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Category: Electrical Services

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Electrical Services

How Much Does a House Rewire Cost in the UK in 2025?

If you’re living in an older property, planning a renovation, or just bought a home in Exeter or the surrounding area, you might be wondering:

“How much does a full house rewire actually cost in 2025?”

At EPM, we get this question a lot. And the honest answer is: it depends. But we’re going to break it all down for you — with no fluff, no sales pitch, just the info you need to make a smart, safe decision for your home.

Who Needs a Rewire (And Why It Matters)

Let’s start with the basics. A full rewire is a major electrical job where we replace all the wiring, consumer units, and often sockets, switches, and fittings in your home. It brings everything up to current safety standards and supports modern-day energy demands.

You might need a rewire if:

  • Your home is over 30 years old and hasn’t been rewired

  • You’re seeing frequent tripping, flickering lights, or odd smells from sockets

  • You’re renovating and want to future-proof the wiring

  • There’s no RCD protection on your fuse board

  • You’re buying/selling and your EICR flagged issues

Even if the lights still work, old wiring can be dangerous. Faulty electrics are one of the main causes of house fires in the UK. A proper rewire removes that risk.

So, What Does It Cost?

Here’s a ballpark guide for 2025 UK pricing:

Property TypeAverage Rewire Cost
1-Bed Flat£3,000 – £4,000
2-Bed Terrace£4,000 – £5,000
3-Bed Semi£5,000 – £6,500
4-Bed Detached£7,000 – £9,000+

Important: These are rough estimates for standard houses with average access and finish levels. Properties with tricky access, listed buildings, or special requests (like data cabling, smart lighting, or surface-mounted fittings) will cost more.

We always give an official estimate after a proper site visit — no guesswork.

What’s Included in a Full Rewire?

A typical full rewire will cover:

  • New consumer unit with full RCD protection

  • Complete replacement of old wiring and junction boxes

  • New sockets, switches and lighting points

  • Smoke/heat detectors (often required by regs)

  • Certification and Part P building control notification

Some homeowners choose to add extras like:

  • USB sockets

  • External lighting or power

  • Electric car charger wiring

  • Smart home controls

We’ll talk through options with you, so you’re only paying for what you actually need.

Can I Stay in the House During a Rewire?

Short answer? It’s possible, but not always comfortable.

Rewiring is messy. Floorboards come up. Walls get chased. Power is often off during the day. If you can stay elsewhere, it usually speeds things up.

If you do stay, we can often do it in phases to minimise disruption. We’ve worked with plenty of Exeter families to make it as painless as possible.

Final Thoughts from EPM

If your electrics are showing their age, don’t wait until there’s a real problem. A rewire is a big job, but it’s an investment in safety, efficiency and future-proofing your home.

At EPM, we give clear, honest advice — and we won’t recommend a rewire unless it’s really needed. If you’re unsure, start with an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report). We’ll check everything and explain exactly where you stand.

Ready to talk it through? Give us a call, or fill out an online form.

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Electrical Services

The Essential Guide to Upgrading Your Home’s Electrical System

Whether you’re planning a renovation, buying an older property, or just tired of dodgy sockets and flickering lights — upgrading your home’s electrical system isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s about safety, reliability, and futureproofing your home.

At EPM, we’ve worked on electrical upgrades all over Exeter and Devon — and we get asked the same big questions: “Is it worth upgrading?” “What does it actually involve?” “Do I need to rip my whole house apart?”

This guide gives you the answers — straight up, no jargon, and no pressure.

Why Upgrade Your Home’s Electrics?

Electrical systems don’t last forever. If your wiring or consumer unit is over 25 years old, there’s a good chance it’s no longer up to current UK safety standards — and could be putting you at risk.

Here’s why many homeowners call us for upgrades:

  • Frequent tripping or blown fuses

  • Burn marks or buzzing from sockets and switches

  • Flickering or dimming lights

  • Not enough sockets for modern appliances

  • Planning a kitchen or extension project

  • Buying or selling a property

And sometimes? It’s just peace of mind — especially if you’ve moved into a property and aren’t sure when it was last checked.

