becoming a spark "again"

[swelec]

Hello everyone

Have not posted for a while as most of my visits to this site were during a major self renovation to my bungalow early in 2005

I have recently been made redundant and am finding it difficult to find a new position in the area I have been working in lately ( logistics in manufacturing )

I have a training grant available to me but cannot decide what to do with it

One possibility is to update my electrical certificates and go "back on the tools"

I served a four year apprentiship with B.S.C. in the 70's so I guess would immediately need to go on a 16th edition course

What testing courses would you suggest, and having completed them, what kit would you suggest I apply for as I could get this paid for too as part of the course

 

[swelec]

OK Looked on the NICEIC website and discovered that

City and Guilds 2381: Level 3 Certificate in the Requirements for Electrical Installations: BS 7671 (Sixteenth Edition)

City & Guilds 2391: Level 3 Certificate in Inspection, Testing and Certification of Electrical Installations

Seem to be the ones I need as refresher courses

Does this qualify me then for part P ?

 

[swelec]

http://www.elitetestequipment.co.uk/catalog/details.php?image_id=19

How does this compare to the testers that you "active" sparks use?

I need to submit my application for training grant on monday so would appreciate some feedback

Thanks

 

[ebee]

I got one I like it.
Non trip RCD Zs test 1 ohm resolution.
Try ISS a tadd cheaper I think, also that site does not state whether flying leads and 13Amp plug lead supplied as standard (Probavly is I should think).

Metrel easitest is a good one too

I`d advise you to look at and perhaps discuss over telephone with all the 5 Part P scheme operators.
I went with ELECSA found them OK

 

[swelec]

Thanks for the reply

The more I read the more confused I get

I would appreciate a step by step guide so maybe I need to phone tomorrow

So I have served an aprenticeship

I update my skills by getting

City and Guilds 2381: Level 3 Certificate in the Requirements for Electrical Installations: BS 7671 (Sixteenth Edition)

City & Guilds 2391: Level 3 Certificate in Inspection, Testing and Certification of Electrical Installations

I purchase the additional kit for all the testing required

I then have to register with one of the various bodies (and subsequently pay an annual fee )

They need to inspect two installations of mine to ensure compliance

They then deem me competent to carry out domestic wiring

Is this correct ?

 

[ebee]

In a nutshell Yes.
Talk to all the schemes ref qualifications and fees (include all fees), for instance some say £ XX to register plus £ YY for assessment.
I think Elecsa is £ 400+Vat = £ 470 at present . Napit = £180 register + £300 assess = £480 (inc VAT I think) and last time I looked BSI was about £800 total .
So if you speak to them all and get the full total & their requirements which seem to differ slightly but maybe not much and perhaps then you will get the overall picture.
There is a 6th way called COR (Carry On Regardless) which many seemed to have joined LOL.
All the best