I have always been happy with the quality of work delivered by Oval Electrical over the last few years.
I've been working in and around Saltdean for a number of years now and it's a place I really enjoy working. It's a proper coastal village with sea views, that distinct salt air, and a real community feel centred around the Lido. But that sea air is no friend to your outdoor electrics, and most of the homes here are from a similar era, which means I tend to see the same issues come up again and again.
I'm Harry McLoughlin, and I run Oval Electrical. I'm NAPIT registered with over ten years of experience. I carry out work across Saltdean, Brighton, Hove, and the surrounding areas. I answer the phone myself, I turn up when I say I will, and prioritise communication.. With nearly 100 five-star Google reviews, a lot of my work is from returning customers or new customers who we have been recommended to.
Back to top1) What I've Been Working On in Saltdean
A good example of a typical job I do in saltdean is this: I was recently at a property here to replace some outside lights. The fittings had seen better days, they had rusted through and corroded because of the battering from salt air off the sea. They had been rated for outdoor use, but not for the kind of coastal weather you get up in Saltdean. I swapped them out for specialist coastal light fittings designed to handle exactly that environment meaning they should last considerably longer.
While i was on this job i had to turn the power off at the fuseboard. While doing this i noticed that the property was due for a test. This is usually a sticker on the front saying when it was last tested and when it's next recommended to test. This board was due a test in Feb 2025 and it was Feb 2026 at the time. So I explained this to the customer and sent over a quote to do an EICR. We got them booked in and carried out the inspection. There were no major issues and we could issue a satisfactory EICR. This is what we aim to do when carrying out work, If we see an issue we will raise it to you and explain what and why it needs to be done.
Back to top2) Electrical Services I Offer in Saltdean
EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Reports) - The most common job I carry out in Saltdean. An EICR is an inspection of your home's wiring to make sure it's safe and compliant (similar to an MOT for your car). Many of the homes here haven't had one in years, and it's well worth knowing where you stand. Whether you're a homeowner wanting peace of mind, or you've just moved in and want to check what you've inherited, I can carry out a full EICR and walk you through the results explaining any issues clearly.
Consumer Unit Upgrades - If your fuseboard is older, especially if it still has rewirable fuses, no RCD protection or is plastic, an upgrade is likely overdue. A modern consumer unit provides much better protection for your home and is often required in most cases before an EICR can pass as satisfactory.
Outside Lighting - As I mentioned above, outside lighting in coastal locations like Saltdean needs to be specified properly. Standard IP44-rated fittings often aren't sufficient in a salt-spray environment. I use fittings rated and suited to coastal conditions, and I'll always advise on the right spec before quoting.
EV Charger Installations - More and more homeowners in Saltdean are making the switch to electric vehicles, and having a reliable home charger makes day-to-day life much easier. I can help you choose the right charger for your needs, install it safely, and check that your existing electrical system is suitable for the extra demand, giving you a straightforward and hassle-free installation.
Back to top3) Why Homeowners in Saltdean Choose Oval Electrical
There are plenty of electricians to choose from in Brighton and Hove, so it's important to find someone you can trust. These are the things I do that I believe make us different.
I answer the phone. Not an answering service, not a callback form. me. You'll speak to the person actually doing the work from the very first call.
I turn up. It sounds basic, but I know it isn't always. You'll always receive a text or email notification confirming your appointment and updates of our arrival.
NAPIT registered. I take pride in doing the job properly, which means every installation is completed to a high standard and certified for your peace of mind.
Nearly 100 five-star reviews. One of the best bits of the job is reading the feedback I've received from customers across Saltdean and the surrounding areas. You can read those reviews on Google before you pick up the phone, no need to take my word for it.
Back to top4) Common Electrical Problems I See in Saltdean
Most of the homes in Saltdean were built around the same period, and that shows up in the work I'm called out to do. These are the issues I come across most regularly:
Corroded outside lights. The salt air here is relentless. Standard outdoor fittings corrode quickly and eventually stop working. If your outside lights look tired or have stopped working, this is almost always why.
Overdue EICRs. A lot of homeowners in Saltdean haven't had their electrics tested in years — sometimes decades. There's no fixed legal requirement for owner-occupiers (unlike landlords), but it's recommended every ten years at minimum, or whenever a property changes hands.
Poor workmanship. This is something I come across more often than you'd think. Whether it's a loose connection, overloaded circuit, or untidy wiring hidden behind a fitting or inside a consumer unit, I'll always explain exactly what I've found in plain English. If anything needs putting right, I'll talk you through the options first and only carry out the work once you're happy to go ahead.
Back to top5) What to Expect When You Call
When you give me a call, I'll ask a few simple questions about the job and your property so I can understand exactly what you need. If it's something I can price over the phone, I'll give you an honest quote there and then. If I'd rather see it in person first, I'll arrange a visit with no pressure or obligation.
Once you've decided to go ahead, I'll send you a text to confirm the appointment, so you know exactly when to expect me. On the day, I'll turn up on time, carry out the work with as little disruption as possible, and leave everything clean and tidy. Before I leave, I'll talk you through what I've done, answer any questions, and make sure you receive any certificates or documentation you need.
6) FAQ
Do I legally need an EICR?
There is currently no requirement for owner-occupiers to have a satisfactory EICR on their property in the same way landlords do. The general recommendation is every ten years, or when you move into a new home. In Saltdean especially, where a lot of the properties are of a similar age and original wiring can still be present, it's worth knowing the condition of your electrics. I can carry out a full inspection and give you a clear summary of the findings.
How long does an EICR take?
For a typical three-bedroom home in Saltdean, an EICR usually takes around 3–4 hours. This can vary depending on the size of the property and how complex the installation is. I’ll always give you a realistic time estimate when we speak, and I’ll do my best to keep disruption to your day to a minimum.
Why are my outside lights failing so quickly?
This is something I get asked quite a lot from homeowners in Saltdean. Living this close to the coast means the salty air can be really harsh on outdoor fittings, and it tends to speed up corrosion. Even lights that are labelled as “outdoor rated” often aren’t designed for coastal conditions.To help avoid repeat failures, I use coastal-grade fittings that are built specifically to handle the environment here. They last a lot longer and make a noticeable difference over time.
Are you able to upgrade my consumer unit (fuseboard)?
Yes, consumer unit upgrades are something I carry out regularly in this area. Many of the homes here still have older boards that don't provide the level of protection a modern unit does. I'll assess what you currently have, explain what an upgrade would involve, and give you a clear quote before any work begins.
Can you install an EV charger at my home?
Yes. I install EV chargers across Saltdean and the wider Brighton and Hove area. I'll advise you on the most suitable charger for your vehicle and your home's existing installation, and carry out a safe, tidy installation with all the necessary certification.
How do I know your work is certified?
I'm NAPIT registered, which is a government-approved Part P competent person scheme. That means every job I complete is certified and registered, and you'll receive the relevant documentation for your records — useful if you ever come to sell the property or make an insurance claim.
If you live in Saltdean and you need a local electrician, whether that's an overdue EICR, outside lights that have given up, or an EV charger for the drive, I'm happy to have a chat. No hard sells, no obligations. Just honest advice about what you and your home need and a clear quote before any work starts. Get in touch with our team today
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