A little help please

[agr8sparky]

I'm a licensed master and journeyman electrician from the US versed in the NEC rules and regulations, and am currently working in Iraq. The prominent electrical contractors out here say that all their work has been done according to the British standard. I beg to differ because I'm sure that you British electrical brothers use straps on your conduits, connectors on your conductors entering boxes, and simply take pride in your trade as I do in the US. I do not know much about the British Standard Electrical Code so I was hoping someone could help me out by answering a few questions I have.
1. Do you have to have a license to do electrical work both bidding and installing?
2. Do you have different levels of expertise like we do in the US? ie.. Master, Journeyman, Apprentice
3. Do you have a jobsite ratio like we do in the US? ie..1 journeyman is allowed to supervise 3 apprentice maximum.
4. Do the products you install have to be "listed" by a testing laboratory like CE or UL?
5. If installed products are required to be listed, what listing laboratories are recognized by the British Standard other than CE?
Thank you for reading-I hope some of you professionals can shed some light.

 

[WarrenG]

Hi arg8sparky,

There is a simliar sort of thread here:

http://www.electriciansforums.net/e...ctrical-forum/3397-brit-electrical-terms.html

Warren

 

[JulesHurley]

A very brief answer ;

The US system is very regulated, training, qualification, licences, etc;

The UK system is based upon "compotency" of the person, and "fit for purpose" for products. Yes there is testing, inspections, and standards to meet, but if you can prove you are compotent, you can trade.

We now have an accreditation system that kitchen fitters, plumbers etc, can do a two week course, past a test, and then be accreditated to wire, terminate and test kitchens rewires etc.

UK sparks do take pride, do have common sense, and are professional, BUT there are too many people with side cutters, screw drivers, and an understanding, that claim to be electricians. Until the UK start to kick some of them were it hurts, the cowboys will keep going.