What we do and who it is for
Switchgear installation: fixed-price quotes from Whitstable electricians, with final cost set after site survey. Serving Whitstable and surrounding areas including Tonbridge, Ashford, Canterbury and local boroughs. Work is guaranteed with a workmanship warranty and issued electrical certification (EICR/BS 7671 records and completion certificates) on all installations.
Typical jobs
We assess the existing installation in each specific property, confirm earthing and protective-device suitability for the location, and issue appropriate certification under BS 7671 for Whitstable borough properties.
- Deliver period property upgrades sensitively in the conservation-area villas and Georgian/early-Victorian townhouses in the town centre and St. Peter’s, retaining original fabric while improving safety.
What it costs
Below are our fixed prices for switchgear work in Whitstable; labour rates include VAT, parts, testing and certification where listed, and the final bill will not exceed the agreed quote. Socket additions, lighting upgrades and EV chargepoint pricing are shown as listed.
| Job | Price | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| Consumer unit replacement | £500–£700 | Parts, labour, testing, certificate, VAT |
| EICR, up to three beds | £150–£250 | Inspection, report, VAT |
| Fault finding | £80/hour | Most faults traced in 1–2 hours |
| Emergency call outs | £120/hour | Out-of-hours attendance; first hour minimum |
| Socket additions | £55–£75 each | Fitted sockets, VAT |
| Lighting upgrades (6–8 downlights per room) | £300–£500 per room | Installation of downlights, wiring, VAT |
| EV chargepoint (fitted) | £1,000 (starting) | Installation; grant reductions may apply where you qualify |
Not included: plaster repairs, decoration, asbestos removal, DNO charges, and access equipment.
How the work is planned
Before any switchgear work starts, we’ll inspect the existing installation, confirm the load requirements and identify any defects, unsuitable cable or supply limitations. We’ll establish the equipment location, access route, isolation points and whether the incoming supply requires upgrading. For older Whitstable properties, we’ll assess the condition of existing cabling and space available for safe replacement.
We’ll then set out a project timeline covering surveys, equipment ordering, shutdown periods, installation and testing. Where work affects shared supplies, landlords, managing agents or network operators, we’ll arrange permit coordination early to prevent delays. We’ll plan isolations around your operating hours wherever practicable, identify temporary supply needs and sequence work to keep essential circuits available. Before booking installation, we’ll provide a fixed written quotation, scope and programme so you know what will happen and when.
Compliance and documentation
We’ll complete switchgear installation and verification in accordance with BS 7671 and, where applicable, the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989; we will issue any required electrical certification and record test results, circuit details and any identified limitations. We’ll provide documentation identifying the installation, protective devices, inspection scope and observations so you can evidence condition, alterations and remedial actions.
Contrary to a common belief, fixed-wire inspection intervals are not prescribed by statute; recommendations such as five years for offices, three years for industrial premises and annual for certain locations come from IET Guidance Note 3 and should be applied based on use, environment, occupancy and a suitable risk assessment. The legal duty is to maintain electrical systems so far as is reasonably practicable to prevent danger; insurers, landlords or licensing bodies may request a current EICR. Our document templates support consistent records, and we recommend sensible retention to track certificates, reports, schedules and future inspection dates.
Minimal disruption and out-of-hours working
Although switchgear work may require planned isolation, we’ll agree the scope, shutdown window and circuit sequence in advance to keep disruption proportionate to the site’s operations. We’ll identify critical loads, confirm authorised contacts and establish safe isolation, lock-off and proving arrangements before work begins.
Our method statement can schedule staged changeovers where the installation permits, with functional testing and reinstatement recorded at each stage. For out of hours coordination, we’ll confirm access, security procedures, emergency contacts and any restrictions on testing or energisation. Noise mitigation measures may include selecting quieter tools, limiting drilling periods and containing dust where practical. We’ll maintain clear communication throughout the shutdown, notify you before any circuit is isolated or restored, and leave the work area safe, secure and operationally ready.
Premises and sites around Whitstable
Where distribution routes run through narrow medieval streets in the town centre or across the conservation areas in Church Street, we assess access restrictions and route options specific to those locations.
Around Whitstable the housing we see most is white weatherboarded fishermen's cottages in the old town, Victorian and Edwardian stock in Tankerton, newer housing at Swalecliffe, many holiday lets. That shapes the work we are called to: salt-air corrosion on exterior and beach-hut electrics, coastal flood-risk electrics, holiday-let safety certificates. Every job is priced in writing before we start, and the same NICEIC standards apply whether the property is a period terrace or a new-build flat.