1.1 Every project, whether arranged in advance or undertaken on an ad-hoc basis, is subject to these terms and conditions unless otherwise agreed in writing.
1.2 For larger, planned or complex projects, Earth Electrics will provide a written quotation, estimate or scope of works setting out the agreed work, materials, price and relevant assumptions.
1.3 These terms and conditions should be read together with the applicable quotation, estimate, scope of works, invoice and any written variation agreed between Earth Electrics and the client.
1.4 If there is a conflict between these terms and a specific written agreement, the specific written agreement will take precedence to the extent of that conflict.
1.5 The contract is formed when the client accepts the quotation or scope of works in writing, by email, electronically or by instructing Earth Electrics to begin work.
1.6 Acceptance of a quotation or instruction to begin work confirms that the client has had a reasonable opportunity to read these terms and accepts them, subject to the client’s statutory rights.
1.7 Earth Electrics may decline work that it considers unsafe, unlawful, beyond its competence, unsuitable for its available resources or inconsistent with applicable regulations or manufacturer instructions.
2.1 Each quotation or scope of works will identify, where relevant:
2.2 Estimates and quotations are based on the information available at the time, known materials, expected installation time and reasonable access to the work area.
2.3 A quotation or estimate does not include concealed defects, inaccessible services, unforeseen remedial work, asbestos-related work, specialist access equipment, additional work requested by the client or delays caused by other parties unless expressly stated.
2.4 Unless expressly stated to be fixed, an estimate may change if the scope, access, materials, site conditions or required time differ from the assumptions on which it was based.
2.5 Unless otherwise stated, quotations and estimates are valid for 30 days.
3.1 Changes or additions to the agreed scope may be made by agreement.
3.2 A variation may change the price, duration or programme depending on its effect on labour, materials, access, testing and certification.
3.3 Where practicable, Earth Electrics will confirm variations and their likely cost in writing before additional work begins.
3.4 In urgent or practical situations, approval may be given verbally and confirmed afterwards. The client may be charged for additional labour, materials, testing, travel and other costs arising from the variation.
3.5 Earth Electrics may refuse to carry out a requested variation if it would be unsafe, unlawful, technically unsuitable, outside its competence or incompatible with the existing installation.
4.1 Unless stated otherwise, all downlights and pendant fittings are assumed to be non-dimmable.
4.2 The number and positioning of downlights will be determined by factors including room size, joist layout, furniture placement and practical installation requirements.
4.3 Dimmable lighting requires compatible lamps or fittings and suitable LED-compatible dimmer switches. Specialist dimming equipment may incur an additional cost.
4.4 Unless included in the scope of works, the client is responsible for sourcing decorative or feature lighting and associated accessories to suit their personal preferences.
4.5 Where the client supplies decorative or feature lighting, they must inspect the items immediately after delivery or unpacking for damage and missing parts.
4.6 Earth Electrics cannot accept responsibility for damage or missing components that were not identified before installation.
4.7 Compatible LED lamps may be supplied at an additional cost where client-supplied light fittings do not include suitable lamps.
5.1 Unless stated otherwise in the scope of works, heated towel rails installed in a bathroom or en-suite are assumed to be connected to the central-heating system. No electrical supply is included unless specifically listed.
5.2 Bathroom and en-suite lighting must be suitable for the installation location and comply with the applicable requirements of BS 7671.
5.3 The suitability of a fitting will depend on its position, the bathroom zones, the fitting’s IP rating, manufacturer instructions and other applicable requirements. A ceiling height above 2.25 metres does not automatically make every non-IP-rated fitting suitable.
5.4 Extractor fans are based on a quiet Xpelair, Vent-Axia or equivalent model unless another make or model is specified.
5.5 Each extractor fan will include a fan isolator installed in a practical and accessible location unless stated otherwise.
5.6 Any specialist ventilation, building, ducting or structural work not expressly listed is excluded.
6.1 Unless specified otherwise, under-cupboard lighting is assumed to operate from the same switch as the main overhead lighting.
6.2 Undercupboard lighting will normally use an LED driver and a Safety Extra-Low Voltage system.
6.3 Undercupboard lighting is based on LED strip tape that can be cut to length and supplied in a colour temperature that closely matches the other lighting in the room.
6.4 Additional switching, dimming, colour-changing functions or independent controls are excluded unless specifically included in the scope of works.
