D.I.Y. REWIRE-- A Step By Step Guide.

[telectrix]

1. Remove all heavy furniture from upstairs. Place in Storage.

2. Roll up all upstairs carpets. Ditto.

3. Lift floorboards to enable cable routing (not the ones that the plumber has wrecked, fitting central heating)

4. Move all downstairs furniture to centre of rooms and cover with dust sheets.

5. Cover all ground floor carpets with polythene sheeting.

6. Chase out from ground floor ceiling vertically to every point you require a fitting/accessory.

7. Now that you've realised that you are totally out of your depth, get on the phone to a qualified Sparks.

 

[GLENNSPARK]

LOL! Isn`t there a book going round called "part p doctor"? Havn`t looked at it though so i cant comment on the contents........

 

[millwall ken]

1. Remove all heavy furniture from upstairs. Place in Storage.

2. Roll up all upstairs carpets. Ditto.

3. Lift floorboards to enable cable routing (not the ones that the plumber has wrecked, fitting central heating)

4. Move all downstairs furniture to centre of rooms and cover with dust sheets.

5. Cover all ground floor carpets with polythene sheeting.

6. Chase out from ground floor ceiling vertically to every point you require a fitting/accessory.

7. Now that you've realised that you are totally out of your depth, get on the phone to a qualified Sparks.[/QUOTE]


That was gonna be the extent of my contribution...

 

[GLENNSPARK]

Well the more diy stuff homeowners do.....the more work for us (putting it right)......

 

[truckster]

Tel you missed 6a

Remove all light fittings and don't mark cables

 

[rsmck]

I somehow thought this wasn't going to be a 'helpful' thread...

Whilst I accept there are a lot of botched and potentially dangerous DIY jobs around there are also people perfectly capable of rewiring safely and legally in compliance with the relevant regulations.

As some of those reading this will know I have recently started a DIY rewire of my own, this is being done in compliance with relevant regulations and I really appreciate the advice and assistance offered by forum members, here and elsewhere both in the public forum and outwith it.

The attitude that no-one other than an electrician is capable of rewiring a house, installing a new circuit, adding an outlet to an existing ring final circuit, changing a light fitting etc is not helpful. DIYers coming here and asking questions are doing one thing right for starters - they accept they *don't* know exactly what to do and for that reason are asking advice.

My view is that you can dismiss these people with 'call an electrician' and, in many cases, they'll try and undertake the work themselves anyway.. or you can offer guidance and advice.

Teach a man to fish and all that...

 

[GLENNSPARK]

All the members on here will offer advice and help if asked and thats what makes this forum as good as it is but if people want to go it alone without any background knowledge.....then its entirely up to them but most work is notifyable now which means either a part p competent person or buildings control.........Its when you come to sell a property that all the certs kick in.....

 

[rsmck]

All the members on here will offer advice and help if asked and thats what makes this forum as good as it is

Not all sadly... but to those who do, it is really appreciated

but most work is notifyable now which means either a part p competent person or buildings control.........Its when you come to sell a property that all the certs kick in.....

Some of us live north of the border

 

[Des 56]

The problem with diy rewiring, where no formal training has been undertaken,is that even though it may work,"working" and "working where there is no danger" of fire or injury, is on the whole, way out of range for the diyer to assertain

Installation can be carried out,but testing, and verifying the results of that testing, to ensure safe dis connection times by calculation and reference requires underpinning knowlege to interprit those results,it is not a diy capability

Even if you are rewiring your own installation, and even though you are doing it by the book,unless a trained electrician. capable of understanding and carrying out the testing. is used to confirm those results,your installation and those of all diyers are potential death traps until those results are verified as adequate

The problem with diy electrical work is not the complexity of the installing,but the in ability to understand the dangers of what may have been installed
Underestimating that lack of understanding could cause the death of the diyer or someone unfortunate to come into contact with their efforts
That can't be said of painting and decorating or laying some tiles,there lies the reason that "get an electrician in" is oft used on a forum where that danger is very evident

 

[millwall ken]

I somehow thought this wasn't going to be a 'helpful' thread...

