Hi, I'm Isaac Penfold, the owner of Penfold Electrical. I’ve been working as an electrician for over 10 years, providing electrical solutions to clients in Cornwall and the surrounding areas, where I was born and raised.
My dad encouraged me to pursue a trade, which led me to start in the commercial sector as a multi-skilled mechanical and electrical engineer, servicing mines and quarries. I quickly discovered that I had a natural talent for understanding how things work in technical systems. Over time, I developed a deeper interest in the electrical field, gaining additional qualifications and experience in both commercial and domestic sectors.
The most rewarding part of my job is building strong relationships with the people I meet, many of whom have become great friends. I also take pride in seeing a project come to life, whether it’s wiring a custom-designed home or solving issues that have been disruptive for a business. There’s a deep sense of fulfillment in knowing my work keeps people safe and their systems running smoothly. Ultimately, my goal is to improve the quality of life for anyone I can help.
One of the most complex projects I’ve worked on was a large commercial job destined for export to Brazil, which required in-house coding and bespoke panel design. The project had to be completed to an exceptionally high standard under a tight deadline. The challenge wasn’t just the time pressure but also the need to coordinate seamlessly with multiple contractors. We overcame these hurdles through meticulous planning and constant communication, ensuring every detail was executed with precision and efficiency.
If I could give one piece of advice to apprentice electricians, it would be to never stop learning. The field is always evolving with new technologies, and staying up-to-date is crucial. Also, ask lots of questions. Experienced electricians have a wealth of knowledge, and learning from them is invaluable.
Once, during a callout, I was fault-finding on a socket circuit in a customer’s home. After checking the usual suspects, I discovered that the issue was caused by a huge nail used to hang their new artwork—right through the cable behind the wall! What made it even funnier was that I had installed the socket just the day before, with the customer watching as I put the cable in place. It was a great reminder that even the simplest tasks, like hanging a picture, require a bit of thought!
With the growing focus on sustainability, the electrical industry has a huge part to play in improving energy efficiency. Things like solar panels, electric vehicles, and smart home systems are great ways to cut down on energy use. As electricians, we’re not just here to install these technologies but also to help people understand how they can really benefit from them, both for the environment and in their day-to-day lives.
Safety is important, especially in this trade; we all want to make it home safely to our families. To ensure that, there are a few key practices every electrician should follow. Always double-check circuits before starting work and use safe work practices like LOTOTO. It's also crucial to wear the right personal protective equipment and stay aware of your surroundings. Complacency can lead to accidents, so it’s vital to stay sharp and focused.
Recently, I was called out on an emergency when a car parking meter stopped working. The battery backup had failed, and the permanent power supply was compromised. This circuit also fed the street lights and CCTV for the area, making it crucial to resolve the issue quickly. I was able to respond promptly, conduct stage by stage fault-finding on-site, rectify the problem, and restore the critical services.
One of the most exciting developments in our industry right now is the shift toward smart grids and renewable energy. With the growing emphasis on clean energy solutions, electricians are really at the forefront, integrating new technologies like battery storage and electric vehicle charging stations. I believe we’ll keep seeing this field move forward quickly, focusing more on energy efficiency and automation, which is great for both us and our customers.
Using products from innovative companies like Lewden gives my clients and me peace of mind, knowing we’re working with quality materials that will stand the test of time. I take my commitment to providing great value very seriously, and part of that is choosing the best options for installation. That’s why I consistently choose Lewden.
