Common Questions & Electrical Advice
Everything you need to know about our services, processes, and what to expect when you book NeuroVolt.
EV Charging FAQ
How safe is it to charge an EV at home?
Extremely safe. All home chargers we install are equipped with built-in safety mechanisms including RCD protection and load balancing to prevent overheating or circuit overload.
Do I need a dedicated fuse board for my charger?
In many cases, the charger can be integrated into your existing consumer unit. However, if your board is full or outdated, we may install a small secondary unit specifically for the EV charging circuit.
Tethered vs. Untethered: Which is better?
Tethered chargers have a permanently attached cable for convenience, while untethered units feature a socket, allowing you to use different cables. Most homeowners prefer tethered for daily ease of use.
What is the typical cost for a home installation?
Standard installations typically cost between £800 and £1,200 including the hardware and labor. Complex cable runs or required fuse board upgrades may increase this total. A site visit is always required for a fixed-price quiote.
Can I charge faster with a smart charger?
Smart chargers don't necessarily charge 'faster' than standard level 2 chargers, but they allow you to schedule charging during off-peak hours to save money and monitor energy usage via an app.
Outdoor Electrics FAQ
What outdoor electrical services do you offer?
NeuroVolt installs garden lighting, IP-rated weatherproof outdoor sockets and switches, hot tub and swim spa circuits, power supplies for garden offices and outbuildings, security and PIR sensor lighting, and shed and workshop electrical supplies. All outdoor work uses IP-rated fittings and complies with BS 7671.
Do I need planning permission for outdoor electrical work?
In most cases no - garden electrical work is permitted development in England. Adding power to a garden office may require a building regulations notification.
What IP rating do outdoor sockets and fittings need?
Outdoor sockets should be rated at least IP44, and ideally IP66 for fully exposed locations. We only ever use fittings that meet the correct IP rating for their specific installation environment.
Can my existing consumer unit support a hot tub?
It depends on your existing electrical capacity. Hot tubs typically require a dedicated 32A or 40A RCD-protected circuit. We check this as part of the free site survey - most modern boards can accommodate this, but older boards may need upgrading.
How is the cable run to a garden office or outbuilding?
We use steel wire armoured (SWA) cable, buried at the correct depth underground or run in surface conduit - depending on your garden layout. This is the correct UK standard for outdoor buried cable runs.
How much does outdoor electrical work cost?
Outdoor electrical installations typically start from £250 for a simple outdoor socket, rising depending on complexity. Hot tub circuits and garden office power supplies are more involved. We provide a free fixed-price quote after a site survey - no hidden costs.
Rewiring & Renovations FAQ
How do I know if my house needs rewiring?
Common signs include frequently tripping breakers, flickering lights, burning smells from outlets, discoloured sockets or switches, or if your property is over 30 years old with original wiring. An EICR report will confirm definitively whether a rewire is needed.
How long does a full house rewire take?
Typically 5–10 working days depending on the size of your property and whether it is occupied. We work room by room where possible to minimise disruption.
Do I need to move out during a rewire?
Not necessarily - for partial rewires and smaller properties we can often work around you. For full rewires on larger properties we'll discuss the most practical approach at the survey stage.
What is first fix and second fix?
First fix is the stage before plastering - when we run all cables, install back boxes, and route circuits. Second fix happens after plastering - when we return to fit sockets, switches, light fittings, and connect everything up. We coordinate both stages with your builder's schedule.
What is Part P certification?
Part P of the Building Regulations requires that all notifiable electrical work in England is carried out by a competent, registered person. Where required, we can provide all necessary documentation on request.
What is a consumer unit upgrade and do I need one?
A consumer unit upgrade replaces your old fuse board with a modern unit featuring full RCD protection, significantly improving electrical safety. You may need one if your board is outdated, before adding circuits such as a hot tub or EV charger, or before selling your property.
Can you handle the electrics on a kitchen extension or loft conversion?
Yes - renovation electrics is one of our core services. We handle first fix and second fix and work alongside your builder and kitchen fitter to avoid delays. All work is Part P qualified.
EICR & Landlord FAQ
What is an EICR and why do I need one?
An Electrical Installation Condition Report is an in-depth inspection of your property's electrical systems to identify safety risks, deterioration, or defects. For landlords, this is a legal requirement.
Is an EICR mandatory for landlords in West London?
Yes. Under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, landlords must ensure electrical installations are inspected and tested by a qualified person at least every 5 years.
What common faults are found during a landlord EICR?
Outdated consumer units lacking RCD protection, damaged sockets or switches, lack of adequate earthing or bonding, and worn wiring insulation in older properties.
How long does it take to receive the EICR report?
Most standard domestic EICR reports are finalised and sent digitally within 24–48 hours following the on-site inspection.
General Services & Booking FAQ
What areas do you cover?
NeuroVolt is based in Isleworth and serves West London including Chiswick, Ealing, Richmond, Kingston upon Thames, and Twickenham as well as Surrey. See the Areas We Cover menu for your specific location.
How do I get a quote?
The quickest way is to use our Get a Quote page at neurovolt.co.uk/get-a-quote - fill in a short form and we'll call you back within 2 hours. You can also call us on 07853 471317 or email info@neurovolt.co.uk.
How quickly can you come out?
For emergency call-outs we aim to be on-site within 2 hours across West London and Surrey. For non-emergency work, free site surveys are usually available within 48 hours of your initial enquiry.
Are your electricians fully qualified?
Yes - all our professionals are fully qualified, insured, and have over 20 years of experience. All projects comply with BS 7671 18th Edition wiring regulations and current UK safety standards.
Is there a charge for emergency call-outs?
Emergency call-out fees apply for after-hours or immediate response fault rectification. These are communicated transparently before we dispatch a technician. There are no hidden charges.
Do you provide written quotes?
Yes - all our quotes are provided in writing and are fixed-price. The price we quote before work starts is the price you pay.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept bank transfer and card payments. Payment terms are discussed at the quote stage. We do not require large upfront deposits for standard jobs.
Do you work on weekends?
Yes - we offer weekend appointments for non-emergency work by arrangement. Emergency call-outs are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week including bank holidays.
Didn't find the answer you were looking for? Get in touch with our team today for professional electrical advice tailored to your property.
Contact Us For Free Quotes and Enquiries
Every quote is prepared by a qualified electrician, not a call centre. Most quotes require a free site visit so we can properly assess the work and keep your price accurate. We’ll confirm what’s needed, give you a fair fixed price where possible, and agree dates that suit you before anything goes ahead.