Whilst I accept there are a lot of botched and potentially dangerous DIY jobs around there are also people perfectly capable of rewiring safely and legally in compliance with the relevant regulations.

As some of those reading this will know I have recently started a DIY rewire of my own, this is being done in compliance with relevant regulations and I really appreciate the advice and assistance offered by forum members, here and elsewhere both in the public forum and outwith it.

The attitude that no-one other than an electrician is capable of rewiring a house, installing a new circuit, adding an outlet to an existing ring final circuit, changing a light fitting etc is not helpful. DIYers coming here and asking questions are doing one thing right for starters - they accept they *don't* know exactly what to do and for that reason are asking advice.

My view is that you can dismiss these people with 'call an electrician' and, in many cases, they'll try and undertake the work themselves anyway.. or you can offer guidance and advice.

Teach a man to fish and all that...

Look mate, sorry to burst your bubble but 99% of DIY sparkies ain't got a scoobie what they're doing. Its as simple as that. Sure they may be able to follow a nice wiring diagram but they won't have a clue when it comes to testing, safe zones for a bathroom, cable calcs etc etc. So whilst you may be able to convince your missus that you are saving a few quid - you are mugging yourself off at the same time. If DIY electrics was such an easy thing then it wouldn't be banned in most countries. However enjoy your DIY electrics whilst you can, because it will be banned here soon as well. Part P - Do you know what this is by the way? Is the first step to stopping Mr DIYer.
Sorry mate, but amateur electrics kill.

 

[telectrix]

I somehow thought this wasn't going to be a 'helpful' thread...

Whilst I accept there are a lot of botched and potentially dangerous DIY jobs around there are also people perfectly capable of rewiring safely and legally in compliance with the relevant regulations.

As some of those reading this will know I have recently started a DIY rewire of my own, this is being done in compliance with relevant regulations and I really appreciate the advice and assistance offered by forum members, here and elsewhere both in the public forum and outwith it.

The attitude that no-one other than an electrician is capable of rewiring a house, installing a new circuit, adding an outlet to an existing ring final circuit, changing a light fitting etc is not helpful. DIYers coming here and asking questions are doing one thing right for starters - they accept they *don't* know exactly what to do and for that reason are asking advice.

My view is that you can dismiss these people with 'call an electrician' and, in many cases, they'll try and undertake the work themselves anyway.. or you can offer guidance and advice.

Teach a man to fish and all that...

my post was not meant as a dig at anybody competent, as you appear to be, doing their own work. but please note des's post#9. and i know the quote. " teach a man to fish and he'll sit in a boat drinking lager all day"

 

[rsmck]

Even if you are rewiring your own installation, and even though you are doing it by the book,unless a trained electrician. capable of understanding and carrying out the testing. is used to confirm those results,your installation and those of all diyers are potential death traps until those results are verified as adequate

I do appreciate the risks involved this is why, even as a DIYer, I've spent some time studying the regs alongside the ECA's "Guide to the Wiring Regulations" and conducting the relevant tests (and recording the results)

We're not all alike

 

[rsmck]

Part P - Do you know what this is by the way? Is the first step to stopping Mr DIYer.

Yes, I know what Part P is. It doesn't apply in Scotland - we have different building regulations.

Sorry mate, but amateur electrics kill.

Not all amateur electrics kill, just like not all 'professional' installations are safe (opening a can of worms there but I speak from experience of something I saw in a commercial building which was supposedly done by a 'qualified' sparks)

 

[Des 56]

I do appreciate the risks involved this is why, even as a DIYer, I've spent some time studying the regs alongside the ECA's "Guide to the Wiring Regulations" and conducting the relevant tests (and recording the results)

We're not all alike

My post was a general outline of why diy electrical installation should be dis couraged,it was and isn't aimed at any individual
You may well have been taught and understand testing and testing procedures,there are city and guilds qualifications to confirm that understanding as you know

Your own actions, commendable though they may be, are the very opposite of the vast majority of diyers doing electrical installations
They do not appreciate or understand the possible dangers, to enough of a degree, to be able to make the judgement that they are capable
That is why assessment of installation work as been required by the government for installers and diyers alike it can kill and cause fire


Anyway,diy aside

I'm not going to comment on Tels posting of this thread for assistance with his efforts to understand how to do a rewire

If he wants to know, he should learn how to do it himself

 

[millwall ken]

Yes, I know what Part P is. It doesn't apply in Scotland - we have different building regulations.