7.1 Stud walls may need to be opened where internal construction, such as noggins, dwangs, insulation or other obstructions, prevents the intended wiring route.
7.2 Removing, modifying or replacing existing accessories may cause minor chipping or damage to plaster, paint or surrounding finishes.
7.3 Making good, filling, plastering, painting, wallpapering and redecorating are excluded unless specifically included.
7.4 Where carpets or flooring need to be lifted, Earth Electrics will take reasonable care to minimise damage and will refit them as far as reasonably practicable.
7.5 A flooring or carpet specialist may nevertheless be required to complete the refitting.
7.6 Wall chases and openings will be left unfilled unless making good has been specifically included.
7.7 Drilling brickwork can cause localised damage or “blowing” to the face of the brick. Reasonable steps will be taken to minimise this risk.
7.8 Any subsequent brickwork, plaster or decorative repair is excluded unless agreed otherwise.
7.9 Reasonable steps will be taken to minimise dust and disruption. The client is responsible for removing or adequately covering sensitive, valuable or fragile items before work starts.
7.10 Basic tidying and vacuuming will be carried out at the end of the work. The client remains responsible for additional cleaning, including wiping food-preparation surfaces.
7.11 New accessories may not cover the same area as the accessories they replace. Any painting, filling or other decorative finishing required as a result is excluded unless specifically agreed.
8.1 The price and scope of works assume that the existing electrical installation is reasonably suitable for the proposed work and that no unforeseen remedial work is required.
8.2 If faults, defects or other issues are identified during inspection, testing or installation, Earth Electrics will explain the issue and, where practicable, outline the available options.
8.3 Remedial work required to allow the proposed alteration to be completed or certified may incur additional charges for labour, materials and associated testing.
8.4 Earth Electrics is not responsible for damage to concealed cables, pipes, structural elements or other building materials that could not reasonably have been identified before work, provided reasonable care was taken and the damage was not caused by negligence.
8.5 Earth Electrics will stop work if asbestos-containing material is suspected. Assessment, removal, encapsulation and specialist asbestos work are excluded unless separately agreed with a suitably qualified contractor.
9.1 A consumer-unit replacement or upgrade will not normally be undertaken until the existing installation has been inspected and tested, usually by means of an Electrical Installation Condition Report or equivalent inspection.
9.2 Any dangerous or potentially serious defects identified during the inspection may need to be rectified before the consumer unit can be replaced, upgraded or certified.
9.3 Inspection, testing and any remedial work required before the consumer-unit work may be charged separately unless expressly included in the quotation.
10.1 Unless a decorative finish has been specified, accessories such as switches and socket outlets are assumed to be white plastic.
10.2 White plastic accessories are generally based on the rounded-corner Hager range or an equivalent standard range.
10.3 Decorative, metal, USB-enabled, smart or otherwise specialist accessories may incur additional purchase and installation costs.
10.4 Finish samples may be provided for approval where available.
10.5 Earth Electrics reserves the right not to install client-supplied accessories that appear damaged, incomplete, counterfeit, unsuitable for the intended application or not manufactured to applicable UK requirements.
10.6 Where accessories are supplied by the client or another third party, the client must inspect the packaging and contents for carriage damage and missing parts before installation.
10.7 Earth Electrics cannot accept responsibility for damage or missing components that were not identified before installation.
10.8 Where a fused spur or other accessory is to be supplied from an existing accessory, it is assumed that the existing accessory is not already supplying another spur or similar load.
10.9 If it is already a spur, an additional fused connection unit or alternative arrangement may be required and may incur additional costs.
11.1 Unless stated otherwise, “outlets” in a scope of works means standard twin socket outlets installed at a normal height, generally matching existing accessories in the room.
11.2 In living areas this will usually mean a low-level position, and in kitchens it will usually mean a position suitable for the worktop arrangement.
11.3 Standard outlets do not include decorative, USB-enabled or smart accessories unless specifically stated.
11.4 The term “outlets” does not include non-standard positions or accessories, including outlets inside cupboards, outlets beneath worktops, high-level television outlets, extractor-fan supplies, fused connection units, RCD-protected outlets or other specialist accessories.
11.5 Where attic or loft access is required, it is assumed that there is reasonable room to work, the area is not obstructed by stored items, there is no vermin or infestation, cables can be accessed and the floor has not been fully boarded.
