Training For Us DIYers...

[Pete E]

Having read some of the threads on the forum, I can see the issue of DIYers working on domestic electrics is a bit contentious but I hope this question will not cause any problems.

I was wondering whether there is any form of training where by a DIYer like myself can extend their domestic electrical knowledge? I am thinking of something like night school or what have you???

I am not looking to become a fully fledged/trained electrician but would like to increase my knowledge to equip me to do more of my own electrical work, regulations permitting.

Is there anything out there that is suitable or is it a case of a little knowledge is a dangerous thing?

 

[Spoon]

There are short courses where they will teach you the basics.
There is also collage which they will teach more, over a longer period.
What are you looking for?

 

[Pete999]

Having read some of the threads on the forum, I can see the issue of DIYers working on domestic electrics is a bit contentious but I hope this question will not cause any problems.

I was wondering whether there is any form of training where by a DIYer like myself can extend their domestic electrical knowledge? I am thinking of something like night school or what have you???

I am not looking to become a fully fledged/trained electrician but would like to increase my knowledge to equip me to do more of my own electrical work, regulations permitting.

Is there anything out there that is suitable or is it a case of a little knowledge is a dangerous thing?

Pete, I applaud you for wanting to learn more about Household Electrics, but doing your own work as an inexperienced and unqualified person is fraught with pitfalls, "Special Locations, Part P, notifying you LABC as well as adhering to the BS7671 (the wiring regulations).
Absolutely no problem with you improving your electrical knowledge, work on the electrics is best left to Professionals, in my opinion. You could try your local College to see if they run a "basic understanding and electrical appreciation" course, when I was working we employed a training provider to "as it was put to me, to teach the inkies (desk flyers) all they need to know about the dangers of electricity in the Home" it was well attended, but I have long forgotten the name of the provider.

 

[Spoon]

I personally don't have an issue with DIYers doing work on their house. As long as they have the still and knowledge to do a proper job and to regs.
Some people don't like it when you don't give them a step-by-step guide on how to do things. If you need that then, personally, you will get no info from me.

 

[Pete E]

There are short courses where they will teach you the basics.
There is also collage which they will teach more, over a longer period.
What are you looking for?

Looking for basic introductory courses as evening classes or weekends I suppose...I am not looking to switch employment and become a spark and neither am I thinking that a couple of months of evening classes will result in me being a trained spark...

 

[Pete999]

Pete, I applaud you for wanting to learn more about Household Electrics, but doing your own work as an inexperienced and unqualified person is fraught with pitfalls, "Special Locations, Part P, notifying you LABC as well as adhering to the BS7671 (the wiring regulations).
Absolutely no problem with you improving your electrical knowledge, work on the electrics is best left to Professionals, in my opinion. You could try your local College to see if they run a "basic understanding and electrical appreciation" course, when I was working we employed a training provider to "as it was put to me, to teach the inkies (desk flyers) all they need to know about the dangers of electricity in the Home" it was well attended, but I have long forgotten the name of the provider.

Electrical Courses for Beginners – Basic Electrics Training | The Builder Training Centre - Electrical Courses - Construction Training Courses - DIY Courses - https://thebtc.co.uk/brochure/electrical-courses-for-beginners/

 

[FatAlan]

As above. Loads of training companies out there that offer short courses of various types and will relieve you of lots of money. Lots of info on this site re the various training routes and courses. General consensus is that colleges may offer better value for money. Beware with some of the 5 week wonder courses as they’re a bit like double glazing companies, some a lot better than others and will halve their initial quoted prices to fill some courses. Also stacks of info on YouTube. As a DIYer a good start is to get your head round IET BS7671 wiring regulations which is neatly summarised in a much more succinct book called The On Site Guide. There is also another similar book called The Electricians Guide to the building regulations which will tell you where and how big you can make holes to your house! Have fun!

