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Book An Emergency Callout
We provide an emergency callout service for both residential and commercial customers.
For some projects, a deposit may be required to secure materials and schedule work. This will always be discussed with you in advance and agreed upon before any work starts.
Yes, we offer flexible scheduling, including evenings and weekends, to minimize disruption to your home or business.
You can book an appointment with us via the website, WhatsApp or calling us directly on 01202 096 888
Our response time depends on the nature of the job. For emergencies, we aim to attend as quickly as possible. For scheduled work, we offer flexible appointments to suit your timetable. We will always try to be with oyu within 5 days and for smaller jobs, we can always fit in pretty quickly.
We cover Bournemouth, Dorset and the surrounding areas, including both urban and rural locations. If you are unsure whether we cover your area, please contact us for confirmation.
In case of an electrical emergency, please call our emergency hotline on 01202 096 888.
Yes, we can upgrade your consumer unit (fuse box) to meet modern standards and handle increased electrical demand. This improves safety, protects against overloads, and allows for future-proofing of your electrical system.
However, an EICR must be scheduled before doing so to ensure your existing electrical installation complies with current regulations. You can book yours today via the form on our contact page.
A short circuit occurs when the current finds a way to bypass the appliance on a path that has little or no resistance—for example, where frayed insulation bares a wire and allows it to touch the frame of the appliance, so the current can flow straight to the ground.
When the electrical current that passes through a fuse exceeds the limit, it burns a hole in the thin strip of metal. This stops the flow of current and it means you have a blown a fuse. Fuses need to be replaced (not reset).
When the electrical current exceeds the limit through a circuit breaker, however, the breaker trip setting opens to stop the flow of current. Breakers are re-settable by flipping the handle on the face of the breaker.
Flickering lights are usually caused by loose connections, overloaded circuits, faulty fittings, or problems with your consumer unit. It’s worth scheduling a call out with one of our electricians as faulty wiring can be a fire hazard. Please fill in the form on our contact page to arrange a call-out with one of our team.
A fuse or circuit breaker trips to protect your electrical system from overload or short circuits. This can be caused by faulty appliances, too many devices on a circuit, or deteriorating wiring. We can identify the exact issue and make the necessary repairs safely.
It’s worth scheduling a call out with one of our electricians. Please fill in the form on our contact page to arrange a call-out with one of our team.
Definitely! We specialise in offering energy-efficient solutions for commercial businesses. Our team can conduct energy audits, recommend upgrades such as LED lighting installations, and suggest other energy-saving measures to help reduce your energy consumption and lower utility costs.
Yes, we can assist with various electrical issues, including power outages, circuit tripping, flickering lights, and other electrical problems. Our skilled electricians can diagnose the issue, perform the necessary repairs, and ensure your electrical system is functioning properly.
Yes. Because a ceiling fan is an active load that is heavier than most light fixtures, you need a special mounting box designed for this application. Saddle boxes are usually good for fans up to 35 pounds.
You can replace an electric shower yourself, but it’s generally recommended that you use an electrician. Even if you are replacing an electric shower with a similar model, it will require plumbing and electrical experience to ensure it’s done safely, especially if your new shower is of higher wattage.
Yes, we install electric vehicle (EV) charging points at homes and commercial premises. We can advise on the best type of charger for your needs, handle the installation safely, and ensure it meets current electrical regulations.
Yes we provide smart home installation services such as lights, thermostats, security cameras, and locks.
Yes, we provide landlord electrical safety certificates (EICR). These certificates are legally required for rental properties and confirm that your electrical system is safe for tenants. We carry out thorough inspections, identify any issues, and provide a detailed report.
We also provide EICR’s for landlords. Book Yours today
Yes, we provide emergency call-out services for urgent issues such as power failures, sparking outlets, or dangerous electrical faults. Our team prioritizes emergencies to ensure your home or business is safe and operational as quickly as possible. We also offer 24 hour callouts and advice over the phone.
Yes, we work with both residential and commercial clients. For homeowners, we handle everything from small repairs to full home rewires. For businesses, we offer installations, maintenance, and upgrades that ensure your premises are electrically safe and compliant.
The best way to find out if your electrical installation is safe is to have it inspected and tested by a person who has the competence to do so. Carl Ashley Electrical Services are qualified electricians with years of experience.
It is possible to do simple checks on your installation, using an electrical socket tester. This is a device that can be plugged into a socket outlet to identify if there is a wiring fault. However, be aware that many types of socket tester can’t detect certain types of fault, and could indicate the socket is safe when it actually isn’t.
When there is a power surge or increase in voltage, electrical current will quickly rise to dangerous levels which can potentially damage devices plugged into it.
Electrical surge protectors can absorb this energy through dissipating heat so your electronic equipment doesn’t.