11.6 Additional time and charges may apply where these assumptions are not met.
11.7 Furniture and other belongings must be cleared from the work area before work starts to provide reasonable access for personnel and tools.
11.8 If Earth Electrics is asked to move furniture or other items, the time involved may be chargeable.
11.9 If furniture, belongings or obstructions cannot be moved safely or practically, Earth Electrics may postpone, reduce or cancel the relevant part of the work. Reasonable costs incurred up to that point may remain payable.
11.10 Parking charges, congestion charges, permits, tolls and other vehicle-related costs incurred in connection with the work may be added to the invoice.
11.11 Electrical supplies may need to be isolated at any time and may remain off for extended periods.
11.12 The client must identify sensitive equipment, computers, medical equipment, alarms, heating controls or other systems that may be affected before work starts.
11.13 The client is responsible for identifying important or critical appliances and systems before work begins and for checking that they operate correctly once power has been restored.
11.14 Earth Electrics is not responsible for loss, damage or disruption resulting from reasonably necessary isolation of the electrical supply, except where caused by negligence or a breach of contract by Earth Electrics.
11.15 Earth Electrics will provide its own access equipment unless specialist or more suitable client-provided equipment has been authorised for use.
11.16 Where the client provides access equipment, including ladders, loft ladders, scaffolding, towers or platforms, the client must ensure that it is suitable, properly maintained, correctly erected and safe to use.
11.17 Earth Electrics may refuse to use client-provided access equipment if it appears unsuitable or unsafe.
11.18 Access equipment placed on site by Earth Electrics is for authorised use only. Third parties must not move, use, alter or interfere with it.
11.19 Disconnecting and reconnecting an appliance, particularly an older appliance near the end of its expected service life, may result in it failing to restart or operate correctly.
11.20 Earth Electrics is not responsible for loss or damage caused by an appliance failing after power has been disconnected and restored, except where caused by negligence or a breach of contract.
11.21 Business clients are responsible for checking that important or business-critical systems are operating correctly after the work and before trading or normal operations resume.
11.22 Equipment belonging to Earth Electrics, including portable lighting, extension leads and temporary supplies, must be returned complete, operational and in no worse condition than when supplied.
11.23 Missing, lost or damaged Earth Electrics equipment may be charged to the person or organisation responsible.
12.1 Where practicable, electrical work should be scheduled when other trades are not present.
12.2 Where Earth Electrics works alongside trades selected by the client, the client is responsible for carrying out reasonable checks that those trades are suitably insured, competent and properly qualified for their work.
12.3 If another trade on site works in a manner that Earth Electrics reasonably considers dangerous, unprofessional or incompatible with safe working practices, Earth Electrics may pause or cancel the affected work.
12.4 Reasonable charges for labour, materials, travel and other costs incurred up to the time of suspension or cancellation may be payable.
12.5 Multi-day projects, including full refurbishments and rewires, that are planned or managed by a third party must have a nominated project manager.
12.6 The project manager must provide Earth Electrics with current information about access, sequencing, site readiness, programme changes, delays and client decisions.
12.7 If poor planning, delays or a lack of information materially affect the agreed programme or other bookings, Earth Electrics may reschedule or cancel the affected work. Reasonable costs incurred up to that point may remain payable.
13.1 Smart-home systems depend on third-party hardware, software, apps, internet services and manufacturer support.
13.2 Earth Electrics does not guarantee the continuing operation, compatibility, availability, security or longevity of smart-home products or services, particularly where the equipment or service was not supplied by Earth Electrics.
13.3 Unless specifically included in the scope of works, Earth Electrics’ responsibility is limited to the physical installation and electrical connection of the equipment.
13.4 Ongoing configuration, technical support, software updates, account recovery and troubleshooting of third-party smart-home equipment are excluded.
14.1 Earth Electrics may reasonably reschedule work because of illness, severe weather, unsafe conditions, supplier delays, unavailable materials, lack of access, delays caused by other trades, utility issues or other events outside its reasonable control.
14.2 Earth Electrics will make reasonable efforts to notify the client of significant delays and agree a revised date.
14.3 The client will not be charged for time that Earth Electrics is unable to work solely because of a delay for which Earth Electrics is responsible.
14.4 The client may be charged for reasonable costs already incurred, including specially ordered materials, travel, labour, storage and supplier charges, where delay or cancellation is caused by the client, another contractor or site conditions.
