Electrician

The electrician normally does the work in two stages on separate visits; these are commonly referred to as the “first fix” and “second fix”.

The first fix involves running the lighting and power cables to the required positions of the switches, sockets and light points. The room is then normally plastered before the second fix is undertaken. The electrical points and light fittings are connected to the cables and made live during the second fix.

 

First Fix

At this visit the electrician will expect to have a brief discussion with you regarding your requirements, then get on with the work.

It is best if the positions of sockets, switches and light points have been considered in advance, although he will be able to offer some advice. You do not need to have the actual fittings at this stage, although you do need to know points you require and their positions.

The electrician will normally only carry stock of lighting, power and roof vent control cables, if you are likely to require additional work that will involve the use of different cable types, then it is necessary to inform him of this in advance of his first fix visit.

It is normally necessary for a dedicated alarm specialist to deal with any modification to alarm systems and likewise  with any complex audio-visual or networking requirements.

 

Orangery electrics

Second Fix

This normally takes place after the walls are plastered and the floor has been screeded. He will fit the socket and switch plates and connect up any light fittings you have.

The cables are then connected to the existing circuit(s) or directly to consumer unit as appropriate. As a “Part P” registered electrician, he will issue you with a Certificate of Compliance, which may be required for Building Control approval.

 

Lighting

Lighting bosses for pendant lights on hardwood conservatory and lantern roofs, and cable grooves for lights and roof vents need to be planned in advance so they can be made in the factory.

Positions for recessed down-lights are also normally determined before the electrician’s first visit and the flat roof constructed accordingly. We would typically space the roof joists at 500mm to 600mm centres to accommodate a spotlight spacing of 1000mm to 1200mm. This is dictated by both the lantern and overall room size and proportions, so will vary between projects.

 

orangery electrical plan

Underfloor heating

We install both wet and electric underfloor heating. Historically, a wet system heated by a gas boiler was the most economical long-term option, although the difference has become less clear.

It is usually someone other than our electrician who lays the electrical underfloor heating cables, however at the first fix stage the electrician will need to know where the underfloor heating controls are to be sited so he can run power to them.

We normally aim for between 150W/m² and 200 W/m², depending on the situation.  The maximum power that can be put on a standard controller is 3.6kW, which means for rooms above 24m² the floor has to be split into two zones with a second controller required or we would install a relay switch, known as a ‘switch contactor’.

underfloor heating plan

What’s Included?

Our quotations and contracts typically stipulate a certain number of double sockets, these are priced on the assumption that they will be standard white plastic fittings. If the client requires anything other than this, they should pay for the cost of the non-standard fittings, and we will deduct the cost of the white fittings from the price, (£2+VAT) per fitting.

The difference is often negligible and arguably ought to be overlooked. For example chrome double sockets are available from around £4+VAT each, which would mean on a small job the upgrade for three sockets and one light switch would be £8+VAT. However certain designer or period style fittings can cost significantly more so the difference can be more considerable. It is fairer that each client should pay for the style of fittings they want, rather than those with standard fittings subsidise those who choose more costly ones.

We can supply the actual fittings and adjust the final price accordingly. If it is simply a case of collecting the fittings from our regular wholesaler, then we would pass on any trade discount. If obscure and/or difficult to source fittings are required, then we reserve the right to charge the full retail price for these and/or make a handling charge to cover our time and costs in obtaining them.

The same principle applies to lighting, we always specify light points, the client has the choice of fittings. With recessed downlights in orangery roofs we will stipulate a number of points, the client can choose the type of fitting and bulb. Recessed spotlights are potentially relatively cheap, however it is better that the choice of style, specification and price of the lights is left to the client.

Our electrician is an independent sub-contractor and subject to his availability, may be able to take on small jobs outside the scope of the main project. As his turnover is below the VAT registration threshold it is normally simpler and more tax-efficient to pay him directly for any additional works, such as addition power points or external lights. This arrangement has invariably worked well for many years, particularly in the case of kitchen extensions.

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