Confused with Forum Position on DIY

[Pete999]

Most of em know more than me anyway....

Think they do Mate, think they do.

 

[Marvo]

The official forum guidelines for DIY questions are here;
How The DIY Area Works And The Step By Step Guide Rule - https://www.electriciansforums.co.uk/threads/how-the-diy-area-works-and-the-step-by-step-guide-rule.99209/

If someone is asking for a step-by-step guide or if it sounds like they're planning something dangerous please use the report button on the post and the staff will review the thread and close/delete it if necessary.

 

[l4urence]

Generally I find that DIYers believe that because it works then the job is good. Just highlighting the use of test equipment and the testing involved (and reason for the test) can make them realise a spark is needed. I often tell my customers that the tests are not to check it works but to confirm that it'll stop working when there is a fault. When they do the work they only effectively tick the 'functional check' tick box.

 

[Marvo]

We get all sorts of 'DIYers' ranging from genuinely clueless to people with electronics degrees. We just have to take them as we find them on a case by case basis.

If they're out of their depth and/or they don't have suitable test equipment to prove safety, usually if someone tactfuly explains the pitfalls of the job they're trying to do and the reason they should reconsider they're happy to get some help from a professional. There's been quite a few occasions over the years where forum members have got some work for themselves by constructively engaging with DIY'ers.

 

[Carl S]

An American electrical forum I’m a member of has this in the rules:

This site is designed for:

• Electrical Contractors
• Electricians
• Engineers
• Inspectors
• Instructors
• Other electrically related individuals

DIY questions will not be tolerated

You have to bear in mind the American litigation culture, something that is now unfortunately increasing in the UK. Also take in to account NEC codes are statute whereas BS7671 regulations* aren’t.

*A regulation would imply legality although they are in reality a code of practice.

The bottom line is “its up to you if you answer a DIY question”.