Not all amateur electrics kill, just like not all 'professional' installations are safe (opening a can of worms there but I speak from experience of something I saw in a commercial building which was supposedly done by a 'qualified' sparks)

Well why don't you enlighten us as to what it is that you do for a living - and I'm sure that some of us could tell you how to do your job a lot better as well. Instead of watching all of these rogue trader like TV programmes, why don't you trust the 99% of decent tradesmen out there to do a proper job and not rip you off.

 

[ruston]

To be fair if you do'nt give any indication of your level of skill or knowledge do you really expect to get a favorable response. A lot of your calculations regarding cpd's will be influenced by the earthing arrangement to your property for a start. Do you know what this is? That is just the basics to start from, you really do'nt want a correspondence course rewire.

 

[Marvo]

I somehow thought this wasn't going to be a 'helpful' thread...

Whilst I accept there are a lot of botched and potentially dangerous DIY jobs around there are also people perfectly capable of rewiring safely and legally in compliance with the relevant regulations.

As some of those reading this will know I have recently started a DIY rewire of my own, this is being done in compliance with relevant regulations and I really appreciate the advice and assistance offered by forum members, here and elsewhere both in the public forum and outwith it.

The attitude that no-one other than an electrician is capable of rewiring a house, installing a new circuit, adding an outlet to an existing ring final circuit, changing a light fitting etc is not helpful. DIYers coming here and asking questions are doing one thing right for starters - they accept they *don't* know exactly what to do and for that reason are asking advice.

My view is that you can dismiss these people with 'call an electrician' and, in many cases, they'll try and undertake the work themselves anyway.. or you can offer guidance and advice.

I'd be more inclined to agree with you if mistakes in electrical installations didn't cost innocent people their lives. Installing electrics incorrectly can cause people to get shocked or houses to burn down and it's not just the life of the DIY'er that's at stake.

I agree 98% of electrical installation can be instructed via a forum board or even a telephone for that matter but there's always that 2% that can't and that's where the 4uck-up's occur. You can only reduce this risk with two things, you need to be there first hand and you need experience that only years of education and on-the-job learning can give you.

You might be convinced electricians are overpriced or unnecessary but after you've seen the results of building fires where whole families including the pets have died and were started by nothing more than bad-practice electrical installation techniques you would recognize your short sightedness.

........So the qualified members who frequent forums such as this walk a thin line between helping unqualified visitors out with information and suggestions to save them some time and money but also encouraging them not to go places or do things that might get them or other people killed. Nobody knows where the line is, it varies from DIY'er to DIY'er and from job to job but the one thing we do all know is when the line is crossed we are as responsible for any unexpected outcomes as the guy doing the work.

All I'm trying to say is that if or when you start getting replies that it's time to call a qualified electrician then it's probably just that.....it's time to call an electrician.

Teach a man to fish and all that...

You can teach a man everything there is to know about fishing, it still doesn't mean he should be sailing a boat out to sea without a skippers license.

 

[GLENNSPARK]

Like des says....most diyers wont understand the concept of Zs and why its so important and even if they had read it someware would they know about "rule of thumb" and which value to apply it to (measured or tabulated) also, would they concider rcd times or even the reason that cable clips have maximum spacing allowances etc? Or how about safe zones and adiquate protection for non rcd protected circuits or even not to run data or alarm cables in parrallel with final circuits. I am not saying that a diyer isn`t capable of installing but that the install may not be compliant.......

 

[millwall ken]

I'd be more inclined to agree with you if mistakes in electrical installations didn't cost innocent people their lives. Installing electrics incorrectly can cause people to get shocked or houses to burn down and it's not just the life of the DIY'er that's at stake.

I agree 98% of electrical installation can be instructed via a forum board or even a telephone for that matter but there's always that 2% that can't and that's where the 4uck-up's occur. You can only reduce this risk with two things, you need to be there first hand and you need experience that only years of education and on-the-job learning can give you.

You might be convinced electricians are overpriced or unnecessary but after you've seen the results of building fires where whole families including the pets have died and were started by nothing more than bad-practice electrical installation techniques you would recognize your short sightedness.

........So the qualified members who frequent forums such as this walk a thin line between helping unqualified visitors out with information and suggestions to save them some time and money but also encouraging them not to go places or do things that might get them or other people killed. Nobody knows where the line is, it varies from DIY'er to DIY'er and from job to job but the one thing we do all know is when the line is crossed we are as responsible for any unexpected outcomes as the guy doing the work.

All I'm trying to say is that if or when you start getting replies that it's time to call a qualified electrician then it's probably just that.....it's time to call an electrician.



You can teach a man everything there is to know about fishing, it still doesn't mean he should be sailing a boat out to sea without a skippers license.

Mods please use this post as a sticky that members can use to post to Mr DIYer. Spot on mate.

 

[millwall ken]

Like des says....most diyers wont understand the concept of Zs and why its so important and even if they had read it someware would they know about "rule of thumb" and which value to apply it to (measured or tabulated) also, would they concider rcd times or even the reason that cable clips have maximum spacing allowances etc? Or how about safe zones and adiquate protection for non rcd protected circuits or even not to run data or alarm cables in parrallel with final circuits. I am not saying that a diyer isn`t capable of installing but that the install may not be compliant.......

Alright clever cloggs, I was just trying to post a quick response, thats all. We all could of gone into this much detail, you Teacher's pet... LOL.

 

[GLENNSPARK]

Sorry about that guys. Feel free to kick my shins wont you. lol

 

[ruston]

Sorry about that guys. Feel free to kick my shins wont you. lol

Whats nice about this forum is that everyone has responded in a responsible and reasonable manner, and have not responded by insults and derision so prevalent on other forums. As the consensus is that safety is utermost and that information is not given wiily nilly to boost the ego of the poster is admirable. So no you do'nt need your shins kicked lol.

 

[GLENNSPARK]

I do have a way of running with it though...bad habit really.........

 

[rsmck]

I'm really want to avoid getting drawn into this further however, since some of you have posed questions to me directly..

Well why don't you enlighten us as to what it is that you do for a living - and I'm sure that some of us could tell you how to do your job a lot better as well.

I have never, at any point, tried to suggest to anyone here that I could do their job "better" nor tried to tell them how to do it.

Instead of watching all of these rogue trader like TV programmes, why don't you trust the 99% of decent tradesmen out there to do a proper job and not rip you off.

My reference above wasn't from watching TV, however I accept the majority of tradesmen aren't out to rip me off. To be honest - cost is a factor in choosing to rewire my own home however it's not the only one.

To be fair if you do'nt give any indication of your level of skill or knowledge do you really expect to get a favorable response. A lot of your calculations regarding cpd's will be influenced by the earthing arrangement to your property for a start. Do you know what this is? That is just the basics to start from, you really do'nt want a correspondence course rewire.

Generally I've had favourable responses - it just seems the whole purpose of this thread was to belittle DIYers.... Oh and the earthing arrangement is TN-S, and I assume you meant CPC ? If there are CPD calculations then I guess I have missed something.

Like des says....most diyers wont understand the concept of Zs and why its so important and even if they had read it someware would they know about "rule of thumb" and which value to apply it to (measured or tabulated) also, would they concider rcd times or even the reason that cable clips have maximum spacing allowances etc? Or how about safe zones and adiquate protection for non rcd protected circuits or even not to run data or alarm cables in parrallel with final circuits. I am not saying that a diyer isn`t capable of installing but that the install may not be compliant.......

