrooms?

BS 7671 defines requirements for electrical accessories installed in rooms containing a bath or shower, including requirements about where different types of accessories may be placed and what level of protection is required. The requirements depend on the specific layout of the room. A qualified electrician should assess the room before any socket or accessory work is carried out, rather than assuming all locations are or are not permissible.

Is socket or lighting work notifiable under Building Regulations?

In England, like-for-like replacement of sockets, switches and light fittings is not generally notifiable under Part P of the Building Regulations. Installing new circuits and carrying out additions or alterations to circuits in defined special locations are notifiable categories. An electrician registered with a competent person scheme can advise on which elements of your planned work require notification and manage that process.

What type of downlights should be used in a ceiling between floors?

Where downlights are installed in a ceiling that provides fire separation between two spaces, fittings with fire protection should be used to maintain the integrity of the ceiling. The appropriate fitting type depends on the ceiling construction. The electrician will assess the ceiling before specifying fittings, so that the fire resistance of the structure is not compromised.

Why does my light flicker?

Flickering lights can be caused by a loose connection at the fitting, at the switch or within the circuit wiring, a failing lamp or fitting, a poor connection at the consumer unit, or a circuit that is carrying more load than it was designed for. A qualified electrician can carry out a check to identify the source of the fault.

What should I do if a socket shows scorch marks?

Scorch marks around a socket faceplate indicate that overheating has occurred at that point. This can be caused by a loose connection, a fault in the wiring, or an overloaded circuit. The socket should not be used until a qualified electrician has assessed it. If there is any smell of burning or signs of active heat, isolate the circuit at the consumer unit and seek professional assistance promptly.

Areas

Electrical services in Poole Town Electrical services in Hamworthy Electrical services in Parkstone Electrical services in Canford Heath Electrical services in Broadstone Electrical services in Creekmoor Electrical services in Lilliput

Get In Touch

Contact

Describe the problem and provide your contact details. Sending an enquiry does not confirm a booking.

01202 000000 (placeholder - not in service)

Use the enquiry form; the telephone number is a placeholder.

Service area: Poole.

Lighting & Sockets in Poole