About this service
Socket and switch work includes replacing worn accessories, changing finishes, moving controls and installing new outlets on suitable circuits. The circuit must have adequate protection and capacity, and new cable routes must be appropriate for the wall or floor construction.
Loose, cracked, scorched or unreliable accessories need more than a cosmetic swap. We inspect the back box, cable terminations, conductor condition and signs of heat before fitting the replacement.
Common problems we help with
Loose socket or switch
Movement can strain conductors and connections, particularly where the back box or fixing lugs are damaged.
Scorching or overheating
Poor contact, loose terminals or damaged plugs can generate heat under load.
Socket does not work
A failed accessory, loose connection, circuit fault or switched fused spur may be responsible.
Outlets are in the wrong place
Furniture changes and renovated rooms often leave sockets hidden, overloaded or dependent on extension leads.
How we carry out the work
Inspect and test the circuit
We confirm the accessory is safely isolated and check relevant circuit condition before alteration.
Prepare a sound mounting
Back boxes, cable entries and conductor lengths are corrected where needed before the new accessory is fitted.
Connect and verify
Terminations, polarity, earth continuity and relevant protective measures are checked before use.
What is normally included?
- Initial discussion about the property, symptoms, priorities and timescale
- Assessment of the relevant circuit, equipment, access and existing protection
- A written scope for the proposed sockets & switches work
- The agreed installation or repair work, with disruption kept to a reasonable minimum
- Inspection, electrical testing and appropriate handover documentation
Before the work starts
- The exact result expected from the sockets & switches work
- Condition and capacity of the existing circuit
- Cable routes, access and protection of finishes
- Testing, certification and any future requirements
What affects the price?
The price depends on the existing installation and the amount of work required. For sockets & switches, the main factors normally include:
- Extent of the work and material specification
- Accessibility and working conditions
- Alterations needed to the existing installation
- Inspection, testing and documentation
Testing, certificates and handover
Once the installation work is complete, we inspect and test it and provide the records that apply to the job.
- Completed electrical test results
- Applicable certificate or minor-works record
- Operating and isolation explanation
- A written record of the completed work
Sockets & Switches questions
Can you add a socket anywhere?
Not always. The existing circuit, cable route, wall construction and required protection must be suitable.
Can I change plastic sockets to metal?
Often, but metal accessories must be correctly earthed and the condition of the back box and circuit checked.
Will there be wall damage?
Surface routes may avoid chasing. Concealed additions normally require access and some making good.
Booking the work
What happens after you contact us
1. Discuss the job
Tell us about the property, the symptoms or the result you want. Photographs and model numbers are often helpful.
2. Inspect and quote
We check the relevant installation and give you a written quotation showing what is included.
3. Complete and test
We carry out the agreed work, verify it electrically and explain any controls, labels or certificates at handover.