Electrical surges can happen as a result of severe weather such as lightning strikes or when power grids overload from high electrical demand periods, usually in the late afternoons and evenings.
An electrical fuse is basically a safety device that stops the flow of electricity when there are problems.
Electrical fuses have two main functions, protecting the wiring and components from damage caused by too much current passing through them, and limiting short circuits within an appliance or circuit to prevent overheating which can cause fires.
Electrical fuses come in different sizes depending on the current (i.e., amps) they can handle without blowing out, and are marked with this information as well as their amperage rating.
Electrical fuses come in different types including cartridge fuses, plug-in fuses, mini fuse blocks or adapter plugs; each type has its own way of installing them into an electrical circuit.
Electrical fuses are rated in amps.
Electrical outlets and switches should be checked at least once a year. If you notice any problems such as flickering lights, which could be caused by an overloaded circuit, it may be time for a qualified electrician to check it out.
An electrical installation in a home should be checked out by an electrician every three – 5 years.
This is not only for safety purposes but to make sure that there are no power surges due to worn wires, faulty insulation, and other problems which could cause fires. In homes with small children & pets, it is important to check the wiring often as they are more likely to come into contact with the electrical system.
Low-voltage fixtures include a transformer to reduce voltage (say from 120 volts to 12 volts). The downside to low-voltage fixtures, however, can be higher installation costs. Also, transformers tend to create heat and mounting locations can be tricky.
Some of the most common electrical faults are overloaded or short circuits, damaged power outlets, tripped switches and loose connections.
We offer a full range of electrical services to meet both domestic and commercial needs. This includes electrical installations, rewiring, lighting, power points, fault finding, safety inspections, consumer unit upgrades, smart home installations, EV charging point installations, and general maintenance. Whether it’s a small repair or a large-scale project, we can handle it.
A short circuit occurs when the current finds a way to bypass the appliance on a path that has little or no resistance—for example, where frayed insulation bares a wire and allows it to touch the frame of the appliance, so the current can flow straight to the ground.
Amperage (amps) is a measurement of current flow in terms of electricity usage, similar to how we measure water flow in terms of gallons.
We are experienced at making the rewire as hassle and mess-free as possible, but unfortunately, rewiring is disruptive and invasive work. For a full rewire, every room will need to have the following carried out:
Furniture moved out, floor covering taken up, floorboards lifted, walls chased out for switches/sockets where necessary, dust and associated mess during the period of the work (although we always clean up at the end of the day). To rewire lighting upstairs, we will probably need the loft to be cleared to gain access to the lighting points and to each switch drop.
A watt is a unit of power and volts are a measurement of energy.
At Carl Ashley Electrical Services, our commercial electricians work across a range of commercial properties, some of which include warehouses, education facilities, public sector premises, and healthcare settings. We tailor each project to meet the electrical capacity, safety requirements, and layout of your commercial property. Reach out to us through our contact page.
The main difference between fuse and circuit breakers is that fuses cannot be reused while circuit breakers can be reused over and over again. Circuit breakers are used to protect homes and devices against overloading and short-circuiting while fuses protect devices and homes against overloading only.
Light switches can only handle so much power before they become overloaded. When a light switch becomes overloaded with power, it can overheat and be hot to the touch. While most light switches can handle no more than 15 amps of power, many electrical circuits use closer to 20 amps of power.
A short power outage can be expected on each circuit within the system but because most of the testing is carried out whilst the system is still live, these outages can be planned around your daily activities.
Call-out charges may apply for emergency visits, but these are clearly communicated upfront. For scheduled work, any call-out fees are included in your quote.
Yes, we have full public liability insurance up to 10 Million pounds. This protects both our team and your property while work is being carried out.
Yes, we offer discounts for repeat customers and larger projects. We value long-term relationships and can provide cost-effective solutions for ongoing work or extensive electrical installations.
Yes, we provide free, no-obligation quotes. We assess the scope of work, discuss your requirements, and provide a clear estimate so you know exactly what to expect before any work begins.
Our pricing depends on the type and scale of the job. Most jobs are at a fixed price, we do offer HR rates but only for specific smaller jobs. Smaller tasks may be charged at an hourly rate, while larger projects are often offered at a fixed price. We always provide transparent pricing and explain costs before starting work.
We accept a variety of payment methods, including card, bank transfer, and major credit/debit cards, making it easy for you to pay securely.
Yes, we are fully registered with both NICEIC and NAPIT. These registrations demonstrate our commitment to professional standards, safety compliance, and high-quality workmanship.
We would never advise repairing electrical fixtures yourself as it can be potentially hazardous. Whether it’s flickering lights or a more dangerous wiring issue, we are available to provide timely and safe lighting repair services, preventing any damage to your home or yourself. For support and guidance, contact Carl Ashley Electrical Services.
