Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about electrical work, safety, and our services.
Are you qualified to carry out electrical work in my home?
Yes. All work is carried out by City & Guilds qualified electricians trained to the current edition of BS 7671 (18th Edition Wiring Regulations). We are registered with an UKAS-accredited approved scheme for Part P of the Building Regulations, which allows us to self-certify all notifiable electrical work.
What is Part P of the Building Regulations?
Part P requires that certain electrical work in dwellings in England is either carried out by a registered competent person (who self-certifies the work) or notified to the local building control authority. Most electrical work in kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoors, as well as new circuits and consumer unit replacements, is notifiable. As a registered scheme member, DP Power Solutions handles all notification on your behalf.
Do I need a certificate after electrical work?
Yes. All notifiable electrical work must be certificated. DP Power Solutions issues an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) for significant new installations and alterations, or a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate (MEIWC) for smaller additions to existing circuits. Both documents confirm the work has been tested and complies with BS 7671.
How long does a consumer unit upgrade take?
Most consumer unit upgrades are completed within a single working day. The electricity supply will be isolated for several hours during the changeover. We'll agree a start time with you and keep you informed of progress throughout.
How often should I have an EICR carried out?
For owner-occupied properties, an EICR is recommended every 10 years or when you move into a new property. For rented properties in England, an EICR is legally required every 5 years or at each change of tenancy. After major alterations or flood/fire damage, an EICR is also recommended.
My RCD keeps tripping — what should I do?
First, try to identify if a particular appliance is causing the trip by switching everything off, resetting the RCD, then switching appliances back on one at a time. If an appliance is the cause, remove it from use and have it checked. If the RCD trips without any appliances connected, you likely have a wiring fault that needs professional investigation. Call us on 07415 322621.
Can I carry out electrical work myself?
Some minor work — such as replacing a like-for-like socket or switch — can be done by a competent DIY person, but must still meet Building Regulations requirements. However, most electrical work in kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoors, and all new circuit installation, is notifiable work that must be carried out by a registered electrician. Attempting to self-certify or not notify notifiable work can cause problems when you come to sell your property.
What is the difference between an RCD and an MCB?
An MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker) protects against overcurrent and short circuits — it trips when too much current flows through the circuit. An RCD (Residual Current Device) protects against electric shock by detecting fault currents leaking to earth. RCDs respond to currents as small as 30mA and trip within 30–40 milliseconds — fast enough to prevent cardiac arrest in most cases. A modern consumer unit has both.
Do you provide a free quotation?
Yes. We provide free, no-obligation written quotations for all jobs. For smaller jobs we can usually quote over the phone or via email with a few photos. Larger jobs, such as rewires and EV charger installations, require a site survey before we can provide an accurate quotation.
How much does a consumer unit upgrade cost?
Consumer unit upgrades start from around £500 for a standard domestic installation. The exact price depends on the size of the property and the number of circuits. We provide a fixed-price quotation before any work begins, with no hidden charges.
What makes a home EV charger better than a 3-pin socket?
A dedicated 7.4kW home EV charger charges up to 8 times faster than a standard 3-pin socket (which is limited to around 2.3kW by the 13A socket outlet). Dedicated chargers also use a correctly rated circuit, avoiding sustained loading of household wiring not designed for it. Smart chargers allow you to schedule charging at cheaper off-peak tariff times.
What areas do you cover?
We cover the whole of Staffordshire including Cannock, Rugeley, Lichfield, Stafford, Hednesford, Burntwood, Tamworth, and all surrounding villages and towns. We also cover areas of the West Midlands bordering Staffordshire, including Walsall, Wolverhampton, Brownhills, and Aldridge.
Do you carry out emergency electrical work?
Yes — we aim to attend emergency fault-finding appointments the same day wherever possible. Call us on 07415 322621 and we'll do our best to attend promptly. Note that emergency call-outs outside normal working hours may attract a higher rate, which will always be quoted before attendance.
Is my home's electrical installation safe if it hasn't been inspected?
It's impossible to say without inspection. Many faults develop gradually and are not visible. If your installation has not been inspected for 10 years or more, if the property is over 25 years old, or if you've moved into a property without inspection records, we strongly recommend booking an EICR.
Do you carry out commercial electrical work?
Our primary focus is domestic electrical work, but we do carry out work for small commercial premises, particularly offices, shops, and light industrial units. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.
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Call or email DP Power Solutions today for a free, no-obligation quote. We cover the whole of Staffordshire and surrounding areas.