Circuit/wiring software for apprentice? does anything like this exist?

[Chrisp]

Hi i am currently a apprentice and looking for some software that would help me with wiring as i don't get to do a lot in my first year and to practice as well, like radials/ring mains/lighting etc.

if anyone knows of anything please let me know

 

[Marvo]

I know software and apps are all the rage but maybe just go low-tech and make up a practice board with some second hand switches and light fittings etc.

 

[Pete999]

Agree with Marvo, we have some boards where I work, they have not been used for a while, I could ask if they would let them go, I.m not back at work for three weeks, I will ask on my return if you want to PM me Il let you know.
Pete

 

[Knobhead]

Hate to say this.

Buy a A4 pad and a pen!

It's worked for the last 40 years.

 

[7029 dave]

Yep can't beat the ole bash board!! lol

 

[shanky887614]

Everyone reaches for pen and paper on complicated installs with multiple relays/contacters etc

 

[CTID]

As has been said, pen and paper to draw out circuits and work out how they work. Practice boards to put it in to practice. As your skills evolve you can get lads at work to engineer faults into your practice board for you to find.

 

[Octopus]

When on site you'll always be near a pencil and something to write on. You won't be near a PC!

 

[telectrix]

mamy as circuit has been sketched on the back of a beermat in the pub. that's going back to before the gestapo made it unacceptable to have a pint or 2 at lunchtime.

 

[Knobhead]

It was a flippant comment. No way did think it would get the “old guard” out of they’re slumbers.

To the OP, on the job a pencil and paper is the thing.

Fold the paper up, you can stop an 800A ELCB tripping. Paper works wonders!

 

[Engineer54]

Hi i am currently a apprentice and looking for some software that would help me with wiring as i don't get to do a lot in my first year and to practice as well, like radials/ring mains/lighting etc.

if anyone knows of anything please let me know

The 1st year is all about getting to understand the basic's!! Plenty of time to get to actually install stuff. As been stated, get used to drawing things out on paper, more importantly understanding what you're drawing. Don't try and be too clever by running before you have learned to walk correctly, because you'll do yourself no favours in the long run!!

 

[Knobhead]

The 1st year is all about getting to understand the basic's!! Plenty of time to get to actually install stuff. As been stated, get used to drawing things out on paper, more importantly understanding what you're drawing. Don't try and be too clever by running before you have learned to walk correctly, because you'll do yourself no favours in the long run!!

Never a truer word.

Can’t add any more to that!

 

[Knobhead]

OK I can:

Both E54 and I are old school. We learnt our trade the right way. No mobiles, no apps!

Sorry there’s no short cut on this one.

 

[tazz]

With donkeys years on autocad, and the same with Protel pcb design.....I still find myself sketching things out on paper first.

 

[Geordie Spark]

mamy as circuit has been sketched on the back of a beermat in the pub. that's going back to before the gestapo made it unacceptable to have a pint or 2 at lunchtime.

During my apprenticeship in engineering, the gaffer designed things on the backs of the envelopes that the leccy and gas bills came in - and other envelopes & scrap paper with his gold Parker fountain pen with the broken nib.

In the 8 years I worked for him I never saw him use a piece of "proper" paper.

How's about that for recycling??!!

 

[Badged01]

... that's going back to before the gestapo made it unacceptable to have a pint or 2 at lunchtime.

Thats work full-stop! The devils drug can no longer touch your lips during the working day it seems in whatever you do to earn a crust :nonod:

 

[Badged01]

.... We learnt our trade the right way. No mobiles, no apps!

Totally agree, once you are profficient and capable of calculating from 1st principles use thereafter whatever makes the job simplier for you.

But you need to know the 1st principle bit first as a sanity check for whatever answer the 'electronic' method is spitting out. They have been known to give the wrong answer!!