Electrical Glossary: 20 Terms Every Homeowner Should Know

/in , /by

Electrical Glossary: 20 Terms Every Homeowner Should Know

Whether you’re planning a renovation, getting an EV charger installed, or just trying to understand what your electrician is telling you, electrical jargon can feel like a foreign language. That’s why we’ve created this plain-English glossary of 20 essential electrical terms every UK homeowner should know.

From consumer units to RCDs and EICRs, understanding the basics will help you make informed decisions, ask the right questions, and keep your home safe.

  1. Consumer Unit

Often referred to as a fuse box, this is the central hub where electricity enters your home and is distributed to different circuits. Modern consumer units include circuit breakers and RCDs.

  1. RCD (Residual Current Device)

A safety switch that automatically shuts off electricity if it detects a leakage — for example, if someone touches a live wire. All modern consumer units should have RCD protection.

  1. MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker)

A modern replacement for fuse wires. MCBs trip when there’s an overload or short circuit, cutting power to the affected circuit.

  1. EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report)

A formal document assessing the condition of your property’s wiring and overall electrical safety. Required every 5 years for rental properties in the UK.

  1. PAT Testing (Portable Appliance Testing)

A check of electrical appliances (like kettles or office equipment) to ensure they’re safe to use. Often required in workplaces and rental properties.

  1. Lighting Circuit

A dedicated circuit that powers the lights in your home. Separate from socket circuits to reduce overload risk.

  1. Ring Circuit

A common wiring layout in UK homes where sockets are wired in a loop. Efficient, but must be correctly installed to prevent safety issues.

  1. Earth (or Ground)

A safety system that diverts electrical faults safely into the ground to prevent shocks or fires.

  1. Load

Refers to the amount of electrical power a device or circuit draws. Overloading a circuit can trip breakers or cause fire hazards.

  1. Smart Charger

A wall-mounted EV charger that can be controlled via an app to schedule charging, monitor usage, and take advantage of off-peak rates.

  1. Tethered Charger

An EV charger with a permanently attached charging cable.

  1. Untethered Charger

An EV charger with a socket only — you plug in your own cable. Offers more flexibility across different vehicle models.

  1. Short Circuit

A fault where electricity takes an unintended path with little resistance — can cause overheating, fires, or damage to appliances.

  1. Isolator Switch

A switch that safely disconnects a circuit or appliance from the electrical supply — often used in cookers or EV chargers.

  1. Load Balancing

Technology that manages power demand from high-usage devices (like EV chargers) to avoid overloading your home’s electrical system.

  1. Part P (Building Regulations)

Part of the UK Building Regulations requiring certain electrical work in homes to meet safety standards and be certified by a qualified electrician.

  1. Certificate of Compliance

Documentation issued after approved electrical work (like rewires or EV charger installs) confirming the work meets UK safety standards.

  1. Main Earth Terminal

The central point where all earth wires in your home connect — usually found near your consumer unit.

  1. Earthing System

A configuration that ensures fault current can safely return to the ground. Critical for preventing electric shock.

  1. Emergency Lighting

Battery-backed lighting used in the event of a power outage — often installed in commercial or rental properties.

Why This Matters

Understanding these terms helps you:

Communicate better with your electrician* Understand your property’s safety needs* Ensure your home complies with UK regulations* Spot early warning signs of faults or risks

Want to learn more? See our full guides on:

[Do I Need an EICR?](/do-i-need-an-eicr/)* [Why Does My Fuse Board Keep Tripping?](/why-does-my-fuse-board-keep-tripping/)* [EV Charger Installations](/ev-chargers/)

Need a Safety Check or Upgrade?

PSJ Electrical offers:

* EICRs & electrical inspections* Consumer unit upgrades* EV charger installations* PAT testing and landlord certification

We serve Newcastle, Durham, Sunderland, Gateshead, and the wider North East.

Book a Free Consultation contact-us or call us today  07958 116 827 or 07710 405 015

Full or Part Rewires

/in , /by

Full or Part Rewires: When to Upgrade and Why PSJ Electrical Engineers Are the Right Choice

Electrical wiring is one of the most critical aspects of any property—yet it’s often overlooked until problems occur. Whether you’re renovating a home, updating a rental property, or dealing with frequent electrical faults, a full or part rewire could be essential for safety, performance, and compliance.

At PSJ Electrical Engineers, we provide professional rewiring services across Newcastle, Durham and the North East, helping homeowners, landlords, and businesses modernise their electrical systems to current standards.

Why Rewiring Matters

Outdated or faulty wiring isn’t just inconvenient—it’s potentially dangerous. Overloaded circuits, deteriorating cables, and poor earthing can all lead to serious issues, including electric shocks and fire hazards. Common signs you may need a rewire include:

  • Frequent tripping of the fuse board
  • Buzzing sockets or switches
  • Burning smells or signs of overheating
  • Lack of earthing or old-style consumer units
  • Rubber or lead-insulated cables

If your property was last wired more than 30 years ago—or hasn’t been checked in recent memory—it may no longer meet BS 7671 wiring regulations and should be assessed by a qualified electrician.

