ELECTRAGUARD.UK

If you’re having electrical work done — especially a rewire, renovation, extension, or new build — you’ll often hear the terms “first fix” and “second fix.”
But what do they actually mean?

Here’s a straightforward explanation for homeowners.

What Is First Fix?
First fix is the stage where all the hidden electrical work is installed.
This happens before plastering, and before the walls and floors are finished.
🔌 First fix includes:
-Running new cables
-Chasing walls (cutting channels for cables)
-Installing back boxes for sockets & switches
-Wiring for lighting circuits
-Wiring for cooker, shower, boiler and appliances
-Wiring for outdoor power and lighting
-Installing cables for smoke alarms
-Data/network cabling (WiFi access points, ethernet, CCTV, alarm systems)
-Removing old or dangerous wiring
🧱 What it looks like:
-Walls open or chased
-Floorboards lifted
-Cables visible everywhere
-No sockets or switches fitted yet
🟡 Key point:
All wiring is installed during first fix — before plasterers or decorators start.

What Is Second Fix?
Second fix is the stage where all the visible electrical accessories and fittings are attached.
This happens after plastering, once the walls and ceilings are finished.
🔌 Second fix includes:
-Fitting sockets & switches
-Installing light fittings
-Connecting the cooker or hob
-Installing extractor fans
-Fitting smoke/heat alarms
-Connecting outside lights & sockets
-Installing the consumer unit (sometimes first fix, sometimes second)
-Testing and commissioning the circuits
🔍 What it looks like:
-Clean, finished walls
-Electrical accessories installed neatly
-Everything switched on and tested
🟢 Key point:
Second fix is the final stage you see when the job is complete.

Testing & Certification
Once second fix is complete, the electrician will carry out:
-Continuity testing
-RCD/RCBO testing
-Polarity checks
-Earth fault testing
-Functional checks on all fittings
You will then receive:
-An Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC)
-Building Control Notification (if required)
-Updated circuit chart for your consumer unit

Do All Electrical Jobs Need First & Second Fix?
Not always.
Yes — for:
✔ Rewires
✔ Extensions
✔ Loft conversions
✔ Kitchen remodels
✔ New builds
✔ Garage/garden room installs
No — for simple jobs like:
✘ Replacing a socket
✘ Installing a new light fitting
✘ Adding an outside light
✘ Fault finding
✘ Consumer unit upgrades (usually done in one visit)

Quick Summary
First Fix - Cables, back boxes, wiring infrastructure - Before plastering & decoration
Second Fix - Sockets, switches, light fittings, connections - After plastering, near completion

Our customers choose us because we’re:
-Trusted and recommended
-Local and responsive
-Qualified and insured

Call today for a free, no-obligation estimate and see why so many homeowners and businesses rate us as their go-to electrician.

14/11/2025

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