Useful Resources

Low-carbon technologies – Plugging the skills gap

Low-carbon technologies – Plugging the skills gap As demand for new low-carbon technologies continues to increase, the UK is being faced with a skills gap. While the government has set ambitious net-zero targets, there currently aren’t enough qualified individuals to support these initiatives and meet the fast-approaching low-carbon goals. In this article, we’re going to […]

Keeping your kitchen energy efficient

Keeping your kitchen energy efficient As UK consumers continue to feel the pinch of the cost of living crisis, more and more people are looking for ways to save money without having to completely give up their lifestyles. The skyrocketing price of food and energy means that the kitchen is a key area to focus […]

How to get recommended as an electrician

How to get recommended as an electrician Your reputation can make or break your business, and this is particularly important for small businesses or those who are self employed and rely on recommendations to expand their client base. Regular recommendations support financial stability, helping you to ensure a consistent stream of work without needing to […]

Electrician Insurance Requirements

Electrician Insurance Requirements Working as an electrician can be a rewarding and fulfilling career full of interesting projects and challenges. Whether it’s installing wiring, repairing electrical systems or carrying out maintenance work, electricians play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and functionality of various properties. However, the work carries a lot of responsibility and […]

The Cost of Keeping Cool

The Cost of Keeping Cool With the arrival of the warmer weather and summer on its way, now is the time to start thinking about rescuing your old fans from the back of the cupboard or out of the loft. However, are these fans meeting your needs? Are they the correct type of fan for […]

Electric Vehicles: Boom or Bust?

Electric Vehicles: Boom or Bust? In seven years’ time, the UK government plans to ban the sale of all new petrol and diesel vehicles. After this point anyone wanting to purchase a new vehicle will have to make the switch to either an electric vehicle or hybrid. However, with the recent increase in electricity prices […]

Evolution of the Trades: The skilled jobs on the rise and decline

Evolution of the Trades: The skilled jobs on the rise and decline Over the past decade many trades have been unable to meet the increasing demand for business as their ageing workforces fail to be replaced. While several Governments’ have launched various schemes to try and address this issue, in many trades time is running […]

Become a fully qualified Electrician with EC4U

Become a fully qualified Electrician with EC4U Electrician Courses 4U are pleased to announce that we will soon be launching 3 new courses to help you on your journey to becoming a fully qualified electrician. From early 2023, we will begin offering the following qualifications: – City and Guilds 2365-02 Level 2 Diploma in Electrical […]

Qualifications Explained

Qualifications Explained The types of qualifications available across all industries can be quite bewildering, with different levels, awards, certificates, diplomas and degrees, NVQ’s vocational qualifications and others, it’s easy to get confused. Typically, qualifications are ordered by their size i.e. how long they take to complete and their difficulty i.e. how hard they are to […]

Gadget Electrical Safety

Gadget Electrical Safety Did you know that every year over half of all accidental domestic fires are caused by an electrical fault? As the number of gadgets and devices in our houses continue to rise, so does the number of dangerous counterfeit devices, batteries and chargers. This is why more than ever we need to […]

How to Understand an EICR

How to Understand an EICR Are you a landlord or homeowner that has recently had an EICR completed on your property? Struggling to understand the results of the EICR given to you? Our guide to decoding the EICR will help you understand exactly what each part of the report is there for and what it […]

Gold Card Electrician vs Registered Domestic Electrician

Gold Card Electrician vs Registered Domestic Electrician Not sure if you need to get a Gold Card? Confused about the difference between having a Gold Card and being a Registered Domestic Electrician? With so many different schemes available to electricians, it is no wonder that people get confused over which qualifications they need to complete […]

How to become a Qualified Supervisor with EC4U

How to become a Qualified Supervisor with EC4U Looking to become a Qualified Supervisor with a Part P Scheme Provider? EC4U have designed a unique and flexible solution which allows you to both gain experience and business whilst working towards your Qualified Supervisor qualification. Why do I need to become a Qualified Supervisor? In order […]