Full vs. Part Rewires: What’s the Difference?

  • Full Rewire: A complete replacement of all wiring, sockets, switches, and consumer units throughout the property. Often required during major renovations or when a property fails an electrical safety inspection.
  • Part Rewire: Targeted rewiring of certain circuits or areas (e.g. kitchen, extension, upstairs ring) that are outdated or faulty, while retaining safe modern wiring elsewhere.

Our experienced electricians will assess the condition of your current setup and advise on the most cost-effective, compliant solution.

Electrical Safety Certificates for Landlords

If you’re a landlord, you are legally required to ensure your property is electrically safe. Since July 2020, all privately rented properties in England must have a valid Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), renewed at least every five years.

At PSJ Electrical, we provide:

  • Thorough inspections and EICR reports
  • Upgrades or rewires to ensure compliance
  • Certification following all work carried out
  • Honest, jargon-free advice tailored to your property

Failing to meet these requirements can lead to fines or even invalidated insurance—don’t take the risk.

Why Choose PSJ Electrical Engineers?

✔ NICEIC-Approved & Fully Insured
✔ Domestic & Landlord Specialists
✔ Reliable, Local Service Across the North East
✔ All Work Guaranteed & Fully Certified

Whether you’re modernising a home, preparing a property for tenants, or unsure if your current wiring is safe—we’re here to help.

Book a Rewire Assessment Today

If you think your property might need a full or part rewire, don’t wait for problems to escalate. Contact PSJ Electrical Engineers for a professional assessment and expert guidance.

📞 07958 116 827 or 07710 405 015 | email phil@psjelectrical.co.uk
📍 Serving Durham, Newcastle, Gateshead and the wider North East

Contact details: Contact Us

Do I Need an EICR?

/in , /by

Do I Need an EICR? Electrical Safety Checks for Landlords, Businesses & Homeowners in the North East

If you own a property in Newcastle, Durham or anywhere in the North East, you’ve probably heard of an EICR – but do you actually need one?

Whether you’re a landlord, homeowner, or business owner, understanding your electrical safety obligations could save you time, money and serious legal headaches. In this post, we’ll break it down in plain English.

What is an EICR?

An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is a formal inspection of the fixed wiring in your property. It’s carried out by a qualified electrician and checks the safety and compliance of your electrical installation.

It identifies:

  • Overloaded circuits
  • Potential fire hazards
  • Faulty wiring or outdated equipment
  • Missing earthing or bonding
  • Any immediate risks needing urgent attention

After the test, you’ll receive a certificate outlining any required repairs, plus a clear indication of whether the installation is Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.

Is an EICR a Legal Requirement?

That depends on your situation:

🏡 Landlords (Private or Letting Agents)

Yes – it’s legally required in England for all private rented properties.
You must:

  • Have an EICR carried out at least every 5 years
  • Provide a copy to tenants within 28 days
  • Remediate any Category 1 or 2 faults within 28 days (or sooner if advised)

Failure to comply can result in fines of up to £30,000.

Landlord in Durham or Newcastle? PSJ Electrical are NICEIC-approved and can carry out your rental EICRs quickly and compliantly.

🏢 Businesses

While not strictly “mandatory” by law, you must comply with:

  • The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
  • PUWER and other workplace safety laws

These require duty of care to ensure electrical systems are safe for employees and visitors. An EICR is the industry-standard way to prove this.

Need peace of mind for your office, shop or warehouse? We carry out commercial EICRs across Tyne & Wear, Durham and the wider North East.

🏠 Homeowners

Not a legal must — but strongly recommended:

  • If you’re buying or selling a house
  • If your property is over 25 years old
  • After major renovations or new circuits

How Often Should I Get an EICR Done?

Property Type Recommended Frequency
Rented Homes Every 5 years (by law)
Commercial Premises Every 5 years (or as advised)
Owner-Occupied Homes Every 10 years
Caravans Every 3 years
Before House Sale Before completion

Why Choose PSJ Electrical for Your EICR?

✅ Local, Trusted and Responsive – Based in the North East with excellent 5-star reviews
✅ NICEIC-Approved – Fully compliant and insured
✅ Clear Reporting – Straightforward EICR reports and advice
✅ Fast Turnarounds – Great for landlords with new tenants or house sales

Whether you’re in Consett, Durham, Gateshead or Newcastle, we make the EICR process hassle-free.

Book Your EICR with PSJ Electrical Today

Don’t leave it until it’s too late — book your Electrical Installation Condition Report with PSJ Electrical Engineers.

📞 Call us today or
📩 Request a quote online

Related Services You Might Need:

📞 07958 116 827 or 07710 405 015 | email phil@psjelectrical.co.uk
📍 Serving Durham, Newcastle, Gateshead and the wider North East

Contact details: Contact Us