The Client
Temple Sowerby House, Penrith
The Brief
To design, install and replace electrical wiring, fuse boxes and distribution boards for a commercial property conversion.
The Activity:
As a result of previous work for the client, we were asked to consider the design and installation of new electricity power installations to support the splitting of the B&B commercial business building into two domestic dwellings.
Due to the number of years that the business had run, there was a multitude of cables and fuse boxes in the loft of the property that caused some head scratching for the team in trying to identify which cables were for what and dealing with a number of old junction boxes. Once the wiring routing had been traced, some of it being quite awkward, it was replaced and condensed, and connected to two new electricity distribution boards.
In addition, 6 x submains cables were required to feed the two new distribution boards, now sited in a new plant room, and final circuits were split within bedrooms and rewired from the correct electrical source points. Our thanks to City Electrical Factors at Bishop Auckland for supplying the materials, including 25mm and 16mm SWA cable, fuse boxes and fuse boards.
The team had to come to the fore with empathy as they worked around the client living in the property and the timescales needed to have the property up to standard for resell.
Given the age of the previous electrical power and therefore the unpredictability of the job, the initial quote was based on materials and time as opposed to being fully priced up front.
The Result:
One half of the original B&B business is now fully compliant for electrical power, achieving the required ‘Satisfactory’ level on the Electrical Installation Condition Report.
This was a one-off project, however the client advised that for future property renovations, they would look to use and refer onwards Tomlinson Longstaff.
Client Testimonial
“…Large renovation to a Grade II listed building… provide guidance including setting up of a new electrical supply, complete rewire and future proofing… The team have been professional, hardworking and extremely courteous… at the start of 2026 we will begin a renovation on our own home. Tomlinson Longstaff will be our first call!”
Read more here about our commercial solutions.
Tomlinson Longstaff Ltd is an electrical contractor based in Country Durham, north east England. We offer a wide range of electrical services including design, testing, installation and maintenance.