Yes, electricians do install smoke alarms in homes and commercial properties. If it’s a main powered smoke alarm, it will run off your property’s main power supply. Therefore, an electrician should install this type of smoke alarm. However, you can install battery-powered smoke alarms yourself relatively easily.
Yes, we provide certificates for all electrical work, including installations, inspections, and safety checks. This ensures you have documented proof that all work has been carried out safely and to current standards.
It depends on its condition rather than its age, if it has been tested and is in good condition and everything is working effectively there is no requirement to rewire. However, you may wish to consider adding RCDs to enhance the safety of the installation. A qualified electrician will be able to assess if your property/premises requires rewiring and what can be achieved within a specific budget.
To stay safe during electrical emergencies, turn off the power if safe to do so and avoid contact with your electrical installations. Call an approved electrical contractor as soon as possible.
You may need to update your wiring if your home or business experiences frequent tripped fuses, flickering lights, warm sockets, outdated fuse boxes, or if your property has older wiring that doesn’t meet modern electrical standards.
You would need to schedule an EICR to see if your current electrical installations / fixtures are all compliant with current regulations. You can schedule one with us by filling in the form (Here).
We recommend having an electrical inspection every 3–5 years for landlords and 10 years for homeowners, or more frequently for older properties. Regular inspections help identify potential hazards before they become serious problems and ensure your property remains compliant with safety regulations.
You can schedule yours with us via the form on our contact page (Here).
Electrical outlets and switches should be checked at least once a year to ensure they’re working properly.
If you notice any problems, such as flickering lights (which could indicate an overloaded circuit), or if your outlets aren’t staying plugged in, it may be time for an electrical checkup, by a Qualified Electrician.
Loose outlets can be dangerous, you may be exposed to many electrical hazards such as sparks and direct voltage. It is important to have your faulty outlets repaired and any loose outlets replaced.
Electricity is amazing. It can flow through insulation, glass and tons of other materials that are typically thought to be insulators. While electricity has no issue with rain or snow falling on it, the moisture in those elements does cause problems for power cords plugged into outlets.
Electrical regs says you shouldn’t use an extension cord outdoors when there is a risk of it being exposed to falling rain or snow. Electrical components in the power cord and plug can be compromised by water which presents an increased danger of shock, electrocution, fire and explosion from moisture getting into electrical connections. If you want to use cords outdoors when there is no chance for precipitation then make sure they are rated as weatherproof, have a watertight connection between the cord and plug, or are specifically designed for outside use.
All our work is covered by a warranty or guarantee for 12 months, giving you peace of mind that our installations and repairs meet high standards of quality and safety. Any issues arising from our work will be addressed promptly.
Short circuits can be caused by a number of reasons including: Pests chewing through wires, water into contact with wires, damaged outlets and loose electrical connections.
Our commercial electricians are often called to address hazards before they become serious. In many cases, we find that poor electrical maintenance is to blame for fires and power loss.
Key causes include:
A circuit breaker usually trips when there is an electrical fault that could damage the circuit. To reset the circuit breaker you’ll need to turn off all devices on the circuit. Flip the circuit breaker handle, you should be able to hear an audible click.
If your circuit breaker continues to trip be sure to book your electrical repair with Carl Ashley Electrical Services.
When you use an electrical appliance, the current flows from your service panel to the device. A grounded wire gives the unused electrical current a safe way back to the service panel so there’s no danger in the event of a short circuit.
Electrical emergencies are classed as urgent if they pose an immediate risk to the safety of others or property, such as sparking outlets, exposed wires or major circuit failures. Your property may even have a complete power outage, affecting the running of a business or the day-to-day operation of your home.
Electrical fires occur for a number of reasons, but most commonly because something has gone wrong with either your wiring or an appliance. Electrical fires caused by faulty wiring usually result from damage to insulation that allows wires to come into contact with each other or another material that conducts electricity, this can happen because of fraying, chafing, corrosion or simply old age.
Electrical fires caused by faulty appliances are due to either internal breakdowns in the appliance’s heating element or electrical components which become overloaded and overheat causing a fire hazard.
As first port of call, contact the Building Control department of your Local Authority; they should be able to advise you of your rights as a tenant.
Citizens Advice may be able to provide you with further help.
When you protect your whole house from power surges, you’ll protect all of the equipment in it instead of just one piece that’s plugged into a surge protector. This can come in especially handy if you use a lot of electronics or appliances.
Lightbulbs tend to burn out quickly if they are not the proper wattage for the fixture or appliance. Make sure you only use lightbulbs that are the correct power that’s intended for each specific use.
This could be due to:
Electrical panels buzzing can be the sign of your electrical system arcing. Which can be caused by a number of factors. For expert guidance contact Carl Ashley Electrical Services.
We provide an emergency callout service for both residential and commercial customers.