What’s Involved in an Electrical Upgrade?

This depends on your home and goals, but here are the most common upgrades we carry out:

1. Consumer Unit (Fuse Box) Replacement

Still rocking an old-style fuse board with no RCD protection? Upgrading to a modern consumer unit gives you:

  • Better protection from electric shocks

  • Faster tripping in case of faults

  • Improved safety for your whole household

  • A tick in the box for mortgage lenders or insurers

✅ At EPM, we install new consumer units to full Regulation 18th Edition standards — fully tested, certified, and ready for modern life.

2. Rewiring (Full or Partial)

Rewiring isn’t always necessary — but if your home has rubber or fabric-insulated cables, or no earth in lighting circuits, it’s time.

Signs you might need a rewire:

  • Sockets warm to the touch

  • Lights that dim when you plug in appliances

  • Black, brittle cable sheathing

Full rewires usually involve:

  • Removing and replacing all old cables

  • Installing new sockets, switches and lighting points

  • Chasing cables into walls (yes, there will be mess — but we keep it tidy)

  • Testing, certifying, and registering with Building Control

If you’re unsure? We can carry out an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) to assess the state of your wiring.

3. Extra Sockets and Lighting

Older homes weren’t built for today’s tech — and we see plenty of properties with extension leads trailing everywhere. Adding sockets not only tidies things up but reduces the fire risk of overloading.

We can also:

  • Upgrade your lighting to energy-efficient LEDs

  • Add outdoor sockets and lighting

  • Install USB outlets and smart home tech

4. EV Chargers, Solar, Smart Upgrades

Thinking ahead? We also fit:

  • EV charging points

  • Smart thermostats

  • Surge protection devices

  • And can future-proof your system for solar panel integration if that’s on your radar

Common Misconceptions We Hear

“My electrics work fine, so they must be safe.”
Not always. Many issues are hidden behind walls and only show up when it’s too late. An EICR gives you the full picture.

“Upgrading will ruin my décor.”
We get it — no one wants their walls turned into Swiss cheese. At EPM, we keep disruption to a minimum and leave your home clean and tidy.

“It’ll cost a fortune.”
Not necessarily. We tailor every estimate to your needs — and we’re upfront about costs. We don’t currently offer payment plans, but we’ll help you make informed decisions based on safety and value.

Don’t Cut Corners — Hire a Qualified Pro

Upgrading your electrics is not a DIY job. You need a registered electrician (like us at EPM) who understands the regulations and does things properly — with certification and full testing included.

We’ve seen some horror shows: cable runs like spaghetti, DIY installs with no earthing, dodgy connections that are just waiting to fail. Trust us — it’s not worth risking your home or family to save a few quid.

Final Thoughts from EPM

Upgrading your home’s electrical system isn’t just about ticking boxes — it’s about creating a safe, efficient space that works for you now and into the future.

If you’re not sure where to start, or want honest advice without the pressure, give EPM a shout. We’re based in Exeter and work right across Devon. Whether you need a consumer unit swap, a few extra sockets, or a full rewire — we’ve got your back.

📞 Ready for a estimate or safety inspection? Get in touch with EPM today.

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Electrical Services

7 Common Electrical Problems in Your Home (And How to Fix Them Safely)

Electricity: it’s one of those things we all take for granted — until something stops working. Whether it’s a plug socket that’s gone dead or lights flickering for no reason, electrical issues can be frustrating… and sometimes dangerous.

At EPM, we’re called out to these kinds of faults all the time across Exeter and the surrounding areas. Some issues are simple fixes. Others? They need a qualified professional to keep your home safe and compliant.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common electrical problems we see, what causes them, and what you can (and shouldn’t) do to sort them.

1. Dead Plug Sockets

The problem: One or more sockets suddenly stop working.

