Electrical Guides and Articles
Clear explanations of wiring, components, regulations, and electrical safety.
How to Wire a Lighting Circuit: Loop-In and Junction Box Methods Explained
A complete UK guide to wiring a domestic lighting circuit from the consumer unit — cable sizing, MCB selection, loop-in method, junction box method, switch drops, two-way switching, and how many lights a circuit can supply. Includes step-by-step wiring for both methods.
How to Wire a Motion Sensor / PIR Light Switch: Indoor and Outdoor Guide
A PIR motion sensor switch automatically turns lights on when it detects movement and off after a set time. This UK guide covers how PIR switches work, the difference between 2-wire and 3-wire units, step-by-step wiring for indoor and outdoor installations, override switching, and Part P rules.
Old vs New UK Wire Colours Explained: Red, Black and Green to Brown, Blue and Green-Yellow
The UK changed its electrical wiring colour code in 2004. This guide explains what changed, why it changed, how to identify old and new wiring, what the colours mean in single-phase and three-phase systems, and how to work safely on installations that mix both.
How to Add a Spur from a Ring Main: Rules, Methods and Step-by-Step Guide
Adding a spur from a ring main is one of the most common DIY electrical tasks in the UK. This guide covers BS 7671 spur rules, fused vs unfused spurs, how to find a safe take-off point, step-by-step wiring, and when the work is notifiable under Part P.
How to Wire a Kitchen: Dedicated Circuits for Every Appliance
A kitchen needs more dedicated circuits than any other room in the house. This UK guide covers ring mains, cooker circuits, washing machine, dishwasher, fridge, under-cabinet lights, and how to plan your consumer unit allocation — all to BS 7671.
EICR Codes Explained: C1, C2, C3 and FI — What Each Code Means
Your EICR report lists observations with codes C1, C2, C3, or FI. This guide explains what each code means, which faults produce which codes, what remedial work costs, and what happens if you ignore a C2 finding on a rented property.
Electric Underfloor Heating Wiring: Mat, Cable and Thermostat Installation
Electric underfloor heating provides comfortable warmth without radiators. This UK guide explains mat vs cable systems, 230 V vs SELV options, thermostat wiring, load calculations, floor insulation requirements, and safe installation.
Electrical Load Calculations for Home Circuits: How to Size Your Installation
Calculating electrical load is essential for planning circuits, sizing consumer units, and ensuring your installation can handle demand. This guide explains how to calculate total house load, apply diversity factors, and plan circuit distribution for UK homes.
Part P Building Regulations Explained: What UK Homeowners Can and Can't DIY
Part P of the Building Regulations covers electrical safety in dwellings. This guide explains what is notifiable in England, what is not, the three routes to compliance, what happens if you skip notification, and how to plan a Part P-notifiable job safely.