Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my fuse board needs upgrading?
A fuse board may need upgrading if it keeps tripping, looks very old, still uses fuse wire, has no RCD protection or hasn’t been checked for years. A lot of older homes and apartments around Manchester still have consumer units that aren’t really suited to how we use electricity today.
Modern properties, and obviously the people living in them, are running more appliances, home offices, chargers, phones, Play- Stations, watches and kitchen equipment than ever before. If your fuse board is outdated, it can lead to nuisance tripping, safety issues and problems when adding new electrical work.
Fuse board upgrades and consumer unit replacements are something I care a lot about because they’re often where electrical problems first show up. If something doesn’t look right, it’s always worth getting it checked properly by a qualified electrician rather than waiting for it to become an emergency.
Why does my fuse board keep tripping?
If your fuse board keeps tripping, it usually means the system is trying to protect you from a fault. It could be caused by an overloaded circuit, a faulty appliance, damaged wiring, moisture, or an issue with the consumer unit itself.
Sometimes it’s something simple, like a faulty kettle, washing machine or extension lead. Other times it can point to a bigger problem with the wiring or an older fuse board that needs attention.
The main thing is not to keep resetting it and hoping for the best if it keeps happening. I carry out electrical fault finding in Manchester, and I’ll always explain what I’ve found in plain English before recommending the next step. A new, fit for use fuse board is honestly one of the best things you can do for your electrics!
Do you work in apartments in Ancoats and New Islington?
Yes, I work in apartments across Ancoats (where I’m based!), New Islington and central Manchester, including, residential (rental and owned) properties and commercial spaces. I work with homeowners, renters, landlords and business owners.
Apartment electrical work often needs a bit more planning than a typical house job. There may be building access to think about, parking, management rules, shared areas and neighbours nearby. I’m used to working carefully in those environments and keeping disruption as low as possible.
Common jobs in Ancoats and New Islington apartments include lighting upgrades, fuse board replacements, EICR checks, fault finding, additional sockets, smart home installations and electrical work linked to renovations. The aim is always to leave the space safe, tidy and working properly.
What is an EICR certificate and do Manchester landlords need one?
An EICR is an Electrical Installation Condition Report. It checks the safety and condition of the electrical installation in a property, including wiring, circuits, fuse boards, sockets and other fixed electrical parts.
Manchester landlords usually need an up-to-date EICR certificate for rental properties, and it’s also useful for homeowners who want peace of mind, especially if the property is older or hasn’t been checked for a while.
I carry out EICR inspections and landlord electrical safety checks across Manchester, often I’m able to at short notice. The point of an EICR is to make sure the property is safe, compliant and not hiding any electrical issues that could become a bigger problem later.
Can electrical work be carried out while I’m living in the property?
In many cases, yes. Smaller jobs like lighting changes, socket additions, fault finding, EICR checks or fuse board work can often be carried out while you’re still living in the property. Larger jobs, like full or partial rewires, need more planning because they can be disruptive.
Before starting, I’ll explain what’s involved, how long it’s likely to take and what disruption to expect. If you’re working from home, have pets, children or shared building access to consider, that can usually be planned around.
I’m very conscious that I’m working in someone’s home, not just on a job site. That means turning up when agreed, communicating clearly, keeping things tidy and making sure you feel comfortable throughout the work.
Emergency Callouts
If you have an urgent electrical issue, I may be able to help with emergency callouts across Greater Manchester, in particular, Ancoats, New Islington and the city centre as I’m nearby.
Common emergency callouts include power loss, tripping fuse boards, faulty sockets, lighting failures, burning smells and urgent fault finding. If something feels unsafe, switch off the affected circuit if you can do so safely and call me for advice.
Availability can vary depending on where I am and the nature of the fault, but I’ll always be clear about whether I can attend, what the likely next steps are and any callout costs before work begins.
For immediate danger, such as fire, smoke, electric shock or exposed live wiring, call 999 first.