Mental Health Awareness In The Workplace

Mental Health Awareness In The Workplace Every 2 seconds, someone Google’s ‘depression’ in the UK. Not only this, there are 22 searches a minute for ‘stress’ and even 21 a minute for ‘anxiety’. It can easily be said that mental health illnesses are undoubtedly becoming more common than many realise. Despite this, there is a stigma […]

How to become an electric vehicle (EV) charger installer

How to become an electric vehicle (EV) charger installer The UK is set to ban the sale of new diesel and petrol cars within the next decade, by 2030. After this date, you will only be able to buy new electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid cars until 2035. With the sales of new EVs set […]

How to handle a late invoice payment

How to handle a late invoice payment. Have you ever been paid late? Have you ever had to chase a customer or business to pay you for a service or goods? Whether you’re a freelancer, a small business owner or a tradesperson, one of the most frustrating parts of running a business is getting paid […]

What is the difference between our Domestic Electrician routes?

What is the difference between our Domestic Electrician routes? If you find yourself confused with the different domestic course routes available to you, we are breaking down our most popular course options, what makes them all different and which one is most suitable for you. What domestic courses are available? At Electrician Courses 4U, we […]

How to build a website for your small business

How to build a website for your small business Your website is your digital storefront. Even if you aren’t selling anything, you will still be selling yourself, for example those with services such as a tradesperson or accountant, which is why your website is such an important part of your online presence. Whether you are […]

Branding Your Business

Branding your business When considering the branding for your small business, there are several things you need to think about and several pitfalls to avoid. Naming your business Meaning something to your customer The first and perhaps most obvious point is that the name of your business needs to mean something to your potential customers. […]

Guide to VAT for Tradespeople

Guide to VAT for Tradespeople We are used to seeing VAT added onto items we buy or expecting it to be there, but what does it mean for a tradesperson? Does every tradesperson have to be VAT registered? What is the VAT threshold? Is it a good thing to be VAT registered? What is VAT? […]

What electrical installation work can I do after becoming a Domestic Installer?

What electrical installation work can I do after becoming a Domestic Installer? Electrical work in the home is broken into two distinct areas under Part P of the Building Regulations; non-notifiable/minor works and notifiable works. Once completing either our Domestic Electrician Course or our Domestic Electrician Package, you will be a qualified domestic installer and […]

Guide to planning permission and building control process

Guide to planning permission and building control process Planning permission and building control can often be complex and confusing. We are breaking down what they are, what they are for, how they work and most importantly, how to apply it to your own home. What is planning permission? Planning Permission is, as the name suggests, […]

Van Insurance Comparison Guide

Van Insurance Comparison Guide It is a legal requirement to insure your van, but you shouldn’t always settle for a basic level of cover. Within this guide, we will be exploring the different levels of cover, how different factors such as car weight and performance, as well as optional add ons and important things to […]

IP Ratings Explained

IP Ratings Explained When installing lights in your home or purchasing electrical equipment, you need to be aware of what IP codes are and how they affect your product choices. What is an IP Code? IP codes are shorthand for International Protection Marking IEC Standard 60529, quite often you will hear IP referred to as […]

Health and Safety Policies: PUWER

Health and Safety Policies: PUWER In the third part of our Health and Safety Policy series, we’re going to take a look at PUWER and how it can affect you as a business. What is PUWER? PUWER stands for the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. It places duties on people and companies […]

Health and Safety Policies: COSHH

Health and Safety Policies: COSHH In this Health and Safety Policy article we are going to be taking a look at COSHH and what you need to do to make it a part of your Health and Safety Policy. What is COSHH? COSHH stands for the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health. More specifically in […]

Health and Safety Policies: Risk Assessments

Health and Safety Policies: Risk Assessments One of the requirements for joining a Part P scheme provider, such as the NICEIC, is that you have a Health and Safety Policy Statement and that you carry out Risk Assessments as appropriate. In a series of resources, we are going to be looking at the various elements […]

Electrical Safety for the Elderly

Electrical Safety for the Elderly The elderly are statistically more vulnerable when it comes to electrical safety, and ultimately fires. With many aged 65 years and over living in homes with substandard electrical safety and often misusing electrical appliances, it puts them at a much greater risk for accidents to happen. Through our research, we […]