Possible causes:

  • A tripped breaker or blown fuse
  • Loose wiring behind the socket
  • Moisture ingress (especially in kitchens and bathrooms)

What you can do:

  • Check your consumer unit (fuse box) for any tripped switches.
  • Try plugging in a known-working device.
  • Don’t start removing faceplates unless you’re qualified — it’s not worth the risk.

✅ If it’s just one socket, we can usually fix or replace it quickly. If it’s multiple, it may point to a bigger wiring issue.

2. Flickering Lights

The problem: Your lights dim or flicker randomly.

Possible causes:

  • Loose bulbs or fittings
  • Old or failing light switches
  • Voltage fluctuations in your wiring

What you can do:

  • Tighten or replace the bulb.
  • Try a different bulb type — especially if you’re using LEDs.
  • If multiple lights are affected, get it checked — flickering can be a sign of loose wiring, which is a fire hazard.

3. Burning Smell or Scorch Marks Around Sockets

The problem: You notice a faint burning smell or discolouration around a socket or switch.

This is urgent. It usually means:

  • Overheating due to loose connections
  • Overloaded circuits
  • Damaged wiring

Turn off the power to the affected circuit at the consumer unit and call an electrician immediately. This is not one to DIY.

4. Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping

The problem: You reset the switch, and it trips again straight away.

Likely causes:

  • Faulty appliance plugged into that circuit
  • Overloaded circuit (too many devices drawing power)
  • A fault in the wiring (often insulation damage or age-related wear)

What to do:

  • Unplug all devices from the affected circuit.
  • Reset the breaker.
  • Plug items back in one by one — if it trips again, you’ve likely found the culprit.

If it still trips with everything unplugged, it’s time to give EPM a ring — we’ll test the circuit safely and trace the fault.

5. Chewed or Damaged Wires (Yes, Really)

You might be surprised how often we come across rodent damage — especially in older properties or lofts.

Mice and rats love chewing through cables. (we have encountered  this in our office recently, chewing through our computer cables!)  If your electrics start acting up and you’ve noticed droppings or strange smells in the loft or under floors, this could be the cause.

Do not attempt to repair chewed wires yourself. This is a serious fire and safety risk. Call a professional, and possibly a pest control expert too.

6. Water and Electricity Mixing

If you’ve had a leak from upstairs and suddenly lights or sockets below stop working, it could be due to moisture affecting the circuit.

Always treat water-damaged electrics as dangerous. Even if the power’s back on, corrosion or faults could appear weeks later.

At EPM, we can test and replace affected fittings safely — and work alongside your plumber, or one of ours, if needed.

7. Outdated Consumer Units (Fuse Boxes)

Still got an old-style fuse box with no RCD protection? You’re not alone — we still see loads across Exeter.

These systems:

  • Aren’t up to current UK safety standards
  • Don’t trip quickly in the event of a fault
  • Can be a red flag for home buyers and insurers

Upgrading your consumer unit is one of the best safety improvements you can make — and often adds value if you’re planning to sell.

Final Thoughts from EPM

Some electrical problems are minor. Others are signs of something more serious. The key is knowing the difference — and acting fast when safety’s at risk.

If you’re not 100% confident, always call a qualified electrician. It’s just not worth the gamble with electrics.

We’ve helped hundreds of homeowners across Exeter and Devon stay safe, compliant, and shock-free. If you’ve got a concern — even a small one — give us a call. We’ll give you straight answers and never upsell you something you don’t need.

📞 Call EPM today or enquire online.

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Electrical Services

⚡ Why Is Your Circuit Breaker Tripping? Here’s What You Need to Know (UK Guide)

If you’ve ever been halfway through boiling the kettle and suddenly — click — everything goes dark, you’re not alone.

Tripping breakers are one of the most common electrical issues we see in homes across Exeter and the South West. But what actually causes it? And when should you call a professional?

At EPM, we get called to these problems all the time — and today, we’re going to break it down in plain English.

🔌 First Off — What Is a Circuit Breaker, Anyway?

Think of a circuit breaker like a safety valve for your home’s electrical system. If something goes wrong — too much current, a fault, or a short — it cuts the power to prevent fires, shocks, or further damage.

