50plus knowledge centre

Welcome to the knowledge centre. These pages are for use by both 50plus personel and customers. All are welcome to utilise the information whilst noting that it is provided without warranty and that much requires qualified interpretation.

Many of the entries provide information on how long jobs take. Time can be translated into costs by using the appropriate rate for the geographical area in which the work is required. Charges for all areas in which 50plus offers service are available here. Do remember that circumstances vary and that these articles can only act as a guide.

If you would like to contribute information or have a comment we'd like to hear from you. Email us at enquiries@the50plus.co.uk.

Please note that this page includes links to some files that can be downloaded. In general downloaded files will open in a new window or tab if double clicked. To obtain a download proceed as follows:
(i) click on the link to open the file
(ii) save a local copy.

Content is arranged in alphabetical order. Some entries are duplcated where more than one word is commonly used to describe an item.

Electrical: bath & shower room zones (18th Edition)

Electrical cable routes: permitted (18th Edition)

Electrical fault finding typical costs and questions

Electrical fuse boxes & consumer units (UK) in pictures

Electrical lighting works typical costs and questions

Emergency at home - actions to take (plumbing, electrical, water, boiler shutdown, gas, condensation)

Emergency lighting testing

Electrical power outage - action to take

Electrical periodic inspection reports. Note that Periodic Inspection Reports became Electrical Installation Condition Reports from January 2012. Requirements for landlords periodic electrical inspections (EICRs) are set out on our agent and landlords pages.

Electrical Safety Council Best Practice Guides:

Electric shower cable size look up table

Electric shower installation

Electrical sockets typical costs and questions

Electricity: working on incoming power

Electricity supply MPAN (supply) number) format

Emergency lighting testing

Equipotential bonding diagram and picture

Extractor fan cabling

Extractor fan replacement typical costs and questions

Paint and decorating typical costs and questions

Part P of the Building Regulations

Part P pocket guide

PAT testing: It is a myth that PAT testing (portable appliance testing) is required an all portable appliances every year. The HSE (Health & Safety Executive) have published guidelines. A leaflet with regard to low risk environments such as offices can be downloaded here. You can read on-line guidance here.

Permitted electrical cable routes (17th Edition)

Periodic electrical inspection reports. Note that Periodic Inspection Reports became Electrical Installation Condition Reports from January 2012. Requirements for landlords periodic electrical inspections (EICRs) are set out on our agent and landlords pages.

Washer and / or tap replacement typical costs and questions

Water leaks: action to take

Water pressure. Water companies have told us the minimum water pressure companies are obliged to supply is typically 1 bar, although many properties have in the region of 2.5 bar. We note the general standards of service published by Ofwat state the minimum is 0.7 bar (7 metres of head). To test the pressure you have coming into your property from the water main fill a gallon container from your cold kitchen tap and time it. If it fills in 30 seconds there is 1.5 bar, 20 seconds and there is 2 bar, any quicker and the pressure will be higher. You can use a smaller contained e.g. a kettle and measure the time for 1.5 litres and multiply it by 3.

Water switch supply and install typical costs and questions

Wiring regulations BS7671 18th Edition. Summary of 18th Edition changes (from NICEIC). The regulations were published in July 2018. The 50plus office has online access to the regulations and the on-site guide

Working at height guidelines

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