Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What areas do you cover?

We are a local, family electrical contracting business based in East Kent Covering – Thanet, Margate, Ramsgate, Broadstairs  whose aim is to meet all your home improvement needs; covering your whole project or just certain parts to suit your budget.

Can you install Nest products?

At East Kent Electrical, we are proud to be a Nest approved installer. This means you can be assured of the highest quality products being installed in your premises.

Over 60% of your energy bill goes to heating your home. But for most people, heating is guesswork. The Nest Learning Thermostat gives you precise control of the temperature, creates a personalised schedule for your home and eliminates the need for a programmer.

Why Does My Fuse Box Keep Tripping?

This is probably the number one question we receive.

Your consumer unit (often called a fuse box) is designed to protect your home. When it trips, it's usually because it's detected a fault and is preventing a potentially dangerous situation. 

Common causes include:

Faulty appliances
Overloaded circuits
Damaged wiring
Moisture affecting electrical equipment
Faulty sockets or switches
If you find yourself constantly resetting breakers, don't ignore it. The tripping is a warning sign that something needs investigating. 

Local Electrician's Tip
Try unplugging recently used appliances before resetting the breaker. If the problem persists, call a qualified electrician to diagnose the fault safely.

Do I Need an EICR for My Home?

An EICR checks the condition of your home's electrical installation, including wiring, sockets, switches and protective devices. 

While rental properties legally require regular inspections, homeowners should also consider having their electrics checked:

Every 10 years for owner-occupied homes
When buying a property
Before major renovations
If the property has older wiring 
Think of it as an MOT for your home's electrics.

Should I Upgrade My Consumer Unit?

Many homes in Kent still have older fuse boards without modern safety protection.

Modern consumer units include RCD protection, and SPD (Surge Protection Device) which can significantly reduce the risk of electric shock and electrical fires. 

Signs you may need an upgrade include:

Rewireable fuses
Lack of RCD protection
Frequent tripping
Recent extensions or renovations
An electrical inspection recommending improvement
Upgrading doesn't necessarily mean your current system is unsafe, but modern protection offers a much higher level of safety.

Are LED Lights Really Worth It?

Absolutely.

LED lighting continues to be one of the simplest ways to reduce electricity bills.

Benefits include:

Lower energy consumption
Longer lifespan
Less maintenance
Better lighting performance
Reduced environmental impact
Many homeowners are also upgrading to smart lighting systems that allow control from phones, voice assistants and automated schedules.

You can download our energy saving calculator to see the savings before changing anything 

Why Are My Lights Flickering?

A flickering light isn't always just a faulty bulb.

It could be caused by:

Loose bulb connections
Failing LED drivers
Loose wiring connections
Voltage fluctuations
Circuit faults
If several lights flicker throughout the house, it may indicate a more significant issue requiring professional investigation.

Never ignore flickering lights accompanied by buzzing sounds or burning smells.

Can I Do Electrical Work Myself?

This is another question we hear regularly.

Some very minor tasks can be undertaken by competent homeowners, but many types of electrical work require specialist knowledge and testing.

Electrical faults don't always show themselves immediately. Something that appears to work today could become a fire risk in the future. 

You may be able to make it work but can you make it work safely and prove it

When in doubt, always use a qualified electrician.

How Can I Make My Home Safer From Electrical Fires?

Electrical fire safety remains a major concern in UK homes, particularly as households rely on more technology and battery-powered devices.

Simple steps include:

Avoid overloading sockets
Replace damaged leads and plugs
Test RCDs regularly
Register appliances for recalls
Check chargers for damage
Don't charge devices on beds or sofas
Have older installations inspected periodicall