https://electrasim.com/blog/ Practical house-wiring guides, regulation explainers and ElectraSim release notes. en-GB Mon, 31 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://electrasim.com/blog/how-to-use-interactive-cable-size-and-voltage-drop-calculators/ https://electrasim.com/blog/how-to-use-interactive-cable-size-and-voltage-drop-calculators/ Mon, 31 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT Learn how to calculate cable sizes and voltage drop with interactive visual tools. Explore conductor resistance, single-phase, three-phase, and DC formulas, and verify BS 7671 and IEC 60364 limits. Engineering Tools https://electrasim.com/updates/electrasim-2-0-release/ https://electrasim.com/updates/electrasim-2-0-release/ Mon, 31 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT ElectraSim 2.0 is the learning release: three structured learning modes judged by the real simulation engine, eight Guided Circuits with checklists, a live Fault Lab, compliance reporting, and a multi-standard Electrical Toolbox — plus a long list of honesty and correctness fixes. Here is everything that changed and why. App Update https://electrasim.com/blog/why-has-my-socket-stopped-working/ https://electrasim.com/blog/why-has-my-socket-stopped-working/ Tue, 21 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT A dead socket can come from an appliance, tripped breaker, damaged connection or power cut. Learn safe checks, warning signs and when to call an electrician. Electrical Safety https://electrasim.com/blog/how-does-a-push-button-switch-work/ https://electrasim.com/blog/how-does-a-push-button-switch-work/ Mon, 20 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT Learn how momentary push buttons work, the difference between normally open and normally closed contacts, and how they control doorbells and machinery. Beginner Guide https://electrasim.com/updates/electrasim-v1-6-dark-mode-rcbo-comparison-update/ https://electrasim.com/updates/electrasim-v1-6-dark-mode-rcbo-comparison-update/ Mon, 20 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT ElectraSim v1.6 adds dark mode across the app and website, a new RCBO component, a realistic push button, and a clearer simulator comparison guide. App Update https://electrasim.com/blog/bs-7671-amendment-4-2026-key-changes/ https://electrasim.com/blog/bs-7671-amendment-4-2026-key-changes/ Sun, 19 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT BS 7671 Amendment 4 covers battery storage, powered data cables, ICT earthing and more. Learn what changes in plain English before 15 October 2026. Regulations & Safety https://electrasim.com/blog/why-do-my-lights-flicker-common-causes-safe-checks/ https://electrasim.com/blog/why-do-my-lights-flicker-common-causes-safe-checks/ Sat, 18 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT Flickering lights can mean a loose bulb, an LED and dimmer mismatch, or a wiring fault. Learn safe checks, warning signs, and when to call an electrician. Electrical Safety https://electrasim.com/updates/electrasim-v1-5-performance-accessibility-privacy-update/ https://electrasim.com/updates/electrasim-v1-5-performance-accessibility-privacy-update/ Thu, 16 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT ElectraSim v1.5 feels smoother on larger circuits, improves keyboard use, keeps saving and sharing private, and makes learning content easier to explore. App Update https://electrasim.com/blog/main-protective-bonding-gas-water-earthing-explained/ https://electrasim.com/blog/main-protective-bonding-gas-water-earthing-explained/ Mon, 06 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT Main protective bonding connects incoming metal services such as gas and water to the main earthing terminal. This guide explains bonding, how it differs from earthing, what electricians check, and why it matters during faults. Electrical Safety https://electrasim.com/blog/how-to-test-a-ring-final-circuit/ https://electrasim.com/blog/how-to-test-a-ring-final-circuit/ Sun, 05 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT Learn how electricians test a UK ring final circuit — end-to-end live, neutral and CPC continuity, cross-connection tests at each socket, polarity checks, open ring faults, spurs, and what the readings mean. Wiring Guide https://electrasim.com/blog/how-to-read-electrical-wiring-diagrams/ https://electrasim.com/blog/how-to-read-electrical-wiring-diagrams/ Thu, 02 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT Learn how to read electrical wiring diagrams, understand common symbols, trace live, neutral and