 

[Pete E]

Pete, I applaud you for wanting to learn more about Household Electrics, but doing your own work as an inexperienced and unqualified person is fraught with pitfalls, "Special Locations, Part P, notifying you LABC as well as adhering to the BS7671 (the wiring regulations).
Absolutely no problem with you improving your electrical knowledge, work on the electrics is best left to Professionals, in my opinion. You could try your local College to see if they run a "basic understanding and electrical appreciation" course, when I was working we employed a training provider to "as it was put to me, to teach the inkies (desk flyers) all they need to know about the dangers of electricity in the Home" it was well attended, but I have long forgotten the name of the provider.

The problem for myself is I don't know what I don't know, if that makes sense.

I know enough to say rig a light safely in a garden shed for instance, but my installation would probably not meet all the regs, best practice or convention...Now I do happen to know that garden electrics fall under Special Locations of Part P, so would be a no no, but I am using it as an example of a pitfall I am trying to avoid, if that makes sense!

I should had that I have a telecoms background to HNC level and have worked with low voltage stuff for years..we also covered some aspects of Electric, Light, and Power as it was termed as an apprentice, so while I am a million miles away from being a trained spark, I am not completely clueless about the basics either...

 

[Pete E]

Thanks Guys, the books and the 4 Day foundation course mentioned in the link sound as if they could be exactly what I am looking for...I will definitely look into those further...

 

[DPG]

Good luck - it's nice to see people taking an interest. Just know your limits and stay well within them.

Start with the basics, Ohms law, etc. - this should be easy for you given your background. Also read up on the various dead tests and live tests - not just how to do them, but understand why they are performed, and what the results could mean.

 

[Pete E]

The testing aspect is something I am particularly interested in, that and the ins and outs of the earthing side...

One other reason I want to expand my knowledge is so that if I do have to call an electrician in to do anything, I will have a basic understanding of what he is talking about ect...

I've suffered the consequences of "dodgy tradesmen" (directly and indirectly) in the past, so am keen to be able to spot bad practice and avoid it.....

 

[Pete999]

The testing aspect is something I am particularly interested in, that and the ins and outs of the earthing side...

One other reason I want to expand my knowledge is so that if I do have to call an electrician in to do anything, I will have a basic understanding of what he is talking about ect...

I've suffered the consequences of "dodgy tradesmen" (directly and indirectly) in the past, so am keen to be able to spot bad practice and avoid it.....

Electrical Courses for Beginners – Basic Electrics Training | The Builder Training Centre - Electrical Courses - Construction Training Courses - DIY Courses - https://thebtc.co.uk/brochure/electrical-courses-for-beginners/

 

[Pete999]

Electrical Courses for Beginners – Basic Electrics Training | The Builder Training Centre - Electrical Courses - Construction Training Courses - DIY Courses - https://thebtc.co.uk/brochure/electrical-courses-for-beginners/

Sorry Pete wrong attachment
Best-Practice-Guide-7-issue2

 

[DPG]

Guidance Note Book 3 from the IET is well worth having as well. Very informative on the inspection and test side of things.

 

[Midwest]

If I can put a negative spin on this thread.

To carry such work in your own house, shall we say to comply with Part P building regs, will require a certain amount of investment.

As others have said, you would need to pay for some training courses. You would also need to invest in some testing equipment, and purchase tools, if you haven't already got them You would also need to consider, whether any of the work required notification to local building control.

All in all, if a cost benefit analysis was carried out, I think most would come to the conclusion, that it would make more financial sense, to employ the services of an electrician, unless perhaps you have a large scale project in mind.

I'm sat here typing, because my van is currently in the garage, getting a fault fixed. I perhaps could of gone to night school previously, in preparation for this event. However I'm content to pay for repairs to my van, by someone with the skills, knowledge & suitable equipment. Next week, I'm getting my chimney swept by a registered chimney sweep. I could perhaps go out and by some brushes & rods and do the job myself, but I'm not sure how my insurance company would respond, if the chimney happed to catch fire, due to my sweeping skills.

