Guides
Guides for UK electricians
Working guides on EICRs, certificates, costs and the everyday questions of the trade, written by the team behind SparkCerts. No fluff, no sign-up.
PAT testing · LatestWhat is PAT testing? The plain-English guide to portable appliance testing
What PAT testing is, what the inspection and tests involve, who needs it, how often each appliance class should be checked, and how long a visit takes.
Maximum Zs values: BS 7671 Table 41.3 for Type B, C and D breakers
The maximum Zs for every common MCB and RCBO from Table 41.3, the 0.8 rule for measured readings, and what to do when a circuit fails.
GuideRCBO vs RCD: the difference, which to fit, and what the regs require
What an RCD does, what an RCBO adds, why Type A has replaced Type AC, where BS 7671 requires 30 mA protection, and split-load versus RCBO boards.
BS 7671UK earthing systems explained: TN-S, TN-C-S (PME) and TT
How to identify TN-S, TN-C-S and TT at the cut-out, the typical Ze for each, what each means for bonding and RCDs, and where PME is not allowed.
BS 7671Earthing and bonding conductor sizes: a BS 7671 guide to Tables 54.7 and 54.8
How to size the main earthing conductor, main protective bonding and supplementary bonding to BS 7671: Tables 54.7 and 54.8, PME against TN-S and TT, and the sizes that pass an EICR.
Gas safetyGas safety certificate (CP12): what landlords and engineers need in 2026
The annual landlord gas safety record: checks, costs, the 12-month rule and the MOT-style window.
CostsHow to price electrical work: day rates, fixed prices and the quotes that win
Day rate against fixed price, what an hour really costs, and why the first quote wins.
CostsFuse box (consumer unit) replacement cost in 2026: what the price includes
What a new fuse box or consumer unit costs, why earthing moves the price, and the certificate that follows.
SoftwareElectrician software for a one-man band: what you need and what you can skip
An honest guide to electrician software for sole traders in 2026.
PAT testingPAT testing cost UK 2026: per-item and visit fees
PAT testing cost in the UK: the per-appliance rate, the minimum visit fee, and why there is no legal annual rule.
CostsEV charger installation cost in 2026: what a 7kW home charge point really costs
What it costs to install a home EV charger, what is in the price, the grants, and why earthing matters.
CertificatesElectrical installation certificate (EIC): who signs it and what goes on it
The three signatures, the schedules that must come with it, and what to do without one.
EICRLandlord EICR requirements: the five-year rule and the 28-day clock
Inspection intervals, who gets copies, remedial deadlines and the £30,000 penalties.
SoftwareElectrical certificate software: what UK sparks should look for
EIC, EICR and Minor Works on your phone, readings checked on site.
TestingEmergency lighting testing: the monthly and annual rules under BS 5266
How emergency lighting must be tested: monthly function test, annual duration test, who is responsible, and the cost.
CertificatesElectrical safety certificate: which one you actually need in 2026
EICR, EIC or minor works certificate: what landlords, homeowners and buyers need.
CostsHow much does an EICR cost in 2026? Honest numbers from the trade
What an EICR costs for flats, houses and rentals, and what drives the price.
CertificatesMinor electrical installation works certificate: when it applies
The jobs a minor works certificate covers, and when BS 7671 demands a full EIC.
EICRHow long does an EICR take? Honest timings from the trade
Realistic EICR durations, what the inspector does all that time, and why quick inspections cut corners.
EICREICR codes explained: what C1, C2, C3 and FI actually mean
What each EICR code means, when it applies, and what landlords must fix.
EICRWhat is an EICR? The electrical installation condition report explained
What an EICR is, what it stands for, what the inspector checks, how long it lasts, and who needs one.
RegsPart P explained: which electrical jobs are notifiable and who signs them off
Which jobs are notifiable in 2026, how competent person schemes work, and unnotified work.