earth paths, and test simple circuits safely in ElectraSim. Beginner Guide https://electrasim.com/updates/guided-circuits-electrasim-templates-checklists/ https://electrasim.com/updates/guided-circuits-electrasim-templates-checklists/ Thu, 02 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT ElectraSim now includes Guided Circuits: ready-made circuit templates with in-app checklists for lamps, switches, RCD fault checks, contactors, timer bells, and more. App Update https://electrasim.com/blog/extension-leads-and-power-strips-safety-guide/ https://electrasim.com/blog/extension-leads-and-power-strips-safety-guide/ Wed, 24 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT Every UK household has extension leads and power strips. Most are using them unsafely. This guide covers safe loading, daisy-chaining risks, cable reel fire danger, surge protection, outdoor use, RCD requirements, and the simple calculation that prevents overloads. Electrical Safety https://electrasim.com/blog/electrical-safety-certificates-explained-eicr-eic-mwc/ https://electrasim.com/blog/electrical-safety-certificates-explained-eicr-eic-mwc/ Tue, 23 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT EICR, Electrical Installation Certificate, Minor Works Certificate, Part P compliance — four documents, four different triggers, constant confusion. This guide explains which electrical certificate you need, when, why, and what each one actually proves. Electrical Safety https://electrasim.com/blog/surge-protection-devices-spd-explained/ https://electrasim.com/blog/surge-protection-devices-spd-explained/ Mon, 22 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT Voltage surges from lightning and switching events can destroy electronics silently and instantly. This guide explains how Surge Protection Devices work, the main SPD types, where BS 7671 Amendment 2 requires them, and how to choose the right SPD for a domestic or commercial installation. Intermediate Guide https://electrasim.com/blog/cable-clipping-and-containment-how-to-run-cables-safely/ https://electrasim.com/blog/cable-clipping-and-containment-how-to-run-cables-safely/ Sun, 21 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT How you route and support electrical cables is just as important as choosing the right size. This guide covers every containment method — surface clipping, conduit, trunking, cable tray, concealed runs — and explains the BS 7671 rules on prescribed zones, the 50 mm depth rule, and mechanical protection. Intermediate Guide https://electrasim.com/blog/afdd-arc-fault-detection-devices-explained/ https://electrasim.com/blog/afdd-arc-fault-detection-devices-explained/ Sat, 20 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs) are required by BS 7671 in specific higher-risk residential locations and recommended more widely. This guide explains what AFDDs are, how they detect dangerous arcing faults that MCBs and RCDs miss, where they are required, and whether you need one. Intermediate Guide https://electrasim.com/blog/rcd-protection-zones-consumer-unit-design-guide/ https://electrasim.com/blog/rcd-protection-zones-consumer-unit-design-guide/ Fri, 19 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT Split-load, fully RCBO, whole-board RCD — which layout gives the best protection without constant nuisance trips? This guide explains how RCD protection zones work, how to plan circuit allocation, and what BS 7671 actually requires for new and upgraded consumer units. Intermediate Guide https://electrasim.com/blog/how-to-use-a-multimeter-electrical-testing-guide/ https://electrasim.com/blog/how-to-use-a-multimeter-electrical-testing-guide/ Tue, 16 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT A multimeter is the most useful tool in any electrician's or DIYer's kit. This UK guide covers voltage, continuity, resistance, and current measurements — how to set up the meter, what the readings mean, and how to use a multimeter safely on domestic wiring. Tips & Tricks https://electrasim.com/blog/landlord-electrical-safety-obligations-uk/ https://electrasim.com/blog/landlord-electrical-safety-obligations-uk/ Tue, 16 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT UK landlords have clear legal obligations for electrical safety — EICR checks, safe supplied appliances, Part P notification for new work, and RCD protection expectations. This guide covers every obligation, the penalties for non-compliance, and what to do when an inspection reveals a problem. Electrical Safety https://electrasim.com/blog/how-to-wire-a-lighting-circuit/ https://electrasim.com/blog/how-to-wire-a-lighting-circuit/ Mon, 15 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT A complete UK guide to wiring a domestic lighting circuit from the consumer unit — cable sizing, MCB selection, loop-in method, junction box method, switch drops, two-way switching, and how many lights a circuit can supply. Includes step-by-step wiring for both methods. Wiring Guide https://electrasim.com/blog/how-to-wire-a-pir-motion-sensor-light-switch/ https://electrasim.com/blog/how-to-wire-a-pir-motion-sensor-light-switch/ Sun, 14 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT A PIR motion sensor switch automatically turns lights on when it detects movement and off after a set time. This UK guide covers how PIR switches work, the difference between 2-wire and 3-wire units, step-by-step wiring for indoor and outdoor installations, override switching, and Part P rules. Wiring Guide https://electrasim.com/blog/uk-wire-colours-old-vs-new-explained/ https://electrasim.com/blog/uk-wire-colours-old-vs-new-explained/ Sat, 13 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT The UK changed its electrical wiring colour code in 2004. This guide explains what changed, why it changed, how to identify old and new wiring, what the colours mean in single-phase and three-phase systems, and how to work safely on installations that mix both. Beginner Guide https://electrasim.com/blog/how-to-add-a-spur-from-a-ring-main/ https://electrasim.com/blog/how-to-add-a-spur-from-a-ring-main/ Fri, 12 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT Adding a spur from a ring main is one of the most common DIY electrical tasks in the UK. This guide covers BS 7671 spur rules, fused vs unfused spurs, how to find a safe take-off point, step-by-step wiring, and when the work is notifiable under Part P. Wiring Guide https://electrasim.com/blog/how-to-wire-a-kitchen-dedicated-circuits/ https://electrasim.com/blog/how-to-wire-a-kitchen-dedicated-circuits/ Thu, 11 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT A kitchen needs more dedicated circuits than any other room in the house. This UK guide covers ring mains, cooker circuits, washing machine, dishwasher, fridge, under-cabinet lights, and how to plan your consumer unit allocation — all to BS 7671. Wiring Guide https://electrasim.com/blog/eicr-codes-explained-c1-c2-c3-fi/ https://electrasim.com/blog/eicr-codes-explained-c1-c2-c3-fi/ Sat, 06 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT Your EICR report lists observations with codes C1, C2, C3, or FI. This guide explains what each code means, which faults produce which codes, what remedial work costs, and what happens if you ignore a C2 finding on a rented property. Electrical Safety https://electrasim.com/blog/electric-underfloor-heating-wiring-guide/ https://electrasim.com/blog/electric-underfloor-heating-wiring-guide/ Sat, 06 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT Electric underfloor heating provides comfortable warmth without radiators. This UK guide explains mat vs cable systems, 230 V vs SELV options, thermostat wiring, load calculations, floor insulation requirements, and safe installation. Wiring Guide https://electrasim.com/blog/electrical-load-calculations-for-home-circuits/ https://electrasim.com/blog/electrical-load-calculations-for-home-circuits/ Sat, 06 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT Calculating electrical load is essential for planning circuits, sizing consumer units, and ensuring your installation can handle demand. This guide explains how to calculate total house load, apply diversity factors, and plan circuit distribution for UK homes. Beginner Guide https://electrasim.com/blog/part-p-building-regulations-explained/ https://electrasim.com/blog/part-p-building-regulations-explained/ Sat, 06 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT Part P of the Building Regulations covers electrical safety in dwellings. This guide explains what is notifiable in England, what is not, the three routes to compliance, what happens if you skip notification, and how to plan a Part P-notifiable job safely. Regulations & Safety https://electrasim.com/blog/solar-pv-and-battery-storage-basics-for-homeowners/ https://electrasim.com/blog/solar-pv-and-battery-storage-basics-for-homeowners/ Sat, 06 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT Solar PV panels generate DC electricity that must be converted to AC for home use. This guide explains how solar panels work, inverter wiring, battery storage integration, earthing requirements, and DNO