Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

What areas do you cover?

Pentacle Electrical & Security Ltd is based in Welwyn Garden City and provides electrical and security services throughout Hertfordshire and surrounding areas, including Hatfield, St Albans, Hertford, Stevenage, Welwyn, Hitchin and Harpenden.

Are you fully qualified and insured?

Yes. We are fully qualified, insured and NAPIT registered, giving our customers confidence that all work is completed safely and to current industry standards.

Do you provide free quotations?

Yes. We offer free, no-obligation quotations for electrical installations, CCTV systems, intruder alarms, fire alarms, access control systems and EV charger installations.

How quickly can you provide a quote?

In most cases we can provide a quotation within a few days of your enquiry. For larger projects, we may arrange a site visit to ensure an accurate assessment of your requirements.

Do you work on domestic and commercial properties?

Yes. We provide services for homeowners, landlords, businesses, offices, retail premises, schools and other commercial properties.

Electrical Services

What electrical services do you provide?

We offer a wide range of electrical services, including:

• Full and partial rewires
• Consumer unit upgrades
• Additional sockets and lighting
• Fault finding and repairs
• Outdoor power and lighting
• Landlord certificates
• Electrical inspections and testing
• EV charger installations

Do I need an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)?

An EICR assesses the safety and condition of an electrical installation. Landlords are legally required to have a valid EICR for rental properties, and homeowners may wish to have one carried out when buying, selling or maintaining a property.

How often should an EICR be carried out?

Typical recommendations are:

• Rental properties: Every 5 years or at change of tenancy
• Owner-occupied homes: Every 10 years
• Commercial premises: As recommended by the previous inspection

What is a consumer unit upgrade?

A consumer unit (often called a fuse box) controls and protects your electrical circuits. Older units may not meet current safety standards. Upgrading to a modern consumer unit can improve safety and compliance.

Can you carry out electrical fault finding?

Yes. We can investigate issues such as tripping circuits, faulty sockets, lighting problems, power outages and other electrical faults.

EV Charger Installation

Do you install electric vehicle charging points?

Yes. We supply and install EV charging points for homeowners and businesses.

Which EV chargers do you install?

We can advise on and install a range of leading EV charging solutions, helping you choose the best charger for your vehicle, property and charging requirements.

How long does an EV charger installation take?

Most domestic EV charger installations can be completed within a single day, depending on the complexity of the installation.

Do I need permission to install an EV charger?

Most domestic installations do not require planning permission, although some exceptions may apply. We can advise you based on your property.

CCTV Systems

What are the benefits of installing CCTV?

CCTV systems can:

• Deter criminal activity
• Improve security
• Provide evidence if an incident occurs
• Allow remote monitoring from your smartphone or tablet
• Increase peace of mind

Can I view my CCTV remotely?

Yes. Most modern CCTV systems allow secure remote viewing via a mobile app, enabling you to monitor your property from anywhere.

How many cameras do I need?

The number of cameras depends on your property’s size, layout and security requirements. We can recommend a system tailored to your needs.

Do CCTV systems record continuously?

Most systems can be configured for continuous recording, motion detection recording, or a combination of both.

Intruder Alarms

Do you install intruder alarm systems?

Yes. We install and maintain modern intruder alarm systems for domestic and commercial properties.

Are wireless alarm systems reliable?

Modern wireless alarm systems are highly reliable and offer flexibility where cabling may be difficult or undesirable.

Can I control my alarm from my phone?

Many modern alarm systems include smartphone app integration, allowing you to arm, disarm and monitor your system remotely.

Can you upgrade an existing alarm system?

Yes. We can assess your current system and recommend upgrades where appropriate.

Fire Alarm Systems

Do you install fire alarm systems?

Yes. We install fire alarm systems for both residential and commercial properties.

What type of fire alarm system do I need?

The correct system depends on the type of building, occupancy and legal requirements. We can advise on the most suitable solution following a site assessment.

Do fire alarms require regular maintenance?

Yes. Regular testing and maintenance are essential to ensure your fire alarm system remains compliant and operates correctly when needed.

Access Control Systems

What is an access control system?

Access control systems restrict and manage entry to buildings or specific areas. They can use keypads, proximity cards, fobs, intercoms or smartphone credentials.

Are access control systems suitable for small businesses?

Yes. Access control systems can improve security for businesses of all sizes by controlling who has access to specific areas.

Can access control systems be integrated with CCTV?

Yes. Many access control systems can be integrated with CCTV and other security systems for enhanced security and monitoring.

Guarantees & Aftercare

Do you guarantee your work?

Yes. We stand behind the quality of our workmanship and provide guarantees on completed installations.

Do you offer maintenance services?

Yes. We can provide maintenance and servicing for electrical and security systems to help keep them operating safely and reliably.

What should I do if I have a problem after installation?

Simply contact us and we will be happy to assist. Customer satisfaction and ongoing support are important parts of our service.

Still Have a Question?

If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, please contact Pentacle Electrical & Security Ltd. We’ll be happy to discuss your requirements and provide expert advice.