How to Become an OZEV Authorised Installer

How to Become an OZEV Authorised Installer If you are an installer or homeowner looking to have an electric vehicle charging point installed in a domestic premises, you may be eligible for an EV charge point grant. This used to be known as the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme grant. These grants offer you the chance […]

All you need to know about Asbestos

All you need to know about Asbestos This guide is written to give you a brief overview on asbestos – what it is, why it was used, where it can be found and what should be done if you either know or suspect that it is present. For more detailed explanations on the legalities surrounding […]

Costs of Notifying Building Control across England and Wales

Costs of Notifying Building Control across England and Wales The costs to notify your local building control of notifiable electrical work varies throughout England and Wales, with many differing factors such as the type of electrical work, your qualifications and your location. We have researched through local authorities and building partnerships to find out how […]

What you need to know about Portable Appliance Testing

What you need to know about Portable Appliance Testing PAT testing is something that most people have heard of but may not be 100% sure of what it is and why it needs to be performed. In this article we are going to be take an in-depth look at the ins and outs of Pat […]

Tool Insurance Comparison Guide

Tool Insurance Comparison Guide Tool theft is now at an all time high in the UK, with stolen tools costing tradespeople a staggering £94,521,600 in 2016 and a total of 23,859 incidents of tool theft from a van in 2017/18. There are various things you can do to your van to ensure it is more […]

Beginners Guide to Electrical Terminology

Beginners Guide to Electrical Terminology If you’re new to the industry, the language used can appear quite daunting at first. This guide looks at some key terms and phrases that you’ll be learning about and using during your electrical training with us. Cables   Cable – A cable is made up of one or more […]

What you need to know about Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDD’s)

What you need to know about AFDD’s New to the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations is the recommendation of AFDD’s. We have put together a complete guide to help you better understand what an AFDD is, why and if you need one, how they work and the different types available for domestic dwellings. What is an […]

Complete Guide to Fire Alarms for your Home

Complete Guide to Fire Alarms for your Home Fire alarms, also known as smoke alarms, are devices which detect fire, smoke and heat and then sound an alarm as a warning. They can be fitted to either the ceiling or a wall and allow you extra time to escape. Without a fire alarm fitted in […]

Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR): what you need to know

Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR): what you need to know Otherwise known as landlord electrical certificate, EICR report, Periodic Inspection, or home condition reports. Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR’s) are important for any homeowner, landlord or tenant, to ensure the safety and condition of the electrical wiring in the property. If you’re not sure what […]

Renewable Energy: The facts and how it works

Renewable Energy: The facts and how it works In 2017, 30% of our electricity came from renewable energy sources, a 5% increase from 2016. The demand is ever growing and more households are investing in their own green energy too. Find out more about renewable energy sources around the world, the UK’s largest renewable sites […]

What effects do the different types of thermal insulation have on your electrical installation?

What effects do the different types of thermal insulation have on your electrical installation? BS7671 states that wherever possible, cables should be installed so as to avoid thermal insulation. However, due to the increasing use of thermal insulation in residential properties, to both reduce the cost of heating bills and to give a good energy […]

Find the right trusted tradesmen scheme for you

Find the right trusted tradesmen scheme for you With the digital age now upon us, less and less people will flick through the yellow pages to find a tradesperson. Online tradespeople directories are thriving with tradespeople seeking work, with their profiles full of reviews and their 10 star ratings. But what can these trade directories […]

Inside the Consumer Unit

Inside the consumer unit The electricity that powers your home has one source, the consumer unit (otherwise known as the fuse box), and it controls and distributes the power in your home through different circuits. In our third instalment of ‘Inside the Wiring’ we are looking inside the consumer unit and explaining what’s inside, as […]

Van Security for Tradespeople: How to keep your van safe from thieves

Van Security for Tradespeople: How to keep your van safe from thieves Van security should be a top priority for tradespeople. With your tools and materials vulnerable inside your van and your livelihood depending on them, it’s important that your van is secure and protected from thieves. There has been a rising number of van […]

