BECSA Competent Person Scheme (CPS) Best online PAT testing course?

[Tablechair]

Hi -
I live in rural Northumberland and am considering completing a PAT testing course. I'd like to use it to help out the local charity shops, who are always advertising for volunteers, and to learn something new.

I've read that C&G 2377-77 EET / PAT Testing is the recognised qualification, but I'd have trouble travelling to complete this course.

Are there any online options or alternatives that you'd recommend?

 

[littlespark]

Ask at the charity shop. They may offer courses for volunteers

 

[Tablechair]

Ask at the charity shop. They may offer courses for volunteers

They do!
I've expressed an interest.

 

[James]

When I did the course, many years ago, there was some practical work involved as well as theory.
I would be surprised if you could do it all online.

 

[littlespark]

How “rural” are you?

I’m a frequent visitor to Berwick upon tweed

 

[PS Electrics]

Since this is about PAT testing I thought I would share this.

I picked up a faulty Bench Power Supply from a clearance sale for dirt cheap because it had one of those red fail pat tester stickers on it and the tester had written on the label it had failed the Earth Bond test. I had an inclination as to why that was and took a chance and bought it.

Someone had attached a metal eyelet on it which I presume was used so it could be secured by a chain to prevent theft. This was metal and had been attached by some kind of high strength glue.

On testing it was obvious they had used this insulated piece of metal to perform the test. Using another part of the equipment proved there was a satisfactory Earth in place!

The unit was perfectly fine, in great condition and in good working order and was over £100 to buy new.

 

[littlespark]

The trouble with a PAT is that it only tests for electrical safety, not operation functionality.

You could buy something from a charity shop, green pass sticker, but doesn’t actually work properly

 

[Tablechair]

When I did the course, many years ago, there was some practical work involved as well as theory.
I would be surprised if you could do it all online.

I’ve looked around, that seems to be the case.
I’ll see what this online thing leads to.

 

[Tablechair]

How “rural” are you?

I’m a frequent visitor to Berwick upon tweed

A bit beyond Wooler

 

[littlespark]

A bit beyond Wooler

From the south, I’m just a “bit beyond wooler” myself….

 

[Tablechair]

From the south, I’m just a “bit beyond wooler” myself….

Yes, I saw your profile’s location as Scottish Borders.
I’m south of Wooler.
Maybe I’ll bump into you shopping at Berwick!

 

[littlespark]

I was there yesterday actually with my daughter.... hunting through some charity shops... (because that's all there is up one side of the high street)

She got a load of stuff from WH Smith as it was closing that day. Not one of the branches getting taken over, this ones just closing completely.

 

[westward10]

Yes, I saw your profile’s location as Scottish Borders.
I’m south of Wooler.
Maybe I’ll bump into you shopping at Berwick!

You'll be able to spot him easily his van is made from Lego.

 

[Tablechair]

I was there yesterday actually with my daughter.... hunting through some charity shops... (because that's all there is up one side of the high street)

She got a load of stuff from WH Smith as it was closing that day. Not one of the branches getting taken over, this ones just closing completely.

I did that today, minus the WH Smith part, and BARK is closed on a Sunday.

 

[littlespark]

BARK.... Berwickshire Animal Rescue Kennels... for those that dont know

 

[pirate]

I called into local charity shop which is one of the few that accept electrical items. I asked if they needed someone to perform ISITEE or PAT. They directed me to their website and I applied online for a PAT job, on a voluntary basis...4 years on and I'm awaiting a reply.
I applied to another local charity to be a volunteer assisting less-able folks to emjoy canal cruises, a job for which I am well qualified, indeed far more so than those who run it...I got a reply saying they would indeed value my help and would be in touch...3 years on and I still await an interview.
I suspect some people get paid jobs via a "contact"...anyway, I'm done with volunteering, except for my local branch of the Men's Shed where I meet lots of nice guys and happily donate my time and expertise whenever required.

 

[James]

Unfortunately, many charities benefit the people who run them far more than the people who they claim to support.