Current affairs - Electricity Wise

Adding electrical power to your property is actually straightforward, says Menasche Scharf, but do be mindful of the law and other options available to provide you with power.


Most homes and businesses in the UK are connected to mains electricity. The electrical supply we take for granted originates from the many power stations dotted around the country, and is delivered to us via National Grid - owner of the UK's power transmission network. Electricity suppliers are then responsible for cabling it into individual properties - and it is they who you need to contact should you wish to have your property connected to the mains.
Inside your property
When new homes are built and when old properties are renovated and brought back into use they will need to be connected to the mains electricity supply. The work begins inside the property with its wiring / re-wiring. There are specific rules relating to the internal electrical wiring of property - the most relevant one being that all wiring must conform to Part P of the Building Regulations. To undertake electrical wiring you will need to employ the services of a 'competent person' qualified to do the work - such as a professional electrician, or, if you choose to do it yourself, you will need to inform the local council's building control department. In the latter case an inspector will visit the property and pass the wiring as safe for use.
Good planning is the key to a good wiring job. Work out where you need lights, power sockets and other electrical outlets before you start - and where best it is to place your wiring cabinet…the central point of your wiring scheme.
Mains cabling
How your property is to be connected to the mains supply rather depends upon where you can access the local supply network, and how much mains cabling is already in place. For example, on a newly-built estate, mains connection may involve a short run of cabling from the road outside. For more isolated properties extensive trenching and cabling may be needed.

All mains cabling MUST conform to IEE Wiring Regulations. This dictates that cabling is buried at a minimum depth of 50mm below the surface, and is reinforced / protected against damage. Unless your property has never had mains electricity before, the cabling you need should already be in place to the required standard beneath your property's ground flooring. If it is not then you'll need to make allowances for this to be put in place prior to connection of the supply from outside.


Connection
Connection from outside is the job of your local electricity supply company. They will cost up the project and quote you a price for running cabling off the local supply network and into your property. Depending upon the extent of work required, the job may be quick and cheap or long and expensive!
Note: If mains cabling and internal electrical wiring is already in place at your property, adding an electrical power supply might simply be a case of asking your electricity company to reconnect the old supply route.


Mains alternatives
Adding electrical power to your property does not necessarily mean that you have to rely on mains electricity. There are other ways that electricity can be 'generated'. Here are some ideas:
Photovoltaic (Solar) Panels: Solar panels fitted to the roof of your property can help you generate your own electricity - even on cloudy days!
Wind turbines: A small-scale wind installation in your garden can create electricity from the air.
Ground Source Heat Pumps: Extract heat energy from the ground and transfers it to your home.
Micro Hydro Generation: Good if you have a fast-flowing water source on your land!

One warning: When your fuse is tripping (too) frequently, just check; if you are using specialised electrical equipment, for example a Humidifier or high usage appliance such as a Fridge/Freezer, it could well be that the safety threshold on the fuse is higher than the standard of safety set by the manufacturer and this causes the fuse to trip.