The Ultimate Guide to the Best Electrician Apps

The Ultimate Guide to the Best Electrician Apps There is an app for everything in today’s advancing technology, and that includes apps for electricians, meaning you can spend more time on the job and less time worrying about accounts and invoices. In 2019, there were 204 billion app downloads made and this is predicted to rise […]

Inside the Socket

Inside the Socket Every home has sockets, whether they are used for kitchen appliances, gadgets or even lights. But what is inside a power socket? What makes them work? In our latest guide, we are looking inside a socket to find out how they work, modern socket designs available, dangers in the home and FAQs […]

Inside the Lighting Circuit

Inside the Lighting Circuit In our new series, we are looking inside the circuit to find out what components make up a pendant lighting circuit, dangers to look out for and also answer common questions asked by homeowners and electricians. This resource focuses on common light fixtures and lighting switches found in the home. Please remember if […]

How much electricity does your home use and what does it cost to run?

How much electricity does your home use and what does it cost to run? With the huge energy price increases, people have never been more conscious of the energy usage. It’s important to look at the expensive appliances in your home and see how you can try and save money. We have collated the average […]

How to apply for an ECS card from the JIB

How to apply for an ECS card from the JIB Please note- WE ARE NOT THE ECS. To apply for a card, please contact the ECS direct on 01322 661600. With so many cards and schemes available for electricians, it can often get a bit confusing. If you are looking to get an ECS card or […]

How to boost your electrical business and save money

How to boost your electrical business and save money The electrical industry is now worth more than £16.6 billion, as reported by NICEIC, and the opportunities for work are growing at a staggering rate. We’re here to help you boost your electrical business and maximise on the opportunities out there waiting for you! There is […]

UK Wiring Colours – The Old and the New

UK Wiring Colours – The Old and the New Have you checked the colours of the wiring in your home? Are you planning on rewiring your home or taking some electrician courses? Electrical wiring colours were changed in 2006 and it’s important to know what to look for. New vs Old Wiring Colours In 2006, […]

Different electric cables around your home

Different electric cables around your home Around your home you will find a variety of electric cables that have all been installed with a different purpose in mind. From everyday electrical items to two way lighting switches, each cable is tailored to a specific use. Each cable carries an electrical current through your home and […]

Indoor & Outdoor Christmas Decoration Ideas

Indoor & Outdoor Christmas Decoration Ideas With the festive season finally arriving, the cold weather settling in and the Christmas adverts rolling on TV, it’s time to pull out your decorations and decorate your home! This year we’ve pulled together some Christmas decoration ideas to inspire you this festive season! Indoor Christmas Decoration Ideas If […]

Shortage of Electricians in the UK

Shortage of Electricians in the UK Skilled trades are one of the most in demand job in the UK, yet employers are struggling to fill vacancies. The demand for electricians is far exceeding the supply, presenting the perfect opportunity for other skilled trades to add electrics to their business and capitalise on the demand. Electricians […]

Children’s Electrical Safety

Children’s Electrical Safety Electrical dangers lurk in your home, whether you know it or not. From plug socket covers, no RCD protection, and overheating gadgets, it’s important to spot these hazards before they spark and cause harm to you and your family. Children are naturally inquisitive about what adults do, and it’s important we teach them the […]

How do I join a Part P Scheme Provider and Become an NICEIC Domestic Installer

How to join a Part P scheme provider and become an NICEIC domestic installer Government Approved Part P scheme providers, such as the NICEIC, are designed to make sure electricians are working to the current Building & Wiring Regulations and safety standards for domestic dwellings. By joining a Part P scheme provider, registered electricians are able […]

New EAL Qualifications Available

New EAL Qualifications Available We are the first electrical training centre to be delivering the brand new qualifications with EAL. EC4U wants to give its customers the choice of which qualification is best suited to them and their learning needs – City & Guilds or EAL! Please feel free to share our ‘New EAL Qualifications […]

The Average Electrician Salary for 2023

The Average Electrician Salary for 2023 Using statistics from the Government Office for National Statistics (ONS) we can work out that the national average electrician salary is £35,150. This figure has been attained in accordance to all regional percentage differences of electrician salaries, which are all listed below. Where you are located in the UK determines […]

Does my house need rewiring?

