When the phone rang at Lighthouse Engineering Ltd, the customer had a problem many homeowners will recognise.
Their living room had become a maze of extension leads. A television, broadband router, games console, soundbar, lamps and several phone chargers were all competing for just two plug sockets hidden behind the sofa. Every available outlet was full, and double adaptors had become a permanent fixture.
Rather than continuing to rely on extension leads, they wanted extra sockets installed properly.
Booking the Job
After discussing the property over the phone, we asked a few simple questions.
- Which room needed additional sockets?
- How many would be required?
- Was the property occupied?Had any electrical work been carried out recently?
- Would someone be home during the appointment?
Once we had the information, we arranged a convenient date and time and explained that we'd first assess the existing wiring before carrying out any alterations. Every electrical installation is different, particularly in older properties around Cricklewood and Dollis Hill, so we never assume a circuit is suitable until it has been tested.
Arriving at the Property
We arrived at the agreed time and introduced ourselves before discussing exactly where the customer wanted the new sockets.
Rather than simply fitting them where requested, we talked about how the room was actually used. It soon became clear that moving one socket slightly would mean the television could sit flush against the wall without visible cables, while another socket positioned beside the sofa would make charging phones and tablets much more convenient.
A few minutes spent planning the locations would make a big difference to how practical the room would be for years to come.
Carrying Out Electrical Testing
Before removing any socket, we isolated the electrical supply safely and carried out testing on the circuit.
This confirmed:
- The circuit was complete and in good condition.
- Earth continuity was satisfactory.
- Protective devices were operating correctly.
- The existing wiring could safely accommodate the additional outlets.
Testing is one of the most important parts of the job. Although adding a socket may appear straightforward, hidden faults such as broken ring circuits or previous DIY alterations are surprisingly common in North West London properties.
Fortunately, everything tested correctly, allowing the installation to proceed.
Installing the Additional Sockets
Using the agreed cable routes, we carefully extended the circuit and installed two new double sockets.
Where possible, cables were concealed within the wall to provide a clean, professional finish with minimal disruption to the decoration.
Throughout the installation we protected the customer's flooring and furniture using dust sheets and worked carefully to keep dust and mess to a minimum.
Every cable was securely supported, terminated correctly and installed in accordance with the current Wiring Regulations.
Final Testing
Once the installation was complete, we didn't simply restore the power and leave.
Every new socket and the existing circuit were fully tested to confirm:
- Correct polarity
- Earth continuity
- Insulation resistance
- Safe operation of the protective devices
- Circuit integrity
Only once all test results were satisfactory was the installation returned to service.
This gives both us and the customer confidence that everything is safe and operating exactly as it should.
Cleaning Up
One thing many customers comment on is how tidy we leave their home.
Before leaving, we:
Vacuumed all drilling dust.
Removed waste materials.
Wiped down the new sockets.
Returned furniture to its original position.
Carried out a final walk-through with the customer.
Our aim is simple—apart from the new sockets, it should be difficult to tell we've been there.
The Result
The difference was immediate.
The extension leads and double adaptors were removed completely. Every appliance now had its own properly positioned socket, cables were hidden neatly behind furniture, and the room looked far tidier.
More importantly, the customer now had an electrical installation that was both safer and much more practical for everyday living.
Thinking About Adding Extra Sockets?
If you're constantly searching for a spare plug, relying on extension leads or using multiple adaptors, your home is probably telling you it needs more sockets.
At Lighthouse Engineering Ltd, we don't just install additional outlets—we first make sure your electrical installation can safely support them. Every job includes proper testing, honest advice, quality workmanship and a thorough clean-up before we leave.
With over 30 years of experience, we're trusted by homeowners and landlords throughout Cricklewood, Dollis Hill, Willesden, Kilburn and the surrounding North West London area.
Need Extra Plug Sockets?
Whether it's one additional socket or a complete room upgrade, we'd be happy to help.
Lighthouse Engineering Ltd
Trusted Local Electricians in Cricklewood NW2
