Electrical Materials
Cable, back boxes, consumer units, MCBs, RCBOs, and wiring accessories for a domestic extension — what each component does and what to check when your electrician specifies it.
Back Boxes: Metal Flush, Dry Lining, and the Depth Mistake That Costs You a Day
Complete UK guide to electrical back boxes: metal flush vs dry lining, depths from 16-47mm, earthing rules, prices from around 55p each, and the plasterboard offset calculation nobody explains.
Cable Sizing Guide: Which Cable Size Do You Need?
Decision guide for choosing between 1.5mm, 2.5mm, 4mm, 6mm, and 10mm twin-and-earth cable in a UK domestic extension. Covers derating through insulation, ring vs radial, and Part P.
PVC Conduit: Oval vs Round, When You Need It, and the Cable-First Rule Your Electrician Knows
Complete UK guide to PVC conduit for domestic electrical work: oval for wall chases, round for surface runs, sizes, BS 7671 rules, and prices from around 44p per metre.
Consumer Units: What Every Homeowner Needs to Know Before Second Fix
The complete UK guide to consumer units (fuse boxes): dual RCD vs all-RCBO configurations, metal enclosure rules, SPD requirements, brands, and installed costs from £380-720.
MCBs (Miniature Circuit Breakers): Ratings, Types, and Why Brand Matters
UK guide to MCBs: Type B vs Type C trip curves, correct ratings for every domestic circuit, brand compatibility rules, and retail prices from £1-5 each.
RCBOs: The Protective Device That Stops One Fault Taking Out Your Whole House
UK guide to RCBOs: Type A vs Type B, circuit sizing, brand compatibility, Amendment 3 bidirectional rules, and prices from £12-30 per device.
Socket Faceplates: Finishes, USB-C, and the Back Box Depth Trap
UK guide to socket faceplates: white plastic from £1.65, brushed chrome from £7, USB-C sockets, brand quality rankings, and how many you actually need per room.
Switch Faceplates: Gangs, Ways, Dimmers, and the LED Trap Nobody Warns You About
Complete UK guide to light switch faceplates: 1-way vs 2-way, dimmer LED compatibility, smart switch neutral wire problem, prices from £1.09, and every mistake to avoid.
1.5mm Twin and Earth Cable (6242Y): The UK Lighting Circuit Standard
Everything you need to know about 1.5mm T&E cable for lighting circuits: what 6242Y means, current prices (around £55-60 per 100m drum), brands, and the EPS insulation mistake that ruins cables.
2.5mm Twin and Earth Cable (6242Y): The UK Socket Circuit Standard
Everything you need to know about 2.5mm T&E cable for socket circuits: ring vs radial explained, current prices (around £79-84 per 100m drum), brands, and the derating trap in insulated walls.
6mm Twin and Earth Cable (6242Y): Cooker and Shower Circuit Wiring
Complete guide to 6mm T&E cable for cooker, hob, and shower circuits: when 6mm is enough vs 10mm, derating through insulation, current UK prices from £100-125 per 50m drum.