So if it’s tripping, that’s not the system failing — it’s doing its job.

But that doesn’t mean you should ignore it.

⚠️ Common Reasons Your Breaker Keeps Tripping

1. Overloaded Circuit

This is the most common cause we see — especially in kitchens or extensions.

💡 Example: You’ve got the toaster, kettle, air fryer, and microwave running on the same circuit. That’s often too much current for the wiring to safely handle.

What to do:
Unplug a few things and reset the breaker. If it keeps happening, the circuit may need upgrading or redistributing.

2. Faulty Appliance

Sometimes it’s not the wiring — it’s one dodgy plug.

💡 We’ve seen it first-hand: A single fridge or washing machine can trip an RCD (residual current device) every time it cycles if it has an earth fault.

How to check:
Unplug everything on the affected circuit, then plug items back in one by one until it trips again.

⚠️ Still tripping with nothing plugged in? Likely an internal wiring issue — time to call in a professional.

3. Short Circuit

This happens when a live wire touches neutral or earth — creating an instant surge of current. It’s a serious fault that needs attention straight away.

Common signs:

  • Burning smell near sockets or the consumer unit

  • Scorch marks

  • Loud “snap” sound before power cuts

🔥 Don’t ignore this — it can lead to overheating or fire risk. Get it looked at immediately.

4. RCD Tripping (Earth Fault)

If your RCD trips, it means electricity is leaking somewhere it shouldn’t — often due to faulty insulation or moisture ingress.

💡 Real-life example: We’ve attended jobs where a garden light fitting had let water in, and every time it rained, the house lost power. Took us 20 minutes to trace it — but saved the customer hours of frustration.

5. 🐭 Unusual But True: Rodents Chewing Wires

Yes, it happens — especially in older properties or loft spaces. We’ve seen tripping caused by mice gnawing through cables in attics or under floorboards.

If it’s an intermittent fault with no clear cause, this is sometimes the culprit.

When Should You Call a Professional?

Here’s a quick rule of thumb:

ScenarioDIY Safe?Call an Electrician?
Breaker trips once, resets fine✅ 
Trips frequently, same appliance✅ (Unplug + test) 
Trips randomly, no clear cause❌✅
Smell of burning, signs of heat❌✅ Immediately
RCD trips and won’t reset❌✅
Breaker won’t stay on at all❌✅

We always say: if in doubt, don’t guess — electricity isn’t something to “see what happens” with.

Does This Mean I Need a Rewire?

Not necessarily.

Tripping doesn’t always mean your whole system is shot — but it can be a sign that it’s time for an electrical inspection (especially if your fuse board is dated or you’ve had recent power issues).

We can check:

  • Wiring condition

  • RCD performance

  • Load balance

  • Appliance faults

  • Any potential fire risks

Final Word from EPM

Circuit breakers trip to keep you safe. But if they’re tripping again and again, that’s your home telling you something’s not right.

Don’t ignore it. Don’t keep flicking the switch and hoping it stops. And definitely don’t try fixing live electrics yourself.

If you’re in Exeter or the surrounding area, we’re here to help — quickly, professionally, and safely.

📞 Call EPM for fault-finding, safety checks, or honest advice.
🛠️ Or contact us online online — no jargon, just local help you can trust.

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Electrical Services

EPM: Pricing for Emergency Electrical Work

Electrician, EPM Electrician, EPM Exeter Electricins, EPM Reactive Electrician
At EPM, we understand that when it comes to electrical repairs, unexpected issues can arise at any moment. Whether it’s a flickering light or a complete power outage, having a trusted electrical service at your fingertips can make all the difference. That’s why we’ve dedicated ourselves to providing not only exceptional electrical services but also a seamless and transparent pricing structure that keeps you informed every step of the way. Our commitment to efficiency and prompt service means that when you reach out, you’re never left in the dark. Your Trusted Partner During Standard Working Hours Imagine it’s a Tuesday morning, and you’re going about your day when suddenly, the lights start to dim and flicker. You need help, but how do you know what to expect in terms of costs? At EPM, we want to eliminate that uncertainty. Our rate for electrical work, available Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm within a 15-mile radius of Exeter, begins at just £75 + VAT for the first hour. After that initial hour, our rates drop to £5 0 + VAT, with time billed in 15-minute increments. We believe that knowing the cost upfront allows you to make informed decisions without any surprises. Emergency Pricing That Meets Your Needs We know that electrical emergencies can happen anytime, and our higher emergency rates ensure we can respond swiftly whenever you need us most.
  • During weekdays from 8:00 am to 16:30 pm, the first hour of emergency service is priced at £120 + VAT, with subsequent hours at £80 + VAT.
At EPM, we are VAT registered; therefore, all of our labour and materials will have VAT added to them. Our rates are competitive and in line with industry standards, giving you peace of mind that you’re getting the best value for your investment. Quality Parts for Every Need After we’ve completed your electrical work, you’ll receive a detailed invoice that breaks down both labour and material costs, ensuring transparency. Our commitment to quality means we stock a wide array of high-quality parts suitable for most common electrical repairs. If your project requires special components that we don’t have on hand, we’ll work with you to find solutions that fit your budget—whether that means sourcing them directly or guiding you to the best local options. If you have the material you want us to install, we’re happy to accommodate as long as they meet our quality standards and are suitable for the job. Flexible Payment Options Understanding the importance of convenience, we offer several payment methods to make your experience as smooth as possible:
  • Bank Transfers: After completing the job, we’ll send you an invoice via email, making it easy to settle your payment.
  • Card Payments: Our engineers may have a card machine on-site, so you can pay immediately and securely.
  • Payments Over the Phone: Prefer to handle payments by phone? Just give our office a call at 01392 927923 during business hours (8:00 am – 4:30 pm).
  • Cheques: We accept cheques for amounts under £2,000.
For those urgent daytime calls, we require a payment of £120 + VAT upfront for the first hour of labour. This ensures that our resources are ready and available for your emergency. While we strive to resolve most situations within an hour, some issues may take a little longer. Ready to Help Anytime, Day or Night At EPM, we’re not just electricians; we’re your partners in safety and comfort. Our goal is to respond to your emergency calls on the same day, ensuring that all queries are answered promptly. Our emergency service rates reflect the immediate nature of the assistance we provide, giving you the reassurance you need in critical moments. Beyond 15 Miles from Exeter While we primarily serve a 15-mile radius around Exeter, we understand that emergencies can happen anywhere. If you need our expertise outside this area, additional charges may apply. We encourage you to use Google Maps to find a local electrician if you’re situated further afield. Clear Pricing by Job Type When it comes to pricing, we believe in clarity. For a more comprehensive pricing guide by job type, feel free to explore our subsequent pages. And remember, if you have questions or need specific advice, our friendly team is here to help. Just reach out during our office hours (8:00 am – 4:30 pm), and if you can send us photos or videos of the issue, we’ll be better equipped to assist you effectively.
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Electrical Services

Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR): a guide for landlords

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It is a legal responsibility for landlords to have an electrical safety check on their rental property every 5 years. What is an EICR? The Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) covers the safety of electrical installations including switches, lighting, and sockets. An EICR is used to identify defects, deterioration, damages and/or conditions which may indicate potential danger, as well as providing recommendations for improvement within a given property. Will I be given a certificate? The electrician will issue a report which will determine whether the test and inspection is ‘satisfactory’ or ‘unsatisfactory’. What if the report is unsatisfactory? If the test and inspection is found unsatisfactory you will need to have any works or further investigations carried out within 28 days. If anything fails the inspection, it will need to be either replaced or repaired. How are the electrics rated in an EICR? Once the electrician has completed the test and inspection, they will produce a report including classifications which indicated if any problems have been found: – Code C1 – Dangerous, immediate action required. – Code C2 – Potentially dangerous, action required. – Code FI – Further investigation required. – Code C3 – Improvement recommended. How long does an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) last? An EICR needs to be carried before a tenancy begins and a minimum of every five years after that. How do I arrange an EICR? Contact the office via phone (01392 927923) or email (office@e-pm.uk) or via our contact page.
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Electrical Services

