Guides

Practice tools, quick reference and cable size guides for common jobs.

Interactive Safe isolation trainer Put the 7 steps in order, from getting permission to re-proving your tester. Then spot the one mistake in random scenarios. Start the trainer

Worked cable sizes for common jobs, with the working shown.

• A cookerMost home cookers go on a 32 A circuit. Clipped direct that's 4 mm² twin and earth, but in insulation it can be 6 or 10 mm². Worked example with diversity.
• A 7 kW EV chargerA 7 kW home EV charger needs a dedicated 32 A circuit. 4 mm² twin and earth works clipped direct up to about 32 m; 6 mm² is common for longer runs.
• An induction hobA typical 7.4 kW induction hob goes on a 32 A circuit: at least 4 mm² twin and earth clipped direct, 6 or 10 mm² in insulation. Worked example with an oven.
• LightingHome lighting circuits usually use 1.0 or 1.5 mm² twin and earth on a 6 A breaker. Voltage drop limit is 3 %, so check long runs. Worked LED example.
• An electric showerAn 8.5 or 9.5 kW shower usually needs a 40 A circuit: 6 mm² twin and earth clipped direct, 10 mm² or more in insulation. No diversity, 30 mA RCD.
• SocketsUK socket circuits: a 32 A ring final in 2.5 mm² twin and earth, a 20 A radial in 2.5 mm² or a 32 A radial in 4 mm². Floor areas, spurs and RCD rules.

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