FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions &
Electrical Jargon Buster
Welcome to the J. Roper Electrical FAQ and Electrical Jargon Buster page.
Our goal is to provide clear, helpful information so you always understand the electrical work being carried out in your home or rental property.
J. Roper Electrical is committed to delivering a reliable, professional service from start to finish.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss your electrical issue in more detail, we are always happy to help.
An EICR is a detailed inspection of your property's electrical installation.
It identifies defects, deterioration, and potential safety risks such as overloaded circuits or outdated wiring.
J. Roper Electrical provides certified EICRs for homeowners, landlords and businesses across Leicester & Leicestershire.
Rental properties: every 5 years or at the start of a new tenancy.
Homeowners: every 10 years or sooner if the installation is older.
Commercial premises: typically every 5 years.
Homeowners: every 10 years or sooner if the installation is older.
Commercial premises: typically every 5 years.
If your EICR contains C1, C2 or FI codes, you must make the installation safe.
We provide clear guidance and fair pricing for all remedial work — with no upselling or unnecessary recommendations.
1–2 bedrooms: 1.5–2 hours.
3–4 bedrooms: 2–3 hours.
Larger or commercial properties: 3+ hours.
3–4 bedrooms: 2–3 hours.
Larger or commercial properties: 3+ hours.
Yes. We cover all of Leicester & Leicestershire including Oadby, Wigston, Evington, Thurmaston, Syston, Hamilton, Loughborough, and nearby villages.
The landlord is legally responsible.
We can coordinate directly with tenants to arrange access and ensure full compliance.
No major disruption.
Power may be turned off briefly when each circuit is tested, but we minimise inconvenience and work around your schedule.
Yes, highly recommended.
A pre-purchase EICR protects you from hidden electrical problems and unexpected costs after moving in.
Up to £30,000 fines, invalidated insurance, and enforcement action.
Staying compliant protects both the property and tenants.
Yes. We offer fast-response emergency electrical services in Leicester for power loss, dangerous faults, burning smells, and tripping circuits.
Yes, we specialise in consumer unit replacements with RCBO & SPD protection installed to BS 7671 standards.
Yes, we provide Portable Appliance Testing for landlords, HMOs, offices and local businesses.
Landlords must install smoke alarms on every floor and heat detectors in kitchens.
We supply and fit wired or wireless systems to UK safety standards.
Yes — all work is carried out by fully qualified, insured and experienced electricians following the latest 18th Edition Wiring Regulations.
Yes — we provide free, transparent, no-obligation quotes with no hidden fees.
Electrical Jargon Buster
This is here to help you understand some of the common electrical terms.
Electrical Jargon Buster
Electrical terms can be confusing. This jargon buster explains some of the most common words you will hear when we talk about inspections, EICRs, rewires and general electrical work in Leicester homes and rental properties.
British Standards (e.g. BS 7671)
National standards that set the safety requirements for electrical installations in the UK.
BS 7671 (the Wiring Regulations) is the main standard electricians work to.
Building Regulations
Legal rules that cover how building work must be carried out, including electrical safety.
Certain electrical work in homes must comply with Part P of the Building Regulations.
Certificate
A formal document issued after electrical work or testing, confirming what has been done
and that it meets the relevant standards (for example, an EICR or installation certificate).
Circuit
A route that electricity flows along, usually protected by a breaker or fuse.
For example, a ring main for sockets or a lighting circuit for one floor.
Circuit Breaker
A protective device in the consumer unit that automatically switches off the power to a circuit
if there is a fault or the circuit is overloaded.
Competent Person
Someone with the right training, knowledge and experience to safely carry out electrical work.
For electrical jobs, this should always mean a properly qualified electrician.
Consumer Unit
Often called the fuse box or distribution board. It is the main control point in the property
where electricity is split into separate circuits and protected by breakers and RCDs.
Distribution Board
Another term for a consumer unit or sub-board. It distributes power to different circuits within
a building or part of a building.
EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report)
A detailed report following an inspection and test of the fixed wiring in a property.
It records the condition of the installation and lists any safety issues or required remedial work.
Electrical Burns
Injuries caused when electricity passes through the body or when skin contacts very hot electrical parts.
A serious safety risk that proper protection and safe systems of work aim to prevent.
Electrical Insulation
Material around cables or components that prevents electricity from escaping or touching
things it shouldn’t, helping to keep people safe from electric shock.
Electric Shock
When electricity passes through a person’s body. Depending on the voltage and path, it can be
minor or life-threatening. Modern protection such as RCDs significantly reduces the risk.
Feed-in Tariff
A former UK scheme that paid households and businesses for electricity generated by renewable
sources, such as solar panels, and exported back to the grid.
Lighting Control
Systems that control how and when lights operate, including dimmers, sensors, timers and smart
controls designed to improve comfort and save energy.
Low Energy Lighting
Lighting that uses much less electricity than traditional bulbs, such as LED fittings, while
producing the same or better levels of light.
Overcurrent
When too much current flows in a circuit, usually because of a fault or too many appliances.
This can lead to overheating or fire, so breakers and fuses are used to disconnect the supply.
Partial Rewire
Replacing and upgrading only certain parts of an electrical installation, rather than rewiring
the whole property. Often done in stages or when specific areas are being refurbished.
Part B
A section of the Building Regulations that deals mainly with fire safety in buildings,
including escape routes and fire protection measures.
Part P
The part of the Building Regulations that covers electrical safety in dwellings.
Certain types of domestic electrical work must be carried out or certified by a competent person
and notified in line with Part P requirements.
PAT (Portable Appliance Testing)
Routine safety checks on portable electrical items such as kettles, extension leads or office
equipment to confirm they are safe to use.
Testing
The process of measuring and checking an electrical installation or appliance using test equipment,
to confirm it is safe, correctly wired and meets current standards.
PIR
Historically used for “Periodic Inspection Report”, now replaced by the term EICR.
Also commonly used for “Passive Infrared” sensors that detect movement for lighting or alarms.
PLI (Public Liability Insurance)
Insurance held by a business or contractor that covers injury or damage claims from members of the public
arising from their work.
Portable Equipment
Electrical equipment that can be easily moved and plugged into a socket, such as power tools,
kettles, vacuum cleaners or extension reels.
RCD (Residual Current Device)
A safety device that quickly disconnects the power if it detects electricity flowing through an
unintended path, such as through a person to earth. It greatly reduces the risk of electric shock.
Registered Electrician
An electrician who is registered with an approved scheme (such as NICEIC or NAPIT).
Registration itself is not the only requirement – they must also be appropriately qualified and competent
to carry out the work they are offering.
Rewire
The process of replacing the existing wiring, accessories and often the consumer unit in a property.
A full rewire brings an older installation up to modern safety and usage standards.
Volt (V)
The unit used to measure electrical voltage. In UK homes the nominal supply is around 230 volts.
Watt (W)
The unit used to measure electrical power – how much energy an appliance uses.
For example, a 10 W LED bulb uses much less power than a 60 W traditional bulb.
Roper Electrical
6 St Georges Way
Leicester
LE1 1QZ
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