All very valid points and yes, in my case, I've considered them... On a related note (sorry to side track) my understanding is the rules relating to running data cables in parallel with power circuits are recommendations rather than a requirement. Where possible I've kept a 50mm separation but there are a few places they run closer I don't believe this would affect compliance however.

 

[GLENNSPARK]

no but loop certainly is......

 

[telectrix]

CPD, circuit protection device. e.g fuse, MCB. RCBO.

 

[Des 56]

Generally I've had favourable responses - it just seems the whole purpose of this thread was to belittle DIYers...

What would be the benefit to anybody on an electricians forum to belittle diyers
The forum is frequented by mainly sparks apprentices and to a much lesser and infrequent extent, general public

If your assumption were the case,who is reading these posts to feel belittled ?

The initial post was almost certainly a very humurous, tongue in cheek topic, by a well respected spark who has given untold amounts of very worthwhile advise to many, who were probably diyers and possibly out of their depth,that is a very unreasonable opinion you have

gratitude for the advise he has given would have been more appropriate

 

[rsmck]

CPD, circuit protection device. e.g fuse, MCB. RCBO.

Noted, thankyou, hadn't recognised it being called a CPD - and yes, appropriate ones have been used

 

[rsmck]

The initial post was almost certainly a very humurous, tongue in cheek topic, by a well respected spark who has given untold amounts of very worthwhile advise to many, who were probably diyers and possibly out of their depth,that is a very unreasonable opinion you have

gratitude for the advise he has given would have been more appropriate

Sorry if I misconstrued it's original intention ... and yes, I am indeed very grateful for the advice given

 

[ruston]

Sorry if I misconstrued it's original intention ... and yes, I am indeed very grateful for the advice given

Spot on and good luck. Whatever you do though get it checked out. You can understand the reluctance of people not wanting to give advice on the heading of your post though . General questions may have yielded better replies if your level of understanding had been more prevalent.

 

[JamesBrownLive]

LOL! Isn`t there a book going round called "part p doctor"? Havn`t looked at it though so i cant comment on the contents........

It's actually an interesting read, but its target audience is people who intend to undertake 'defined scope' work, i.e. kitchen fitters, HVAC etc, and not DIYers.

 

[TPES]

Although I do agree with all the other electricians on this thread to "get an electrician", as I do think you will certainly be out your depth at some point through your DIY project (and is it really worth taking the risk of your home with your family in?)

I do admire your interest to even join this forum and further your knowledge, and you seem to have done your research on the basics.
Even though there will be errors made you do seem to have made more effort than most DIYers.

 

[GLENNSPARK]

It was just the picture of a bloke with steinels as a stephescope that got me jb. Had me thinking it was aimed at diyers so i had visions of people poking around with those pound shop neon screwdrivers which i think are damn right dangerous and should be banned. i bought some insulated screwdrivers a while back with one of those things thrown in and it went straight in the bin.......

 

[mickys86]

After seeing a post tue other day marked "CU installation step by step. I really thought this was going to be a serious thread. I was also expecting the same op as well haha

 

[rsmck]

Although I do agree with all the other electricians on this thread to "get an electrician".

Spot on and good luck. Whatever you do though get it checked out. You can understand the reluctance of people not wanting to give advice on the heading of your post though . General questions may have yielded better replies if your level of understanding had been more prevalent.

Worth noting, if these are aimed at me, that I was not the OP of this thread ... the thread itself was started by an electrician, I just joined a bit of lively debate.. I wouldn't start a thread by asking for a step-by-step guide to rewiring... I would agree that anyone doing so (if asking for advice that way) is probably out of their depth and even I would be the amongst the first to say "call an electrician"

It's also worth noting that whilst I will happily undertake electrical work in my own house, and do minor things for family members like change a light fitting or connect a new appliance etc - I'd never undertake any major electrical work in anyone else's home.. I'd always advise they call an electrician and there's a few who I'll happily recommend who I've dealt with before

 

[LlandrilloSpark]

Sorry to be short and blunt rsmck but I don't agree with what your doing, without formal and proper training (not books) I don't agree with you rewiring your house or anybody else for that matter, its wrong and dangerous and should be outlawed IMHO, Electricians don't sit maybe 15 separate exams over 4-5 years sometimes spending £1000's in course fee's and maybe an Apprenticeship and another £500 on a part p competent persons scheme for nothing you know, annoys me that somebody who can buy a £60 bs7671 and a book of amazon thinks they can rewire a house CORRECTLY

 

[TPES]

rsmck you seem to be a sound bloke, giving good replys and not having an attitude as most would on forums, this is what makes this forum different to others I think, which is why I've been a member of this forum longer than any other and check in on here daily.

