When you are preparing to rewire your Bracknell home you will most likely have lots of questions about the process.
One question that regularly pops up is “What are the first fix and second fix of a rewire?” In this blog post our experienced rewire electricians at Thames Valley Electricians in Bracknell will explain the difference between a first and second fix and explain what you should expect at each stage.
What Is the First Fix of a Rewire?
The first fix is the first stage of the rewiring process at your Bracknell home. This is when your electricians will install all the new cabling and wiring throughout your home. The new cables will be run through walls, under floors, and through your ceilings. The first fix stage is the most disruptive and messy stage of a rewire. Your electrician will need to lift floorboards and cut new channels into walls and will need to be able to easily access all areas to do this. Your furniture will need to be moved in preparation for this. They will also install new back boxes for switches and sockets and your new consumer unit will be installed at this stage. The tasks your electrician will complete during first fix include:
- Chasing out walls for new wiring.
- Installing new cabling for power to lights and sockets.
- Installing new wiring for hardwired appliances such as your cooker.
- Fitting new socket and switch back boxes.
- Installing your new consumer unit.
When does Replastering Happen in a Rewire?
Replastering in a rewire will happen in between the first fix and second fix stages. At Thames Valley Electricians we arrange for a plasterer to come in once we have finished the first fix so that everything is ready and prepped for us to complete the second fix swiftly.
What Is the Second Fix of a Rewire?
The second fix stage of the rewire at your Bracknell home is when all the finishing is carried out. At During the second fix, your electricians will install all the fixtures and fittings that will be powered by the wiring that they installed during the first fix stage. This includes all your switches, sockets and light fixtures. Any hardwired appliances such as ovens and washing machines will also be installed at this stage of the rewiring process. During the second fix, the following tasks will be carried out by your electrician:
- New light fixtures, switches and sockets will be installed to your predetermined specifications.
- Appliances such as dishwashers and ovens will be connected.
- The entire electrical system will be tested and once satisfied that the work is complete, will be signed off.
After the second fix has been completed and the work has been signed off for building control your house is yours once more. Our electricians will ensure your home is left in clean, tidy condition before they depart but you can expect to have an increased level of dust for a few weeks as everything settles. It is best to let the dust subside before you begin any redecorating.
We hope this blog has helped to answer your questions about the differences between the first fix and second fix stages of a rewire. If you have any further questions, our friendly and experienced electricians are always happy to help. We are Bracknell’s specialist rewire electricians and come highly recommended by our past customers. Call us today.