notification for UK installations. Beginner Guide https://electrasim.com/blog/how-to-install-an-ev-charger-dedicated-circuit-guide/ https://electrasim.com/blog/how-to-install-an-ev-charger-dedicated-circuit-guide/ Sat, 30 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT Installing an EV charger at home requires a dedicated high-current circuit, PEN fault protection for PME supplies, and often DNO notification. This UK guide covers 7 kW and 22 kW chargers, cable sizing, earthing requirements, and safe installation. Wiring Guide https://electrasim.com/blog/how-to-wire-a-smart-doorbell-ring-nest/ https://electrasim.com/blog/how-to-wire-a-smart-doorbell-ring-nest/ Sat, 30 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT Installing a wired smart doorbell requires a compatible transformer, correct voltage, and often bypassing the existing chime. This guide covers 8–24 V transformer wiring, AC vs DC, chime compatibility, and safe SELV installation. Wiring Guide https://electrasim.com/blog/how-to-wire-an-immersion-heater-cylinder/ https://electrasim.com/blog/how-to-wire-an-immersion-heater-cylinder/ Sat, 30 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT Immersion heaters provide backup or primary hot water heating. This UK guide explains single and dual element wiring, timer and boost switch connections, cable sizing, and Economy 7 off-peak heating setups. Wiring Guide https://electrasim.com/blog/how-to-wire-a-fused-connection-unit-fcu/ https://electrasim.com/blog/how-to-wire-a-fused-connection-unit-fcu/ Fri, 29 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT A Fused Connection Unit provides fused protection for permanently connected appliances. This UK guide explains how to wire switched and unswitched FCUs, when to use them, fuse ratings, and the rules for adding spurs to ring circuits. Wiring Guide https://electrasim.com/blog/how-to-wire-an-electric-shower-cable-size-mcb-guide/ https://electrasim.com/blog/how-to-wire-an-electric-shower-cable-size-mcb-guide/ Fri, 29 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT Electric showers draw 40–50 A and need dedicated high-current circuits. This UK guide explains cable sizing, MCB/RCBO selection, double-pole isolation, routing requirements, and Part P notification for safe shower installation. Wiring Guide https://electrasim.com/blog/pat-testing-explained-portable-appliance-testing/ https://electrasim.com/blog/pat-testing-explained-portable-appliance-testing/ Fri, 29 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT PAT testing checks that electrical appliances are safe to use. This guide explains what gets tested, how often, the legal requirements for landlords and employers, and the difference between PAT and EICR. Electrical Safety https://electrasim.com/blog/how-to-trace-an-electrical-fault-safely/ https://electrasim.com/blog/how-to-trace-an-electrical-fault-safely/ Mon, 25 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT Electrical fault finding starts with symptoms, isolation, safe testing, and pattern recognition. This guide explains how to narrow down RCD trips, MCB trips, dead sockets, flickering lights, open circuits, reverse polarity, and earth faults without taking unsafe risks. Electrical Safety https://electrasim.com/blog/why-does-my-mcb-keep-tripping/ https://electrasim.com/blog/why-does-my-mcb-keep-tripping/ Mon, 25 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT An MCB that keeps tripping is usually caused by overload, short circuit, appliance failure, damaged wiring, or an incorrectly rated breaker. This guide explains how to identify the cause safely and when to call an electrician. Electrical Safety https://electrasim.com/blog/why-does-my-rcd-keep-tripping/ https://electrasim.com/blog/why-does-my-rcd-keep-tripping/ Mon, 25 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT An RCD that keeps tripping is usually detecting earth leakage, moisture, appliance faults, damaged cables, or nuisance leakage from multiple devices. This guide explains the causes and gives a safe step-by-step checklist for narrowing down the problem. Electrical Safety https://electrasim.com/blog/consumer-unit-upgrade-what-to-expect/ https://electrasim.com/blog/consumer-unit-upgrade-what-to-expect/ Sun, 24 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT Upgrading an old fuse board to a modern consumer unit with RCDs and RCBOs is the single most impactful electrical safety improvement you can make to a UK home. This guide explains what changes, what the process involves, how long it takes, and what it costs. Electrical Safety