15.1 Earth Electrics may require payment for materials in advance, particularly where materials are specialist, bespoke, non-returnable or ordered specifically for the client.
15.2 For larger projects, invoices may be issued for completed stages or sections of work as the project progresses.
15.3 Unless otherwise agreed in writing, invoices are payable upon presentation or by the date stated on the invoice.
15.4 For phased work, the next phase may be delayed until all undisputed invoices for previous phases have been paid in full.
15.5 Payment stages may be based on time periods, defined sections of work, materials ordered or other milestones agreed by Earth Electrics.
15.6 Payment is due when the agreed scope of works has been completed, subject to the client’s statutory rights and any genuine dispute raised promptly.
15.7 If the client has concerns about workmanship, materials or the scope of the work, those concerns should be raised promptly and the client should provide reasonable access for investigation.
15.8 The client remains responsible for paying any undisputed part of an invoice while a genuine dispute is investigated.
15.9 Materials supplied by Earth Electrics remain its property until paid for in full, to the extent permitted by law.
15.10 Earth Electrics may decline to accept further work from a client whose previous invoices remain overdue.
15.11 Payment may be made by BACS, credit card or debit card. BACS is the preferred method of payment.
15.12 No cash discount is available. No additional surcharge will be applied for card payments.
15.13 Invoices that remain unpaid after 30 days may be subject to interest and recovery costs where permitted by law. Earth Electrics may also refer the debt to a debt-recovery provider.
15.14 Materials generally include a mark-up of approximately 10–25% to cover sourcing time, transport, delivery, administration and ongoing warranty support. The applicable price will be stated in the quotation or invoice.
15.15 Short-notice, expedited, evening, weekend or out-of-hours work may be charged at a higher rate. Any applicable rate will be confirmed before the work is undertaken where practicable.
16.1 Where work falls within the scope of BS 7671, the appropriate electrical certificate or report will be provided after completion, inspection and testing.
16.2 The certificate or report describes the condition and results of the work at the time it was inspected and tested. It is not a guarantee of the entire existing electrical installation unless it expressly states otherwise.
16.3 Where applicable, Earth Electrics will notify work through the relevant competent-person scheme or advise the client where Building Control notification is required.
16.4 The quotation or scope of works will state whether notification fees and Building Control liaison are included.
16.5 Earth Electrics will provide evidence of relevant qualifications, experience and insurance where reasonably required.
16.6 Certification and other handover documents will be issued once the relevant work has been completed, the required information has been provided and any undisputed invoice relating to that work has been paid.
16.7 Earth Electrics cannot guarantee that a certificate or report will satisfy the requirements of every local authority, insurer, surveyor, estate agent, solicitor or future contractor.
16.8 Certificates and reports will be completed in accordance with applicable requirements and the information available at the time.
16.9 An administration fee may be included for preparing, processing and submitting certificates or other handover documents. This fee will be shown in the quotation or invoice.
17.1 Earth Electrics will carry out services with reasonable care and skill, as required by applicable consumer law.
17.2 The client must notify Earth Electrics of any alleged defect or concern as soon as reasonably practicable, providing relevant details and photographs where appropriate.
17.3 Earth Electrics must be given a reasonable opportunity to inspect the work and, where it is responsible for a defect, to rectify it.
17.4 The client should not arrange for another contractor to alter or repair disputed work before Earth Electrics has had a reasonable opportunity to inspect it, except where immediate action is reasonably required for safety or to prevent further damage.
17.5 Nothing in these terms limits the client’s statutory rights.
17.6 Any separate workmanship warranty offered by Earth Electrics will be stated in the quotation or handover documents. It will not replace or reduce the client’s statutory rights.
18.1 Complaints should be sent to Earth Electrics in writing, with details of the issue and relevant photographs where appropriate.
18.2 Earth Electrics will acknowledge the complaint and make reasonable efforts to investigate and respond.
18.3 The client must provide reasonable access for inspection and any agreed remedial work.
18.4 Nothing in this complaints procedure prevents the client from exercising statutory rights or pursuing any other lawful remedy.
19.1 CCTV, intruder alarms and other security equipment are intended to assist with deterrence and crime prevention. They are not failsafe security systems.
19.2 Earth Electrics does not guarantee the continuing operation, connectivity, availability or effectiveness of security equipment or third-party monitoring services.
