1st big job, would like some tips

[ezzzekiel]

to be honest i would say the best jobs to learn on are rewires, you cant really go wrong when renewing the lot and by the time youve got a couple under your belt then domestic wise its a doddle.

take yer time follow the big red bible

 

[andy8758]

For my 5p on "competency" for being an electrical installer.......

I believe that there are 2 levels of competency:
- Competency of knowledge about compliant electrical installations, and application of that knowledge.
- Competency as a constructor on site.
I happen to believe that a good sparky needs to be competent at both levels, and having taken the EAL course (commonly called the Part P Qualification), 2382 17th wiring regs, and 2392 test/inspect of initial electrical installation - I believe that my training gave me the first competency, but not the second.

The problem with the domestic installer route as opposed to the 2330 full apprenticeship is that the former appears designed for those who have been working in various construction roles, and simply need to attain competency on the requirements for compliant electrical installations. The 2330 qualification requires a period working in the trade to qualify, which gives the full range of construction skills as well as the electrical theory and practice.

Before the various instructors tell me how their courses address the full range of skills - I wonder if they include carpentry, plastering, and masonary skills in their training? Along with metalwork, resistant materials, and a full range of health and safety issues (although some do include H & S).

So to my fellow Part P qualified people out there - we can all acquire the knowledge of electrical systems through reading and appropriate training, but you will still require the construction skills to complete the more demanding jobs like a re-wire. After all - don't think the customer will be too impressed if you cause a whole wall of plaster to crack and fall off when you start experimenting with chasing walls!

And if you are not skilled at designing the systems for the individual job (please don't work to "templates" used in other properties) then wait to gain more experience, and don't attempt re-wires based on the advice received in this forum.

Lecture over. Good luck to you all, and enjoy your work. I do.

 

[ezzzekiel]

don't think the customer will be too impressed if you cause a whole wall of plaster to crack and fall off

wouldnt that be a job for a plasterer?
dont get me wrong, i served my time as a plasterer before i retrained as a spark - but any holes, chases, damaged plaster thats left is down to the plasterer to sort out (granted i can price seperate for repair work) but generally on-site and off its not the electricians problem.......

otherwise good points

 

[wayne]

For my 5p on "competency" for being an electrical installer.......

I believe that there are 2 levels of competency:
- Competency of knowledge about compliant electrical installations, and application of that knowledge.
- Competency as a constructor on site.
I happen to believe that a good sparky needs to be competent at both levels, and having taken the EAL course (commonly called the Part P Qualification), 2382 17th wiring regs, and 2392 test/inspect of initial electrical installation - I believe that my training gave me the first competency, but not the second.

The problem with the domestic installer route as opposed to the 2330 full apprenticeship is that the former appears designed for those who have been working in various construction roles, and simply need to attain competency on the requirements for compliant electrical installations. The 2330 qualification requires a period working in the trade to qualify, which gives the full range of construction skills as well as the electrical theory and practice.

Before the various instructors tell me how their courses address the full range of skills - I wonder if they include carpentry, plastering, and masonary skills in their training? Along with metalwork, resistant materials, and a full range of health and safety issues (although some do include H & S).

So to my fellow Part P qualified people out there - we can all acquire the knowledge of electrical systems through reading and appropriate training, but you will still require the construction skills to complete the more demanding jobs like a re-wire. After all - don't think the customer will be too impressed if you cause a whole wall of plaster to crack and fall off when you start experimenting with chasing walls!

And if you are not skilled at designing the systems for the individual job (please don't work to "templates" used in other properties) then wait to gain more experience, and don't attempt re-wires based on the advice received in this forum.

Lecture over. Good luck to you all, and enjoy your work. I do.

in three words.....qualification and experience and one smiley