• Looking for a smarter way to manage your heating this winter? We’ve been testing the new Aqara Radiator Thermostat W600 to see how quiet, accurate and easy it is to use around the home. Click here read our review.

Did I make a mistake?

Joined
5 Nov 2024
Messages
3,706
Reaction score
1,871
Country
United Kingdom
Hello respected Sparks,

I’m a plumber/gas engineer by trade, but recently have become bored, stagnant and stuck in my job role. I enjoy the electrical part of my job and had aspirations to gain more knowledge and experience.

I set about trying to obtain what I thought was practical and or necessary and bought an R1/R2 socket tester and a cheap mft (not to use in real situations per se, just to help me understand).

I already have the On-site guide and a copy of BS7671, so hopefully all not lost there.

I downloaded a free book, but I see a lot of maths involved which irks me as I don’t enjoy maths, possibly because I don’t understand it maybe?

I had a bad weekend mental health wise which has carried onto this week.

Did I make a mistake, put the cart before the horse and just got impulsive with my purchases? The MFT arrived yesterday, but because of my mood haven’t opened it yet and thought about just listing it on eBay along with the socket tester.

Thanks for reading if you made it this far without playing a violin in your head or falling asleep
 
This is like a Bricklayer going back to be a Labourer.

You have learnt a fantastic skill/trade, have you got a hoilday booked this summer? if so, look forward to go away or book one with the wife/partner and take a break.

And by all means if after the rest you want to become a Spark just start by throwing away your dustpan and brush!

All the best.

Andy
 
I recommend you watch dses on YouTube
Dave Savory

That should cheer you up, or drive yiu to drink lol

But seriously, I think he shows amy, how to use an MFT. And has demonstion setups.
Yes, I watched one or two of his, but only part way through one because he just seemed to be slating off an mft. The other one I watched was ok.
 
This is like a Bricklayer going back to be a Labourer.
:ROFLMAO: :ROFLMAO: :ROFLMAO: :ROFLMAO:
You have learnt a fantastic skill/trade,
So I’m told.
have you got a hoilday booked this summer? if so, look forward to go away or book one with the wife/partnet and take a break.
As it happens I booked one yesterday. It’s F’ing Wales again. Been going the last 16 years, haven’t been abroad since before then. I know I sound ungrateful but everyone else enjoys it. I don’t. It’s a caravan holiday where I become househusband, so as you can imagine, not great.
And by all means if after the rest you want to become a Spark just start by throwing away your dustpan and brush!
Just after more knowledge/experience mate.
 
@Stuckinarut Hope the best.

Just a question, what made you bored from your current job?

GSH electrical has fantastic videos on YouTube if you want to expand your knowledge.

Know your limits, and be careful and ask as many questions as you like.
 
@Stuckinarut Hope the best.

Just a question, what made you bored from your current job?
Lack of variety, same stuff different day, social housing customers who some moan like hell. Unfortunately, I can’t jump ship yet as we want to move house.
GSH electrical has fantastic videos on YouTube if you want to expand your knowledge.
Yep, seen/listened to some of these, well probably more on efixx as well as artisan electrics and JW (@flameport).
Know your limits, and be careful and ask as many questions as you like.
I know my limits in my current role, so hopefully know my limits elsewhere, but thank you.
 
Last edited:
Unfortunately that applies to most carriers once you have mastered them.
Unfortunately I haven’t mastered my trade due to where I work. We primarily work on combi boilers, so an awful lot is missing.
 
Don't stress mate, life's too short to worry about work, get it done and enjoy life don't take things seriously (as much as possible)

Was you ever on the screwfix forum?
 
Fire up the MFT, and do some testing, at home to begin with. Post the resulting numbers here for a bit more context of how to interpret them.

Offer to fix small faults and do additions and repairs etc for family (but don't look too keen, or you may never have a free weekend again...)

Open the book, post copies of the tricky bits on here. One or other of the blokes will have seen it, and be able to tie it into something more understandable - but they can't do this unless you ask them.

For all its faults, grab a copy of the on site guide as well, as this is a more practical focused book, with a bit less maths etc focus in it.

Crack on, and post back any and all questions.

You've got this :)
 

If you need to find a tradesperson to get your job done, please try our local search below, or if you are doing it yourself you can find suppliers local to you.

Select the supplier or trade you require, enter your location to begin your search.


Are you a trade or supplier? You can create your listing free at DIYnot Local

 
Back
Top