Common Electrical Questions & Helpful Advice
When I go and complete a 'Home Assessment' and discuss through your electrical requirements I will often come across something that I have personally come across many times before - the hardest part is explaining this to you, the home owner, so that it makes sense to you!
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So, I will often hand you a little guide that will explain what it is that I have to complete and why so that you can A. Have your electrical work completed safely and B. So that it's compliant with the BS7671 Wiring Regulations!
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Below are the most common aspects of domestic electrical work and problems, and of course solutions, that I encounter when coming to your home... and of course as ever you can email me at info@spellerssparks.co.uk or Call Rich on 01761 325 007!
What Is Minor Works Testing?
When I carry out smaller electrical jobs – like installing a socket, changing a light fitting, or adding a spur – I complete what’s called a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate.
This isn't just a bit of paperwork – it proves the work has been tested and is safe to use.
What’s Tested?
Even for small jobs, I carry out several key safety checks, including:
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Continuity testing – to make sure all the wires are properly connected with no breaks.
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Insulation resistance – to check there’s no damage or breakdown in the cable insulation.
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Polarity – to confirm the live, neutral and earth wires are connected to the right terminals.
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Earth fault loop impedance – to make sure the circuit would disconnect quickly if there’s a fault.
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RCD testing (if applicable) – to ensure the RCD trips correctly and within safe limits.
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All of this ensures the circuit is safe, complies with the latest wiring regulations (BS 7671), and gives you peace of mind that the job’s been done properly.
Why is bonding to water and gas pipes important?
Bonding is a safety measure that connects your gas and water pipes to your home's main earth connection. It helps protect you and your property by reducing the risk of electric shock if there’s a fault—like a live wire touching a metal pipe.
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Without bonding, metal pipes could carry dangerous voltage if something goes wrong, especially in older properties. Proper bonding makes sure everything stays at the same electrical potential (look up the “Faraday’s Cage” for some of the science behind this), so you’re not the easiest path for electricity to travel through.
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In short: bonding helps keep your home safe and is a legal requirement under current wiring regulations. I will often be upgrading or adding bonding where there is none - it’s an important part of any electrical installation.
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Watch the video where this is explained in a little more detail, or equally you can scan the QR Code
How Does an RCD Work?
An RCD (Residual Current Device) is a safety device that protects you from electric shock and reduces the risk of electrical fires. You get different “Types” i.e. “A” or “AC” or even “F” - but they all detect the same “Earth Faults” and so protect you from electric shock.
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RCDs constantly monitor the flow of electricity in a circuit. If it detects even a small difference – like electricity leaking to earth (which could happen if you accidentally cut a cable or touch a live wire) – it shuts off the power in milliseconds. That fast reaction can literally save your life.
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Modern consumer units include RCDs as standard, and they’re a key part of keeping your home safe and up to date with the latest wiring regulations.
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💡 Tip: You should test your RCD every 6 months using the test button – just to make sure it’s still working properly. If it doesn’t trip, it needs checking by an electrician.
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Scan the QR code to watch a short explanation on how an RCD works:
What is a Part P Electrician?
Part P is part of the Building Regulations in England and Wales that covers electrical safety in homes.
It means that certain types of electrical work – like fitting a new consumer unit, installing a new EV Charger, or adding new circuits – must be done by a competent, registered electrician.
As a Part P registered electrician, I can:
- Carry out this work safely and legally.
- Self-certify the job, so you don’t have to pay the council for an inspection.
- Provide you with the right certificates for your records, which you may need if you sell your house or for insurance.
- In short, using a Part P electrician gives you peace of mind that the work is up to standard, properly tested, and officially recorded.
Any questions you can call Rich on 01761 325 007 or email info@spellerssparks.co.uk
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Speller's Sparks LTD serves all surrounding areas, a radius of 10-15 miles of Chilcompton - watch my welcome video on my Home Page, which will introduce myself (Managing Director of Speller's Sparks) and show you the areas I work in.
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Follow the links below to see more information and get a little more personal with my local area: