Questions & answers
The things people ask.
Everything from “who actually comes to my home?” to “can I get a grant towards an EV charger?” — in the order you'd likely ask them.
About Carter's
01Who are Carter's Electrical Services?
We're a family-run team of Oxfordshire electricians based on Orchard Way in Wantage, trading as Oxford Smart Homes Ltd. Simon Carter is director, Emma Carter runs operations, Ricky is our electrician, and nephews Alfie and Spencer are coming up as apprentices. We're rated a perfect 5.0 across 83 Google reviews.
Are you really a family business?
Yes — genuinely. It's Simon, Emma, Ricky, Alfie and Spencer, and it's the whole point. Customers write to us thanking Simon, Emma and Ricky by first name, which is exactly the close, relationship-driven service a small family firm can give and a big outfit can't.
What accreditations do you hold?
We're NICEIC approved, TrustMark registered, on the Competent Person Scheme, OZEV approved for EV chargers and MCS certified for solar and renewables. Each one matters for a different reason — Competent Person lets us self-certify notifiable work, OZEV unlocks EV grants, and MCS unlocks solar incentives.
Do you cover both homes and businesses?
Both. For homes we handle EV chargers, rewires, fuseboards, smart home systems, lighting, EICRs and general electrical work. For businesses we take on commercial contracting, fit-outs, PPM maintenance, fire and security, data networking, commercial EV charging and solar. One team, either side.
Booking & on the day
02How do I arrange a job or get a quote?
Call or WhatsApp us on 01235 242557, or email info@carterselectricalservices.co.uk. Emma handles quotes and scheduling and is happy to work through a few different options with you — one customer thanked her for being patient while he asked for a handful of quotes.
Who actually comes to my home?
The family. Simon or Ricky will typically carry out the work, with Alfie or Spencer assisting. You're dealing with the same people throughout — no rotating cast of subcontractors — which is why our reviews name us individually.
Do you charge for a quote?
No. We'll look at what you need and give you a fair, clear quote before any work starts. No work goes ahead until you've agreed the price, and customers consistently describe our pricing as reasonable.
Will you leave a mess?
No. 'Spotless', 'clean and tidy' and 'left everything spotless' come straight from our reviews. We clear up properly after every job — it's simply how a family firm expects to leave your home.
EV charging & renewables
03Which EV chargers do you install?
We install the leading home brands — Hypervolt, Ohme and Zappi — and as an OZEV approved installer we handle the grant paperwork where you're eligible. We can route the cables so nothing shows between your fuse box, meter and charger, and integrate the charger with solar.
Can I get a grant towards an EV charger?
If you qualify for the OZEV grant, yes — and because we're an OZEV approved installer we can claim it on your behalf. Eligibility depends on your property and circumstances, so tell us your situation and we'll let you know where you stand.
Do you fit solar and battery storage?
We're MCS certified for solar PV and renewable energy, which is what unlocks grants and export payments. For homes we fit battery storage that works as one system with your solar and EV charger; for businesses we design commercial solar and renewable solutions.
Can you do a 3-phase EV installation?
Yes — we offer both single- and three-phase EV charging for homes, and workplace or fleet charging infrastructure for businesses, sized around your supply and future demand.
Safety, testing & certificates
04Do you carry out EICRs?
Yes — Electrical Installation Condition Reports for homeowners wanting peace of mind, landlords meeting their legal duties, and property sales where a report is needed. We explain the findings plainly rather than burying them in jargon.
My fuse box looks old — should I upgrade it?
Very possibly. An ageing fuse board without modern RCD or surge protection is one of the most common safety risks we find. We replace consumer units with current-standard units and certify the work — several customers have thanked us for sorting 'dangerous' wiring left by previous owners.
What certificate will I receive?
Whatever the job calls for — a minor works certificate, an installation certificate, or an EICR. As a Competent Person Scheme member, notifiable work is self-certified to Building Regulations, so you have written proof it meets current standards without a separate inspection fee.
Is your work guaranteed?
Yes. Every installation carries a one-year workmanship and materials guarantee. If something we've fitted isn't right within that year, we come back and put it right.
Smart home, commercial & areas
05Which smart home systems do you install?
We design, install and programme Loxone, Rako, Lutron, KNX and Ajax systems — bringing heating, lighting, CCTV, blinds and audio under one controlled setup. Smart home automation is the specialism our parent company, Oxford Smart Homes, was built around.
What commercial work do you take on?
Commercial electrical contracting, fit-outs and refurbishments, planned preventative maintenance (PPM), fire and security systems, emergency lighting, data and networking, lighting controls and building automation, commercial EV charging, and commercial solar and renewables.
Which areas do you cover?
We're based in Wantage and cover Abingdon, Didcot, Faringdon, Grove, Harwell and the surrounding Oxfordshire villages. If you're not sure whether you're in range, call and ask.
Do you offer emergency callouts?
Yes — emergency callouts and fault finding are available around the clock. Call or WhatsApp Simon and Emma on 01235 242557 and we'll get to you.