The important thing is not to get your intentions mixed up with your capabilities, and I'm sure your not...

 

[rsmck]

Sorry to be short and blunt rsmck but I don't agree with what your doing, without formal and proper training (not books) I don't agree with you rewiring your house or anybody else for that matter, its wrong and dangerous and should be outlawed IMHO

Noted.

Electricians don't sit maybe 15 separate exams over 4-5 years sometimes spending £1000's in course fee's and maybe an Apprenticeship and another £500 on a part p competent persons scheme for nothing you know

It depends on the electrician I guess, but there's a lot out there that have undertaken much shorter courses and still advertise themselves as electricians. Obviously the Part P scheme is a bit of a moot point in my case..

annoys me that somebody who can buy a £60 bs7671 and a book of amazon thinks they can rewire a house CORRECTLY

I appreciate there's things learned by experience - same is true of everything - but I've always been a believer that formal training, whilst beneficial, is not a pre-requisite and that you can teach yourself most things if you need to (look at what they did with the ATA's Ferry Pilot's Notes from WWII if you want an extreme example )

Everyone has their own interpretation of "correctly", there is more than one way to rewire a house. I am not claiming I am rewiring my home exactly as you would nor that your own experience and training most likely would lead you to do some things differently. But rather that it is done safely and, as far as reasonably practicable, in compliance with the 17th Edition of BS7671 which is good enough for me

 

[rsmck]

rsmck you seem to be a sound bloke, giving good replys and not having an attitude as most would on forums.

Thankyou

The important thing is not to get your intentions mixed up with your capabilities, and I'm sure your not...

I'll do my best not to. If I am ever unsure (about anything) then I will ask someone - either via forums such as this or via some professionals I know personally (sadly none of which live locally!).

If I don't understand the REASON behind the answer, I won't do it. I will never just blindly follow instructions. When I reach the point that I don't understand why something is done a particular way, or why a particular regulation is what it is, then I would employ a professional.

This applies to everything, not just electrical work. I also accept my small house is very different from much larger projects that you're all trained to work with - your training will cover a lot more than what I need for this particular purpose.

p.s. my real work (both my full time job and a completely different hobby that's rapidly became a part-time job) involves a good understanding of electricity - so I'm not completely 'new' to the concepts

 

[TPES]

Sorry to be short and blunt rsmck but I don't agree with what your doing, without formal and proper training (not books) I don't agree with you rewiring your house or anybody else for that matter, its wrong and dangerous and should be outlawed IMHO, Electricians don't sit maybe 15 separate exams over 4-5 years sometimes spending £1000's in course fee's and maybe an Apprenticeship and another £500 on a part p competent persons scheme for nothing you know, annoys me that somebody who can buy a £60 bs7671 and a book of amazon thinks they can rewire a house CORRECTLY

Agreed

 

[malcolmsanford]

Well I think we should impose a life ban on Telectrix, not for any reason just so that some of us can catch him up.

