The fittings you select for your home are the ones you will have to live with - so choose wisely. The number and type of power points, switches and how they will integrate with your décor is important. Light fittings should be chosen not only on the basis of looks but also on energy efficiency - all of these aspects of your house are best planned by consulting catalogues and visiting displays in stores.
You will not see the wiring in your home, but ensuring that you have an adequate number of power points is important. You should also understand the basic wiring plan of your home and be aware of possible hazards - like vermin in the roof where much of the wiring is located. Smart wiring is also a good way future proof, giving you the the option to add features such as security, energy management and home automation later on.
Lighting should be carefully planned with a view to how you will live and work in different areas, and to ensure that it's not going to be an unnecessary drain on your electricity bill. Choose wisely for working areas in particular to avoid accidents and eyestrain.
Socket outlets or GPOs (power points)
General power outlets (often called GPOs) are an essential part of any residential electrical installation. Find out more about how they work and where they're installed.
Switches and manual controls
Manual lighting controls obviously help regulate how much energy you're using, and dimmers again can reduce the amount of energy being consumed. A warning though - some do consume extra power.
Light fittings
Light globes connect to your house's electrics through light fittings. Read about how fittings work, the different types that are available and where they should be positioned.
Cable types
Find out about the different sorts of cable that are used to install electrics throughout your home, and why they're used.
Conduits and cable trays
Running electrical cables everywhere can become very messy and create maintenance nightmares. Conduits, cable trays and other cable management systems make a big difference.
What is Smart Wiring?
Smart wiring is a highly flexible system of wiring that can be used by your pay TV, phone, lighting, internet, security and other home automation systems all at once. Learn more about how smart wiring works.
Power tracks
Power tracks are strips designed to allow the positioning of power outlets anywhere across a particular wall. These systems cost more, but go a long way towards reducing dangerous clutter and overloading.