AFDDs Explained: Arc Fault Detection Devices and the BS 7671 Amendment 2 Requirements
Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs) are now referenced in BS 7671 Amendment 2 for new domestic installations. This guide explains what AFDDs are, how they detect dangerous arcing faults that MCBs and RCDs miss, where they are required, and whether you need one.
Part P Building Regulations Explained: What UK Homeowners Can and Can't DIY
Part P of the UK Building Regulations controls nearly every piece of fixed electrical work in a home. This guide explains what is notifiable, what is not, the three routes to compliance, what happens if you skip notification, and how to plan a Part P-notifiable job safely.
How to Trace an Electrical Fault Safely: A Homeowner-Friendly Guide
Electrical fault finding starts with symptoms, isolation, safe testing, and pattern recognition. This guide explains how to narrow down RCD trips, MCB trips, dead sockets, flickering lights, open circuits, reverse polarity, and earth faults without taking unsafe risks.
Why Does My RCD Keep Tripping? Common Causes and Safe Fault-Finding Steps
An RCD that keeps tripping is usually detecting earth leakage, moisture, appliance faults, damaged cables, or nuisance leakage from multiple devices. This guide explains the causes and gives a safe step-by-step checklist for narrowing down the problem.
Types of Earthing Systems Explained: TN-S, TN-C-S (PME) and TT
TN-S, TN-C-S (PME) and TT are the three earthing systems used in UK domestic installations. This guide explains exactly how each one works, how to identify yours, and why earthing is the foundation of electrical safety.
Live, Neutral and Earth Wires Explained
What do the brown, blue and green-yellow wires actually do? This complete guide explains the roles of live, neutral and earth in UK wiring, what happens when they're mixed up, and how to safely explore all three conductors in a free circuit simulator.
What is an RCD and Why Do You Need One?
An RCD can save your life in under 40 milliseconds. This guide explains exactly how Residual Current Devices work, why they're mandatory in modern wiring, and how to test RCD protection safely using a free electrical circuit simulator.
What is an MCB Breaker and How Does It Protect Your Circuit?
MCBs are the first line of defence against overloads and short circuits. This guide explains exactly how they work, why they trip, and how to use a free electrical simulator to test MCB behaviour safely.