You are in:
  1. Home
  2. Customer Services

Home electrical, heating & plumbing

Frequently asked questions

Discover our range of electrical's, heating & plumbing

Home electrical, heating & plumbing frequently asked questions

  • What is a dehumidifier?
    A dehumidifier removes trapped moisture in homes, and aids drying time of wallpapering and painting.
  • What types of time switches do you sell?
    We sell electronic, digital, 24hr segment, 25hr tappet time switches.
  • What different types of cable trunking do you sell?
    We sell a variety of cable management solutions allowing multiple cables to be neatly and safely managed. The different types of that we stock are self adhesive conduit, quarter sphere conduit and D-line trunking
  • What size cable do you need for lighting circuits?
    For lighting circuits use 1mm and 1.5mm size cable 50.
  • What does PIR means in the alarm section?
    PIR means Passive Infra Red sensor
  • What is a fire blanket used for?
    A fire blanket is used to extinguish kitchen and clothing fires.
  • What is the minimum British Standard Kite mark for locks?
    Locks need to have a minimum of 5 lever security, this is the standard needed for insurance policies.
  • What is Carbon Monoxide?
    A colourless, odourless, tasteless toxic gas produced by fuel burning appliances or vehicle engines.
  • What size waste fittings would be used for a kitchen sink?
    The waste needed for a kitchen sink is 40mm.
  • Can you use plastic 20mm pipe and fittings for cold and hot water systems?
    Yes, a plastic 20mm pipe can be used for fitting cold and hot water systems.
  • What are the benefits of energy saving light bulbs?
    Uses 80% less energy, saves over £9.00 per year off electricity bill
  • What’s the difference between clear and soft light bulbs?
    Soft bulbs are opaque and give a soft glow whereas clear bulbs shine brightly.
  • What are the three zones indicated on the bathroom lights?
    0 – must be water tight.
    1+2 – Min IP rating of IP44 and wired to a 30MA protected circuit.
    3+ No special requirements
  • Why does it state a maximum wattage on light fittings?
    The maximum wattage is stated on light fittings so you do not exceed this limit.
  • What are the different thicknesses of loft insulation?
    The insulation that we stock comes in two thicknesses - 100mm and 270mm
  • How long does an energy saving light bulb last?
    An energy saving light bulb last eight years
  • How many litres of water does a water butt hold?
    The maximum quantity that a Homebase water butt can hold is 22L.
  • What would be the most efficient batteries you can purchase?
    The most efficient batteries to buy are rechargeable.
  • How many different types of composters do you sell?
    We sell 6 different types of composters to help you with composting your household and garden waste.
  • Do Homebase sell recycle bins?
    Yes, we do. We sell a wide range of recycle bins in all shapes and sizes to fit in with your lifestyle.
  • What is the recommended depth of insulation, and who recommends it?
    The recommended depth of insulation is 270mm and this is set by the UK Building Regulations.
  • Explain how an energy saving light bulb works compared to a standard light bulb?
    An energy saving bulb has a lower wattage and uses up to 80% less energy than standard bulb.
  • What does KW mean on heaters and fires?
    This means Kilowatt which is measures the heat output.
  • What is a radiator valve? And where in store would you find one?
    A radiator valve regulates the heat output and is found in the plumbing at the side of the radiator
  • What is fire cement?
    Fire cement is heat resistant therefore the best to use when fitting a new fire surround or maintaining an existing fire.
  • Do you sell fire surrounds separately?
    Yes we do sell the surrounds for a fireplace separately – see brochure for full details