Circuit-breaker or RCD
A device capable of making, carrying and breaking normal load currents and also making and automatically breaking, under pre-determined conditions, abnormal currents such as short-circuit currents. It is usually required to operate infrequently although some types are suitable for frequent operation.
Ah - but would you take the P from her?Probably just my age but Linda Barker could sell me anything.

Circuit-breaker or RCD
A device capable of making, carrying and breaking normal load currents and also making and automatically breaking, under pre-determined conditions, abnormal currents such as short-circuit currents. It is usually required to operate infrequently although some types are suitable for frequent operation.
Doesn't an MCB protect against abnormal currents such as short-circuit currents.
The quote was from
http://www.findanelectrician.info/jargon-buster.asp[/QUOTE]
Bothand
are circuit breakers but only the latter is an MCB also a RCD may not be a circuit breaker it may be a remote activation device for a circuit breaker.![]()
You will note phrase "Automatic Disconnection Device" is often used to include fuse and MCB but it would also include some RCD devices.
So "Circuit-breaker" will also include switches and isolators and we need to be very careful with the English of electrics as although most people know what we mean it is so easy for mistakes to be made.
The phrase "Competent Person" is very confusing as the BS 7671:2008 definition does not have any connection to Part P and the "Competent Persons scheme" has nothing to do with being a "Competent Person" I try to refer to "Registered Electrician" but even that has some ambiguity.
This English of the trade has always been a problem. History normally leads us to the correct word. A lamp was fitted to a spigot on the carriage and as we went to horseless carriage the wick was replaced with a bulbous glass envelope with an element inside called a bulb. A lamp referred to all fitted onto the spigot. However I have met many electricians whole call a lamp a fitting and a bulb a lamp. I guess because some one realised a florescent tube is not bulbous. But manufactures and Joe public refer to bulbs and calling a bulb a lamp is jargon for jargons sake and rather silly.
However the fact remains that many items are named is such a way that confusion is all too common. One would hope moulded case circuit breakers would not be found in most domestic builds so I think the "Fuse/MCB" is likely the best reference not to cause confusion. And on a DIY site like this I think the "Compact Luminaire" should be called a "bulb".
As to Part P it has worked well with the self employed to give some recognisable credentials to those who are to standard. But it does not licence the man but the firm so large firms can still send any one to do electrical work and the demarcation between what needs notification and what can be done without, means that there will always be problems. It needed something like the driving licence where it is government issued not through clubs and point system so removed in same way as driving licence with test like driving licence.
This is the organisation, remember, which has peddled, and still is peddling, outright lies:
The law requires an electrician registered with a Government-approved scheme, such as NICEIC to carry out most electrical work in the home, and once the work is finished, provide you with Part P approval.
DIY electrics must never be implemented in high risk locations such as kitchens, bathrooms and gardens.
What work can I do by myself?
• The requirements of Part P apply to most electrical work in a home, however there are certain relaxations that apply for minor work. Minor Work is electrical work that does not involve:
1. The addition of a new circuit.
2. Requiring the help of a professional and registered electrician.
3. Requiring notification to the building control office.
All electrical work must comply with BS 7671 of the Wiring Regulations.
Part P is a tax on home owners, is unenforceable, and does nothing to curb the cowboy unregistered claiming to be electricians out there whilst adding hugely to the cost and complexity of the activities of the responsible and diligent professionals.
This government has just about screwed every trade and profession, lined the pockets of the quangos and pointless organisations that then administer it's daft rules whilst increasing cost and reducing choice and freedom. {.....}
Do I care about part P? Do I call the council if I want a socket in the kitchen or a light in the bathroom? Do I heck! It's my house! If I can add a 1000 spurs without notifying why should the location make any difference?
I don't need my life micro-managed by this government.

What is Part P?
• Part P is an electrical safety law within the Building Regulations and was introduced by the Government on 1st January 2005
Each year, unsafe electrics cause 12,500 house fires, 750 serious injuries and 10 deaths
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