We recently carried out a series of domestic electrical upgrades and exterior lighting improvements at a property in Helston. Our team handled everything from fault finding on existing exterior circuits to installing new lighting and adding convenient power solutions throughout the home.
We recently visited a residential property in Helston to undertake a variety of electrical tasks, encompassing both interior upgrades and exterior lighting improvements. This project highlights our ability to manage multiple small-to-medium electrical jobs during a single visit, providing the homeowner with a comprehensive and efficient service. The work ranged from installing client-supplied fittings to diagnosing faults and adding new, convenient power outlets.
One of the initial tasks involved addressing an issue with the property’s existing exterior lighting. The client had reported that the porch and front exterior light circuit was repeatedly tripping, causing inconvenience and a potential safety concern. We began by systematically investigating the circuit to identify the root cause of the fault. Once the underlying issue was pinpointed and resolved, we proceeded to upgrade the switching arrangement in the entrance hallway. We removed the existing switch and installed a new 2-gang unit. This upgrade allows the homeowner to control the porch light and the front exterior light independently, offering greater flexibility and improving the overall functionality of the outdoor lighting setup.
Alongside the fault finding, we also installed a new, client-supplied light fitting on the front side elevation of the house. To ensure a neat and tidy finish, the cabling for this new light was surface-clipped at a high level. We wired this new fitting into the existing internal switch, meaning it operates in tandem with the current front light. All electrical connections for this addition were securely housed within an appropriate IP-rated junction box, ensuring the installation is safe and protected from the elements.
Moving to the rear and side of the property, further exterior lighting upgrades were required. The client wanted to replace the existing exterior light on the annex side/rear with a more efficient and effective solution. We installed a new 20W white PIR (Passive Infrared) floodlight. Before installation, we located the existing electrical supply and verified its condition to ensure it was suitable for the new fitting. This new floodlight provides improved illumination and security for that specific area of the property, automatically activating when movement is detected.
Inside the home, we focused on several lighting and power upgrades to enhance the living spaces. In the dining room, the client had supplied a new pendant light that they wished to have installed over the dining table. To achieve the desired aesthetic and ensure even lighting, this required not only installing the new pendant but also relocating the existing light fitting. We accessed the cabling via the floor void space above the dining room. This approach allowed us to route the cables neatly and achieve the perfect placement for both light fittings without causing unnecessary disruption to the ceiling below.
The kitchen also received some attention. The homeowner wanted to separate the control of their main pendant lighting from the hidden LED lights situated on a shelf. We upgraded the existing kitchen light switch, replacing it with a client-supplied 2-gang switch. The client had specifically requested that we avoid chasing the walls for this upgrade. We carefully explored the existing wiring to see if a separate switched line was already in place for the shelf LEDs. By utilising the existing wiring configuration, we successfully split the lighting control, giving the homeowner independent operation of the different light sources in the kitchen. In addition to the switch upgrade, we also installed a recessed LED lighting unit within the kitchen chimney area. This installation utilised materials that were already present on-site, including a driver, and required a 2-core 12v lead to complete the setup, adding a subtle and attractive lighting feature to the space.
Further electrical upgrades were carried out in other areas of the house. In the ground floor WC, we replaced the existing centre light fitting. The new fitting is a low-profile, round, IP-rated bulkhead that emits a warm white light. This provides a modern, clean look and efficient illumination for the space. We also addressed power requirements in two of the bedrooms. In Bedroom 2, the existing bedside 2-gang socket faceplate was swapped out for a modern equivalent featuring integrated USB-A and USB-C outlets. This simple upgrade provides convenient charging options for devices without needing bulky adapters. In the Master bedroom, the client required an additional power source. We installed a new surface-mounted 2-gang socket outlet in the far corner of the room. To keep the installation as unobtrusive as possible and avoid the mess and disruption of wall chasing, we routed the necessary cabling within the floor void.
Overall, this project in Helston involved a practical mix of fault finding, exterior lighting installation, and interior electrical upgrades. We worked efficiently to complete the varied checklist, ensuring all installations met current standards and fulfilled the client’s requirements for their home.