 

[DPG]

I see what your saying Midwest, but where do you stop things? Do you stop people fitting 13A plugs in their own home? I personally don't class myself as a qualified car mechanic, but am quite comfortable changing brake pads, etc. If I asked a mechanic for a bit of advice I wouldn't like being told 'I'm not going to help you because you aren't a fully qualified mechanic and you need to get an apprenticeship'.

 

[Pete E]

If I can put a negative spin on this thread.

To carry such work in your own house, shall we say to comply with Part P building regs, will require a certain amount of investment.

As others have said, you would need to pay for some training courses. You would also need to invest in some testing equipment, and purchase tools, if you haven't already got them You would also need to consider, whether any of the work required notification to local building control.

All in all, if a cost benefit analysis was carried out, I think most would come to the conclusion, that it would make more financial sense, to employ the services of an electrician, unless perhaps you have a large scale project in mind.

I'm sat here typing, because my van is currently in the garage, getting a fault fixed. I perhaps could of gone to night school previously, in preparation for this event. However I'm content to pay for repairs to my van, by someone with the skills, knowledge & suitable equipment. Next week, I'm getting my chimney swept by a registered chimney sweep. I could perhaps go out and by some brushes & rods and do the job myself, but I'm not sure how my insurance company would respond, if the chimney happed to catch fire, due to my sweeping skills.

I think you make some valid points, but its not just an issue of money.

Just before Christmas we had a leak from a faulty mixer tap. A plumber came out (I was working) but could not get the parts he needed till after Christmas.

When I got home, I was able to determine it was something I could do myself and replaced the whole mixer tap for less and quicker than waiting for the plumber.

One Saturday before Christmas, the OH reported turning on the oven was causing the electric to trip. Within the hour I had traced the problem to a faulty outlet where the oven was plugged in and had replaced it with a spare I already had..

On boxing day, the fridge/freezer started to play up...OH was more than a bit concerned given how much food was still in there, but a little poking about showed it to be cause a frozen stat...

These were relatively minor issues, but a little bit of knowledge allowed be to sort things not only cheaply but quickly. Had my initial checks uncovered anything complex or major, at that point I would have been happy to call in a professional.

 

[Midwest]

I see what your saying Midwest, but where do you stop things? Do you stop people fitting 13A plugs in their own home? I personally don't class myself as a qualified car mechanic, but am quite comfortable changing brake pads, etc. If I asked a mechanic for a bit of advice I wouldn't like being told 'I'm not going to help you because you aren't a fully qualified mechanic and you need to get an apprenticeship'.

In the most part I agree with you DPG. But I tend to hold my breath when working in some domestic properties which have been set upon by DIY'ers, and that's not just electrics. Doing some work in a kitchen this week, where the previous incumbent had used laminate flooring on the walls instead of plasterboard.

I gave crawling around under my car, quite a few years ago. I don't see it as a hobby, I just want it fixed without it falling on my foot.

Nope If I want a hobby, I'll take up kayaking or something

 

[Midwest]

I think you make some valid points, but its not just an issue of money.

Just before Christmas we had a leak from a faulty mixer tap. A plumber came out (I was working) but could not get the parts he needed till after Christmas.

When I got home, I was able to determine it was something I could do myself and replaced the whole mixer tap for less and quicker than waiting for the plumber.

One Saturday before Christmas, the OH reported turning on the oven was causing the electric to trip. Within the hour I had traced the problem to a faulty outlet where the oven was plugged in and had replaced it with a spare I already had..

On boxing day, the fridge/freezer started to play up...OH was more than a bit concerned given how much food was still in there, but a little poking about showed it to be cause a frozen stat...

These were relatively minor issues, but a little bit of knowledge allowed be to sort things not only cheaply but quickly. Had my initial checks uncovered anything complex or major, at that point I would have been happy to call in a professional.

So therefore, you have the necessary skills & knowledge to rectify such minor faults.

Seems you are now looking at the next step. How far to you intend to go.

