Cutting through the trade speak – one acronym at a time.
If you’ve ever found yourself nodding along while someone talks about “RCBOs”, “SWA”, or “IP ratings” without a clue what they mean — you’re not alone.
At SED Ltd, we speak to electricians, apprentices, contractors, and even housing officers every day. And while the trade is packed with abbreviations and technical phrases, not everyone learns them overnight.
So, whether you’re new to the industry, still training, or just want a refresher — here’s a plain-English guide to some of the most common electrical terms you’ll hear at the wholesaler counter (or on-site).
RCBO – Residual Current Breaker with Overcurrent
Think of an RCBO as a combination of two safety devices in one. It protects against:
- Overcurrent (like a circuit breaker would), and
- Earth leakage (like an RCD does).
They’re ideal for protecting individual circuits in homes or commercial setups. If something trips, you know exactly where the issue is.
SPD – Surge Protection Device
These clever little units protect electrical systems from voltage spikes — like those caused by lightning strikes or sudden surges from the grid. Required in many installations under the latest regulations, especially in commercial and multi-dwelling buildings.
SWA – Steel Wired Armoured Cable
A tough, durable cable with a steel wire layer inside. It’s designed for underground or outdoor use and resists damage from impact or rodents. Common in outdoor lighting, EV charger installs, and any job that needs cable protection.
IP Rating – Ingress Protection
An IP rating tells you how well a product resists dust and water. You’ll see codes like IP44, IP65, or IP68 on light fittings, sockets, enclosures, and more.
The first digit = protection against solids (like dust).
The second digit = protection against liquids (like water).
So IP65 means “dust tight and resistant to water jets”. Perfect for outside installs.
MCB – Miniature Circuit Breaker
An MCB is what protects a single electrical circuit from drawing too much current. It trips (turns off) if there’s a fault. Found in every consumer unit (fuse box), and a basic safety essential.
Final Tip:
If you’re ever unsure at the counter — just ask us. We’re happy to break things down, show you options, or explain which part fits what. No jargon, no judgement — just solid advice.