Electrical upgrades to boost your home office

Has working from home become the new normal for you? If so, we imagine your home office space is very sacred.  By now, you will be aware of how important the setup is in order to help make working from home successful, and we’re here to share with you in this blog a few things you can do electrical wise, that can really improve your home office space. 
  1. Lighting – There’s nothing worse than spending a whole day squinting. It won’t do your eyes, back or productivity any good in the long run. Good lighting is a crucial element to get right in your home office space and is definitely the first area we would suggest investing in. It doesn’t cost a great deal either – task lighting, ambient lighting and overhead lighting are all great places to start. 
  2. Ensure you have enough plug sockets – If your home office is in a room where you only have one plug socket but multiple electronic devices, this will quickly become an issue. Yes, extension cables are an option, but overpowering extension cables with a number of high powered devices is not recommended. Get in contact with a reputable electrician who will be able to quickly advise you on the best route to adding new power sockets into your home office. 
  3. Consider a hard wired internet connection – There are very few people who are fortunate to exist without ever experiencing wifi issues, however working from home in an area with poor connection and experiencing significant wifi problems is a real pain, particularly for those who regularly hold video meetings. Getting a hard wired connection provides you with a much better reliable connection, along with being safer. 
  4. Dedicated computer circuit – The majority of our homes are not built for handling working from home every day and as a result, the use of multiple high powered electronic devices can lead to your current circuit being overloaded. When circuits do trip it can lead to damage of sensitive electronics along with valuable work being lost. Having a dedicated circuit isolates your home office technology from other devices in the house, helping to keep your work from the home environment running as smoothly as possible. 
The demands of a home office can be hard on your electrics in the house. Whether it’s a small job or complete rewiring, our team has the skills and experience to ensure you have a home office fully capable of allowing you to work to the best of your ability.   
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Electrical Services

Are you a victim of bad wiring in your home?

From a pesky flickering light, to a more concerning burning smell, there are a number of signs to look out for to ensure you are not a victim of bad wiring. After all, bad wiring, if left unchecked, can lead to a number of severe consequences, including the possibility of a house fire, ( more likely in older homes). 

But, it needn’t get that far, just keeping an eye on your home and looking out for five signs of bad wiring can lead to catching the issue with plenty of time to rectify it. Here are our five signs to look out for:- 

  1. Frequently tripping circuit breakers – Whilst it’s not unusual for your circuit to trip now and then, it can be concerning if this becomes more of a frequent issue and can be one of the most obvious warning signs to a short somewhere in your wiring. 
  2. Flickering lights – Although flickering lights can be down to an issue with the lights itself, it is always one to get checked by one of our electricians as flickering lights can be a key tell-tale sign to an overloaded circuit, particularly if it’s happening to  more than one light source. 
  3. Hot electrical outlets – If you can feel any heat coming off your electrical outlets that is a warning sign. Whilst not always meaning bad wiring it’s always recommended to get checked out – better to be safe. 
  4. Frayed or chewed wiring – Just like us, as wires get older they begin to deteriorate, however, if left unchecked, they can become a major fire hazard and cause further problems with the rest of the wiring in your home.  
  5. Burning or smoking type smells – If you detect any form of burning odour from your appliances or plug sockets it’s best to minimise all risk by turning them off immediately and contacting Exeter Property Maintenance  to come and check the item(s). As most electrical wiring features plastic installation, the burning smell can be signaling there can be an issue inside of the walls causing this to burn and create the smell. 

If you notice any of these issues, whether on their own or together, we would always recommend getting a qualified electrician to attend and carry out an electrical installation condition report (EICR). Not only does this guarantee your safety, but it also guarantees the issue is identified and solved in the quickest and most effective manner. 

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