 

[Pete999]

So therefore, you have the necessary skills & knowledge to rectify such minor faults.

Seems you are now looking at the next step. How far to you intend to go.

I think the OP has already explained his intentions in #1 and#5 yes we have to take his intentions at face value, but that's all we can do.

 

[Rosco]

The main problem is that we all see this on a weekly or daily basis, people asking for step by step guides or trying to pull the wool over our eyes by saying someone else did this or that, so it is understandable why we are skeptical and defensive when it comes to dishing out advice and sometimes insulted when told “how hard can it be?”

When I first joined I got caught out by a step by step merchant as I was trying to help and took pity on their situation, it was then pointed out to me that this was possible a bad decision (lesson truly learnt on my part!)

But when someone comes in and is honest with either “I’ve tried and screwed up” or “I want to learn” then I have time for these people (obviously hero boy gets a slap on wrist and told to find someone local to help, but they have learnt)

In short if you want to learn great but still know your limits and learn the safety and regs first!!

Then sky is your limit.

Rant/explanation complete

 

[Midwest]

I think the OP has already explained his intentions in #1 and#5 yes we have to take his intentions at face value, but that's all we can do.

I don't really see his purpose Pete, OP's just explained he's quite handy fixing the odd problem in his household. Whey bother going onto the next stage?

Might as well get a competent trades person for the more complex stuff, requiring training courses.

 

[DPG]

I don't see the problem. I fancy doing a short course on welding - just so I can improve and do bits and pieces. Won't be an expert and wouldn't claim to be. Nice to further my knowledge though - good for the brain!

 

[Pete E]

Seems you are now looking at the next step. How far to you intend to go.

I guess that's the question...As I say I have no intention of doing major electrical work, but I would like to improve myself. While I am happy to invest my time (ie evening classes ect) I think in reality it will come down to costs of any potential training...

 

[Pete E]

Nice to further my knowledge though - good for the brain!

I think that's a big part of it...I would also like to be able to a bit of plumbing, but thought I best not mention the "P" word on here!

 

[Pete999]

I don't really see his purpose Pete, OP's just explained he's quite handy fixing the odd problem in his household. Whey bother going onto the next stage?

Might as well get a competent trades person for the more complex stuff, requiring training courses.

Deleted

 

[DPG]

Yeah, don't mention plumbing, you'll get Telectrix started

 

[Midwest]

Well I've said my piece. Its not set in stone, wish all the DIY work I come across resembled anything competent. Make my current life so much more relaxed.

 

[FatAlan]

If I can put a negative spin on this thread.

To carry such work in your own house, shall we say to comply with Part P building regs, will require a certain amount of investment.

As others have said, you would need to pay for some training courses. You would also need to invest in some testing equipment, and purchase tools, if you haven't already got them You would also need to consider, whether any of the work required notification to local building control.

All in all, if a cost benefit analysis was carried out, I think most would come to the conclusion, that it would make more financial sense, to employ the services of an electrician, unless perhaps you have a large scale project in mind.

I'm sat here typing, because my van is currently in the garage, getting a fault fixed. I perhaps could of gone to night school previously, in preparation for this event. However I'm content to pay for repairs to my van, by someone with the skills, knowledge & suitable equipment. Next week, I'm getting my chimney swept by a registered chimney sweep. I could perhaps go out and by some brushes & rods and do the job myself, but I'm not sure how my insurance company would respond, if the chimney happed to catch fire, due to my sweeping skills.

Had my chimney (on Recently purchased house) checked swept by a registered sweep who also happened to be senior fire officer. He issued a certificate but stated that it was basically worthless after he walked out the door. I do possess a set of brushes and do sweep my own chimney. Must admit £50 for the sweep sounds good value when you consider the time & mess saving.
But I agree with Midwest , when you start looking at the study and investment in learning, training and investing in kit you have to do a lot of DIY to get your money back. Then again you might just be a tool tart who is looking at an excuse to buy lots of new toys!

