Sparky Speak Definitions

If an electrician says a word you don’t know, have a look at the lingo list below. If you still don’t understand, give me a call or drop me a line

AC	Alternating Current
ADOS	Automatic Disconnection of Supply
Amp	Unit of electric current
Band I Circuit	Any circuit which runs at less than 50v
Band II Circuit	Any wiring that carries mains voltage
Belling Out	Slang for testing installations
BS7671	The wiring regulations
BESA Box	A conduit fitting box
Cartridge Fuse	A fuse inside a ceramic tube
Clicks	A connection unit usually used in a lighting installation
Class I Equipment	Equipment that runs on mains electricity and requires an earth
Class II Equipment	Equipment that runs on mains electricity and does not require an earth
Consumer Unit	Might also be referred to as a Distribution Board, Board, Wylex Unit, Fuse Board, Mains, Mains Board, Consumer Box, Split Load Board or 17th Edition Board
CPC	Circuit Protective Conductor i.e. earth conductor
CSA	Cross Sectional Area usually of a cable
CTs	Current Transformers
Current	A measure of electricity flowing in a circuit
DC	Direct Current
Earth Fault Loop Impedence	Impedence of the live circuit from a house back to the sub station
Earth Electrode	Usually a Rod but not always – driven into the ground to earth a property. Used in TT earthing systems
Earth Fault	A short circuit between the Live and the Earth
Earthing System	Description of the type of earthing system in use
Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC)	Used for the installation of a new circuit
Exposed Conductive Part	A metal part which can be touched and is not normally live but could become so when basic insulation fails
Extra Low Voltage	A voltage not exceeding 50Volts
Extraneous Conductive Part	A metal part which could under fault conditions introduce a voltage into a property
Fast Fix Box	A socket or switch box usually installed after plastering has taken place
Fault Current	A current which makes your protective device operate
Fault Protection	A system put in place to prevent persons receiving a shock under fault conditions
Impedence	Opposition to current flow
Insulation Resistance	A test on the system to ensure the system is satisfactory for energisation
IP Rating	A rating given to an item for differing degrees of ingress i.e. solids, moisture or water
LABC	Local Authority Building Control
Line Conductor	Usually the live conductor
Main Protective Bonding Conductor	A conductor installed from the Mains earth terminal to all extraneous conductive parts
MET	Main Earthing Terminal
MCB	Miniature Circuit Breaker
Megger	Refers to a brand of testing equipment
Minor Works Certificate	Used for an addition to an existing circuit
OHM	Unit of electrical impedence or resistance
OSG	On Site Guide
Overload Current	An over current in a healthy circuit eg too many items plugged in to a kitchen ring and the MCB keeps tripping
PIR	Periodic Inspection Report is an electrical report on an existing installation
PME	Protective Multiple Earthing
Polarity Testing	To prove a fuse or switch is fitted in the line conductor
Prospective Fault Current	A measurement to simulate the largest fault current which would flow in the event of a short circuit
Pyro	Slang for mineral insulated cable
Resistance	The opposition to current flow
Rewirable Fuse	A fuse wire in a fuse carrier that is open to inspection. Officially BS3036
RCD	A unit that monitors current flow in a circuit and will trip if it detects a small leakage to Earth
Safe Zone	A zone within a wall where buried cables can be safely installed
Short Circuit	A fault occuring between Line and Neutral
Spur	An extension to a ring or radial circuit
Tube	Slang for Conduit of any type
VoltVoltage	Unit of electricity rating usually 230Volts for UK domestic circumstances
Watt	Unit of electric power
Ze	Earth fault loop impedance at the origin of supply
Zs	Earth fault loop impedance at the end of a circuit including the Ze value