Bonding
All metal pipes in buildings must be earthed electrically by linking them all together with wires, which are then connected to earth. This is done to prevent severe electrical shock to persons should the pipes become live through a fault.
Building Regulations
A set of requirements covering new buildings, improvements, extensions, renovation and even maintenance and repairs. The regulations set standards and rules by which those standards can be met and in some cases sets demands for notification and certification.
Cooling Off Period
A period of time allowed to change your mind about a purchase decision. Currently, goods and services that are sold unsolicited are subject in law to a seven day cooling off period.
Circuit
An assembly of electrical equipment supplied from the same origin and protected against overcurrent by the same protective device(s).
Circuit-Breaker (MCB)
A device capable of making, carrying and breaking normal load currents and also making and automatically breaking, under predetermined conditions, abnormal currents such as short-circuit currents. It is usually required to operate infrequently although some types are suitable for frequent operation.
Commissioning
In many trades, the adjustment of equipment to ensure optimal performance in terms of safety and efficiency. Sometimes required if manufacturer's warranty cover is to be valid.
Consumer Unit
Also known as a fusebox, consumer control unit or electricity control unit, the mechanism by which circuits are protected by overload.
Distribution Board
An assembly containing switching or protective devices (e.g. fuses, circuit-breakers, residual current operated devices) associated with one or more outgoing circuits fed from one or more incoming circuits, together with terminals for the neutral and protective circuit conductors. It may also include signalling and other control devices. Means of isolation may be included in the board or may be provided separately.
Estimate
A price based on available infomation at time of pricing.
First Fix
Electrical carcassing prior to plaster.
Home Information Pack (HIP)
A government backed scheme where certain information about a house being sold is supplied by the seller (also known as the home sellers pack). Launched June 2007.
Installation Certificate
A certificate that is used to confirm that work carried out complies with the regulations, it is used for new circuits / installations
Insurance Backed Warranty
A six year warranty that covers the consumer in the event of poor workmanship or failure to complete work. This cover is in place from the moment a contract is signed and is triggered if other steps to correct the problem are unsuccessful.
Making Good
The finishing touches that bring work up to scratch.
Minor Works Certificate
A certificate that is used to confirm the works carried out complies with the regulations, it is only used on modified existing circuits.
Notification
Within the building regulations some services must be notified. If being carried out by a member of a Competent Persons Scheme such as NAPIT this can be self certified by the Member who will notify NAPIT. If not, the householder is responsible for notifying the intended work to the local authority building control department before work commences and they will determine inspection requirements and charges over and above the work done by the tradesperson.
Portable Appliance Testing
Testing of portable electrical equipment.
Quote
A fixed price that is binding.
RCD
Residual Current Device, a protective device on an electric circuit.
Ring main
Power circuit for sockets.
Second Fix
Items fitted following plastering.
TrustMark
A scheme backed by Government that recognizes tradespersons who are willing to sign up to consumer protection rules and lead the fight against cowboys.
Periodic Inspection Report
A detailed condition report on an electrical installation.
Visual Inspection
A report that does not invole any circuit testing but allows a basic report on the condition of the electrical instlation to be carried out.