Does my house need rewiring? Rewiring a house has many factors to consider such as cost, how long it will take and how the work will affect your day-to-day life whilst the project is ongoing. To uncover what is involved during the rewiring of a home, we have compiled a guide to help answer any […]

Life with no electricity

Life with no electricity Taking away electricity means rethinking your entire day and planning how you can function without the means of simply plugging something in. No electricity results in a complete loss of normality. We are exploring alternative energy sources, living off the grid and how life with no electricity impacts us, to make you think, […]

Amazing Facts You Didn’t Know About The World

Amazing Facts You Didn’t Know About the World Did you know that it once rained fish? The world is a weird and fascinating place and we have found some of the most interesting facts that you didn’t know! Check out the infographic below on the world we live in and learn something new today! Please […]

Your Guide to Becoming Self Employed

Your Guide to Becoming Self Employed So you’ve got your qualifications and experience, it’s now time to set yourself up in business. We’ve put together this resource to guide you through the process of becoming self employed. Find out the benefits of being a sole trader or a limited company, and the downsides to each of […]

How to do DIY electrics safely

How to do DIY electrics safely Over the last few months, we have tried to increase public awareness on safe electrics and the importance of hiring a registered electrician to carry out work in your home. However, we understand that homeowners have a right and will complete DIY work in their home. With the rising […]

How to Spot Rogue Traders

How to Spot Rogue Traders We want to tell you how to spot a rogue trader and where you can find registered tradespeople who are skilled and qualified for the job. With more 1.5 million complaints made to Trading Standards last year, we want you to give you the confidence to hire a reputable tradesperson, […]

The Complete Guide to LED Christmas Lights

The Complete Guide to LED Christmas Lights Christmas has arrived again, with lights being wrapped around homes all over the country, Christmas trees being chopped and families and friends making plans to celebrate together. To make sure your festive season is safe and that nothing comes between you & the turkey, we recommend following simple checks. Before […]

Part P of the Building Regulations Explained to the Public

Part P of the Building Regulations Explained to the Public Did you know that Part P is the only legislation that protects homeowners from unsafe electrical installation work? Well neither does 86% of the public! We believe the government and scheme providers should have a duty of care to raise awareness on the importance on Part […]

Shocking Electricity Statistics and Facts

Shocking Electricity Statistics and Facts Do you know what level of voltage can kill you? Well we have the answers! Check out these facts about electricity, from Google to New York to renewable energy, and learn something new today! New York the Electric City New York currently holds the record for most electrical firsts, with the […]

Electrical Safety Guide for Landlords and Tenants

Electrical Safety Guide for Landlords and Tenants It’s extremely important to know that the property you are renting or the property you own as a landlord is electrically safe. With new regulations in England coming into force for smoke alarms and the staggering increase in category 1 hazard homes being rented out, it’s imperative to […]

Electrician Awareness Guide for Homeowners

How much do you know about what electricians do? Are you aware of the regulations they must follow? Do you ask for proof before they carry out work in your home? Is your electrician registered with a government approved scheme? These are all important questions homeowners need to ask themselves when thinking about hiring an electrician to carry out work in their homes… Get all the answers with our Electricians Awareness Guide.

What to look for when hiring an electrician

Hiring an electrician isn’t a decision to be taken lightly. A recent survey found that when hiring an electrician just 87% of customers look for an ID badge linking the tradesperson to a government-approved Part P scheme. This infographic looks at some of the things consumers should look for when hiring an electrician. References – Although […]

Getting started as an electrician

Getting started as an electrician: 7 Useful Tips! If you are considering a future as an electrician our 7 top tips for getting started as a domestic electrician can help. Get qualified – You will require industry recognised qualifications to show that you are competent to undertake electrical installations. Get tooled up – When you […]

How to become an electrician

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