Building regulations...or not...that is the question

[Druncanduncan]

Hey all. a relative newbie here so appologies if uv read this umpteen times b4. i have searched but to no avail. here goes. having recently finished 4 years in college whilst completing c+g 2330 lv2+3, 2392+2391, pat testing, 17th edition, part p of building regs just looking to sign with NICEIC. As regards to part p of building regs, my understanding was this would cover an eletrician as part p of building regs is obviously electrical. was informed today, right or wrong i do not know, i must now complete a full building regs course at a massive cost(nothing new). either through NIC or elsewhere. surely having passed my 2391 i should be classed as competant enough to work anywhere, within reason. baffled now. thoughts please......

 

[telectrix]

Doing periodic inspections properly takes years of testing experience , you cant get any of that from a college.
agreed. but you can get it from the friendly advisors at B&Q. NOT.

 

[linetech]

a few points
Firstly the 2393 buildings regs course is 1-2 days , yes thats right , 1-2 days.
Exactly how much are you going to learn in that exactly time ?
Secondly the 2391 , although tough , is 5 days long.
Youre not going to get that much experience from it. What you will get is the underpining fundamental instruction in how it should be done and the course was always intended for sparks who already do testing , not trainees.
Doing periodic inspections properly takes years of testing experience , you cant get any of that from a college.

Opps! That was like poking a big dog with stick.. You are look! dont take it personal, its just my opinion & Im entitled to it aint I?

I think you be right in saying if you attend courses done like this you stand to learn very little, agreed on that, however a lot of the part-time courses are there to aid those who are already working as trainee electricians or electricians. A lot of the core subjects starting from 2330 up to 2391 are all inter-connected and the learning process. So if you have studied in a part-time role from entry level up to the 2391 say over four five years and have been successful it has to be worth the graft & time taken surely?

With regard to periodic inspection that’s a matter of assessing the install with relevant knowledge & common sense is it not?. The rest is to relay this in documentation and hand to the customer. As you no doubt have encountered yourself not every periodic inspection ensures 100% in our current climate you’re on the end of the work to bring up to date or correct the inadequacies..

I think any trainee looking in on our conversation would be scared to death & think he has made the wrong choice in trying to break into the electrical industry.. I’d rather employ someone who knew what he was doing exactly and why, albeit occasionally having to seek advice rather than someone who is done it before but is not entirely sure of why it is done & has a lack of the knowledge with regard to safety, the regulations and the relevant qualifications.. If you’re ever unlucky enough to be standing in the dock before a judge and if the **** was ever to hit the fan you’re better off knowing your ****, no doubt you’d agree with that?

 

[Guest55]

yes , you are entitled to an opinion , and to express it.
no , i dont take it personally.
yes , i bite like a rabid hell hound.
everthing else is just gravy.

 

[linetech]

Good, Good glad to hear it! Thanks for time.. That last sentence in my other post sends chills down all our spines.. but like you said, that apart everything else is just ahh.. Bisto... :yes:

 

[IzzyS]

Hey all. a relative newbie here so appologies if uv read this umpteen times b4. i have searched but to no avail. here goes. having recently finished 4 years in college whilst completing c+g 2330 lv2+3, 2392+2391, pat testing, 17th edition, part p of building regs just looking to sign with NICEIC. As regards to part p of building regs, my understanding was this would cover an eletrician as part p of building regs is obviously electrical. was informed today, right or wrong i do not know, i must now complete a full building regs course at a massive cost(nothing new). either through NIC or elsewhere. surely having passed my 2391 i should be classed as competant enough to work anywhere, within reason. baffled now. thoughts please......

You can download all the relevant Approved Documents free from the government website. It's more than just Part P - your assessor will probably question things like where you drill the joists, height of switches etc.... The full list is as follows

A Structural safety
B Part1 Fire safety (Dwellings)
B Part2 Fire safety (Other Buildings)
C Resistance to contaminants and moisture
D Toxic substances
E Resistance to sound
F Ventilation
G Hygiene and hot water storage
H Drainage and waste disposal
J Heat producing appliances
K Protection from falling
L Conservation of fuel and power
M Access and use of buildings
N Glazing – safety in relation to impact, opening and cleaning
P Electrical Safety


Also buy the IET's Electrician's Guide to the Building Regulations, read it and understand it. Then hack away at the joists like a plumber...