 

[Pete E]

Then again you might just be a tool tart who is looking at an excuse to buy lots of new toys!

Are you suggesting that's a bad thing?

 

[Pete E]

Had my chimney (on Recently purchased house) checked swept by a registered sweep who also happened to be senior fire officer. He issued a certificate but stated that it was basically worthless after he walked out the door. I do possess a set of brushes and do sweep my own chimney. Must admit £50 for the sweep sounds good value when you consider the time & mess saving.

In my previous place I lived, I had a wood burner...I had been there a "number" of years before I had the chimney swept... The sweep was a bit taken a back and said it would be done at least once a year maybe twice, depending on what was been burnt..I still think he was just trying to drum up business!

 

[Midwest]

Had my chimney (on Recently purchased house) checked swept by a registered sweep who also happened to be senior fire officer. He issued a certificate but stated that it was basically worthless after he walked out the door. I do possess a set of brushes and do sweep my own chimney. Must admit £50 for the sweep sounds good value when you consider the time & mess saving.

Mine has convinced me that his £50 charge will keep the insurance company at bay.

Reminds me, need to up my hourly rate.

Edit; vans still in the garage

 

[Spoon]

..I still think he was just trying to drum up business!

This is the problem.. You never know...
It's a bit like that mattress advert that 'recommends you change your mattress every 8 years.' Sod that... I'm not changing mine until I have a spring sticking in my back...

 

[Midwest]

This is the problem.. You never know...
It's a bit like that mattress advert that 'recommends you change your mattress every 8 years.' Sod that... I'm not changing mine until I have a spring sticking in my back...

That's what the missus used to say.

 

[The Ghost]

This sounds like you want to be a little bit pregnant. No such thing! your'e all in or all out, there are no half way measures. Broadly there are three areas to master. Science, although basic as it is, regulatory and statutory requirements and last by no means least, practical skills. It sounds like Practical skills may not be a problem so science and legal aspects. If you started with the legal such as H&S EAWR COSSH WEEE WaHregs ad nauseum it would be a good place. Consider effects on house insurance and medical insurance if you have any. Consider the ramifications on selling the house.
Science not so difficult, can be a bit daunting when first encountered like all things. However very doable. Now saying that, I have had people working with me who have completed a three year course and worked just on domestic, and did not have a clue. So what did they learn? darned if I know!
You cannot complete work in your house without testing! As then you have no way of proving the work is safe. Bear in mind you and yours rely upon safe work methods. So you will need to master using an MFT. Even knowing the theory will not prepare you for anomalous results you get as they are not taught anywhere. This is where experience comes in. That takes years.
For instance, I can do a bit of plumbing. Quite proud of my installing a bar mixer shower, had I known more I might have saved myself a few hundred. The bar mixer had no check valves and the cold water siphoned back into the heat exchanger in the combi and burnt out the exchanger. A new one cost nigh on £3oo. Ok no harm done except to my wallet, maybe pride...but it illustrates a point that a little knowledge really could be a dangerous thing. Ok think I have gone on enough, don't take this as discouragement. I think it is an interesting and moot point.

 

[Midwest]

That's what my father used to say.

 

[uksrevivor]

Fair play to the OP for being honest in what he wants to gain more knowledge in electrics for.
I would always say that " little knowledge" in electrics is dangerous but only if you are carrying out work on it, but there is nothing wrong in trying to learn more to understand it better. Now understanding it and carrying out electrical work are 2 different things. Even in your own home there are limitations and far to few IMO. Look at some of the most common threads in this forum and you will see, how do i wire this light, how do i run power to my garage, how do i wire this switch the list goes on. Having some knowledge to question or understand what an electrician is talking about if you are getting them to quote for a job might help you. Even a socket that does not work anymore may not just be a like for like replacement. Know your limitations and i dont mean what the regs state i mean your own limitations. If you post questions on this forum many members will help you and probably point you in the right direction to learn more but a post asking for a how to do it guide will probably get very little.