19.3 Earth Electrics accepts no responsibility for loss, injury or damage caused by the malfunction, failure, lack of maintenance, loss of connectivity or deliberate disarming of security equipment, except where caused by negligence or a breach of contract.
19.4 The client is responsible for complying with any applicable privacy, data-protection, signage and recording requirements associated with security equipment.
20.1 Nothing in these terms limits or excludes liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation, breach of statutory rights, or any other liability that cannot legally be limited or excluded.
20.2 Subject to clause 20.1, Earth Electrics is not liable for loss that was unforeseeable, indirect or unrelated to the work, or for losses caused by the client, another contractor, an appliance or a third-party service.
20.3 Earth Electrics is not responsible for loss of profit, loss of business, loss of anticipated savings or loss of opportunity suffered by a business client, except where such liability cannot legally be excluded.
20.4 Nothing in these terms removes or restricts a consumer’s rights under applicable consumer-protection legislation.
21.1 Earth Electrics processes personal information relating to client enquiries, quotations, appointments, completed work, invoices, certificates and legal or regulatory obligations.
21.2 Information may be stored on internal systems and carefully selected external service providers, including accounting, invoicing, scheduling, payment and certificate platforms.
21.3 Earth Electrics will take reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect personal information. No electronic storage or transmission system can be guaranteed to be completely secure.
21.4 The lawful bases used may include taking steps at the client’s request before entering into a contract, performing a contract, complying with legal obligations and pursuing legitimate business interests.
21.5 Personal information will not be sold. It may be shared where necessary to provide the service, process payments, obtain materials, meet legal obligations, protect legitimate interests or where the client has given consent.
21.6 Earth Electrics will not send unsolicited marketing communications where consent is required. Any marketing communication will include a means of opting out.
21.7 Clients may request access to their personal information and may ask for inaccurate information to be corrected. Requests to erase information may be subject to legal, accounting, tax, warranty or certification retention requirements.
21.8 Earth Electrics does not retain clients’ full card details. Card payments are processed by the relevant payment provider.
21.9 Personal information will be retained only for as long as reasonably necessary for the relevant purpose, including legal, accounting, tax, warranty and certification requirements.
21.10 Further information is contained in the Earth Electrics Privacy Notice, which explains the purposes and lawful bases for processing, information sharing, retention periods, individual rights and the right to complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office.
22.1 Earth Electrics may take photographs of electrical work, defects, access routes and completed installations for inspection, testing, certification, warranty, insurance and record-keeping purposes.
22.2 Photographs will be taken and stored only where reasonably necessary for those purposes.
22.3 Earth Electrics will not use identifiable photographs of the client, their family or their home for marketing without separate consent.
23.1 A client may ask to cancel or postpone a job at any time.
23.2 If work has started, the client remains responsible for payment for labour, materials, travel, testing, design, surveying, inspection and planning work completed up to the date of cancellation or postponement.
23.3 If specialist, bespoke, non-returnable or client-specific materials have been ordered, the client may be responsible for the supplier’s cancellation, return or restocking charges.
23.4 Goods already delivered to site remain the property of Earth Electrics until paid for in full. They must either be returned complete and in unopened, undamaged packaging, where return is accepted, or paid for in full.
23.5 Design, surveying, inspection, testing and planning work already completed may be charged even if installation work is subsequently cancelled.
23.6 If the contract is made online, by telephone, by email or away from Earth Electrics’ usual business premises, the client may have a statutory 14-day cancellation right.
23.7 Where applicable, Earth Electrics will provide the required cancellation information and model cancellation form.
23.8 Earth Electrics will not begin work during a statutory cancellation period unless the client has expressly requested that work begins.
23.9 If the client requests that work begins during the cancellation period and later cancels, payment may be due for the proportion of the service supplied before cancellation, subject to applicable consumer legislation.
23.10 If a service has been fully performed following the client’s express request and acknowledgement that the right to cancel would be lost once the service was fully performed, the statutory cancellation right may no longer apply.
23.11 Statutory cancellation rights do not remove the client’s rights where Earth Electrics has failed to provide the service with reasonable care and skill or has otherwise breached the contract.
24.1 These terms are governed by the law of England and Wales.
24.2 The courts of England and Wales will have jurisdiction, subject to any mandatory rights the client may have to bring proceedings elsewhere.