 

[Big n Daft]

Sorry to be short and blunt rsmck but I don't agree with what your doing, without formal and proper training (not books) I don't agree with you rewiring your house or anybody else for that matter, its wrong and dangerous and should be outlawed IMHO, Electricians don't sit maybe 15 separate exams over 4-5 years sometimes spending £1000's in course fee's and maybe an Apprenticeship and another £500 on a part p competent persons scheme for nothing you know, annoys me that somebody who can buy a £60 bs7671 and a book of amazon thinks they can rewire a house CORRECTLY

Take heed.
WHEN you get out of your depth, you may not find a sparks and if you do I hope they are very expensive

 

[Dave_]

I do appreciate the risks involved this is why, even as a DIYer, I've spent some time studying the regs alongside the ECA's "Guide to the Wiring Regulations" and conducting the relevant tests (and recording the results)

Conducting the relevant tests - Once the install is completed i assume you are going to get it inspected & tested by a competent spark - as i'm sure your aware the test equipment required (to measure Zs and Pfc for example) is not cheap. A multifunction tester costs at least 500 notes....

 

[GLENNSPARK]

Just wondering if rmsck was thinking about joining our trade (properly)?

 

[rsmck]

Conducting the relevant tests - Once the install is completed i assume you are going to get it inspected & tested by a competent spark - as i'm sure your aware the test equipment required (to measure Zs and Pfc for example) is not cheap. A multifunction tester costs at least 500 notes....

I think my Fluke 1653B will be suitable, it's certainly helped so far

Just wondering if rmsck was thinking about joining our trade (properly)?

The thought had crossed my mind in the past... although for a variety of reasons the more physical bits (crawling about roof / floor voids etc) would become quite tricky through time as I have occasional problems with my back (old injury).. my desk-based job is probably more sensible

That said I spend a lot of time, when not working, clambering about, working at height and moving heavy stuff about in just the way my doc advised I probably shouldn't ... unfortunately I'd miss it too much.

 

[Des 56]

I think my Fluke 1653B will be suitable, it's certainly helped so far

Another one using these popular multi function contraptions

Aim for quality and get yourself some decent individual instruments

 

[rsmck]

Another one using these popular multi function contraptions

Aim for quality and get yourself some decent individual instruments

If I was an electrician... I probably would. I do have a single Kewtech Earth Loop tester that I inherited from someone else... oh and a Megger PAT tester inflicted on me by a former employer... that said it's not too useful for installations and I've no inclination whatsoever to start PAT testing appliances at home

 

[mickys86]

Its all the little things that need to be thought of.
I'll give one example which is where does it specifically say to put grommets in the knockouts of the back boxes?

I guarantee you an electrician would be able to pick out a dangerous mistake that has occurred from your installation.

How do you sleep at night.... Can see you on the next horlicks advert.



 

[DNS1]

Look mate, sorry to burst your bubble but 99% of DIY sparkies ain't got a scoobie what they're doing. Its as simple as that. Sure they may be able to follow a nice wiring diagram but they won't have a clue when it comes to testing, safe zones for a bathroom, cable calcs etc etc. So whilst you may be able to convince your missus that you are saving a few quid - you are mugging yourself off at the same time. If DIY electrics was such an easy thing then it wouldn't be banned in most countries. However enjoy your DIY electrics whilst you can, because it will be banned here soon as well. Part P - Do you know what this is by the way? Is the first step to stopping Mr DIYer.
Sorry mate, but amateur electrics kill.

Sorry mate, but I have to disagree with a lot of that.

Firstly you're talking about "DIY sparkies", well there are a lot out there. There are idiots who couldn't fit a lighting pendant, and people like myself and rsmck, who aren't electricians by trade but are still competent.

I've not yet got my C&G (although they're well in the pipeline), but I've spent countless hours studying the regs. I've got copies of the OSG, Building Regs for Electricians as well as the Holy Bible 7671, all of which I've read inside out. If I don't know something, I look it up. From the tone of his posts, rsmck is similar.

If someone is on here asking for advice, I think it's pretty reasonable to expect that they're not a complete amateur, or "know it all" DIYer. People come here for advice because they want to do things right.

As for "amateur electrics kill", I think what you mean is "amateur electrics have the potential to kill". Seriously, how many stories do you read in the paper about people being electrocuted? My other half is an A+E doctor and has been for several years. She's yet to see someone in for treatment following a domestic electrics incident.

 

[DNS1]

Des 56, are the individual instruments really better than multifunction testers? If they gave different readings, the MFs wouldn't get their calibration certs would they?