The Power Team Blog
Electrical guides written by qualified electricians
Plain-English guides on fuse board upgrades, EV chargers, RCDs, surge protection, and everything in between — no jargon, just useful information.
Rewireable Fuse Board: Why Your Old Fuse Box Is More Dangerous Than You Think
A rewireable fuse board offers no RCD protection, no neutral fault detection, and no surge protection — and wrong fuse wire can cause a fire inside your walls with no warning. Here is why these boards are still the most dangerous consumer units in UK homes.
Tethered vs Untethered EV Charger: Which Is Right for You?
Tethered chargers offer maximum convenience with a fixed cable always ready to go. Untethered (socketed) chargers are tidier, more flexible, and future-proof. Here is how to choose.
Why Cheap EICRs Under £100 Are Dangerous — and What a Fake EICR Looks Like
A cheap EICR under £100 is either incomplete or a fabrication. This guide explains the two main types of EICR fraud, how to spot a legitimate electrician, and what a genuine inspection actually costs.
Surge Protection Devices: Why Your Appliances Keep Breaking — and How an SPD Can Save You Thousands
Power surges happen in microseconds and leave no trace — but they can silently destroy your boiler, TV, and white goods years before they should fail. Here is what an SPD does, what the 18th Edition requires, and why plug-in surge protectors cannot protect hardwired appliances.
7kW vs 22kW Home EV Charger: What's the Difference and Which Do You Need?
A 22kW home EV charger sounds appealing — but most UK homes cannot support one and most EVs cannot fully use one. This guide explains the key differences and which option is right for your property.
How Much Does an EICR Cost in the UK?
EICR pricing varies enormously — and not just because of profit margins. This guide explains what a genuine inspection costs, what drives the price, and why a suspiciously cheap quote is a red flag.
Why Your RCD Keeps Tripping — and How an RCBO Consumer Unit Fixes It for Good
Nuisance tripping is not a fault with your appliances — it is a fundamental limitation of shared-RCD consumer units in homes full of modern electronics. Here is exactly why it happens and how an RCBO board fixes it permanently.
Can I Get a Grant for an EV Charger? OZEV and LEVI Scheme Explained
The OZEV EV Chargepoint Grant covers up to £350 towards a home EV charger installation — and Power Team Electrics claims it on your behalf. Here is exactly who qualifies, what it covers, and how the process works.
EICR Codes Explained: What Do C1, C2, C3, and FI Mean?
C1, C2, C3, FI — understanding what the codes on your EICR mean is the first step to knowing what action is required. This guide explains each code in plain language, with real-world examples.
RCD Protection: How Residual Current Devices Save Lives
An RCD monitors the balance between live and neutral current and trips in 30 milliseconds when it detects a fault — fast enough to prevent electrocution. Here is how RCD protection works and why the recommended standard has moved to individual RCBOs on every circuit.
EV Charger Installation Cost UK: What Affects the Price?
A standard home EV charger installation costs between £800 and £1,100 — but cable runs, consumer unit upgrades, and groundwork can add significantly to that. Here is every factor explained.
Is an EICR a Legal Requirement? Landlords vs Homeowners Explained
For landlords in England, an EICR is a statutory legal requirement every five years — with penalties up to £30,000 for non-compliance. For homeowners, there is no legal obligation, but compelling practical reasons to book one regardless.
AFDD: Arc Fault Detection Devices Explained
An AFDD detects the one type of electrical fault that MCBs and RCBOs cannot — arc faults that generate intense heat inside wall cavities. For thatched cottages and timber-frame properties, arc fault detection is not optional.
Do I Need to Upgrade My Consumer Unit for an EV Charger?
Not every property needs a consumer unit upgrade before an EV charger can be installed — but many do. This guide explains what an electrician looks for on survey and when a board upgrade becomes unavoidable.
What Is an EICR? A Homeowner's Plain-English Guide
An EICR is the professional health check for your home's fixed wiring. This plain-English guide explains what the inspection involves, how to read the codes, and what it costs.
Plastic Fuse Boards: The Hidden Fire Hazard in Your Home
Plastic consumer units can ignite under fault conditions. Since January 2019, they have been banned under 18th Edition regulations — here is what that means for your home.
Ready to upgrade your electrical installation?
Power Team Electrics serves the Home Counties. Qualified, registered electricians. 18th Edition compliant.