getting 3 phase experience

[leolec]

I Keep on turning down 3 phase work from contacts and/or existing customers, generally "small jobs" things like can you put in an extra 16a socket, oh of course this would be for 14.8kva welders - generally seems to be normal round these parts!

so whats the best way to gain the experience and knowledge needed?

 

[Engineer54]

Well, assuming your a DI and have had only the briefest of training, you would need to go back to collage to gain the knowledge of correctly designing a 3 phase distribution system etc. Experience is another matter, you'll obviously only get that, by working along side a qualified experienced electrician....

 

[Knobhead]

To be honest, if you’re unsure about a 3 phase socket the safest thing is keep turning the jobs down.
Some training providers do a short 3 phase course, keep you’re money in your pocket. I’ve looked at several of them and the content I could probably teach an apprentice in half a day.
Do you know of anyone that would be willing to have you shadow them on 3 phase jobs? You would learn a lot more.

 

[leolec]

Tony I think you've summed up the possible training options the way I felt about them. I'm happy about 3 phase sockets regularly put 3p plugs on tested equipment and repair 3p lifting, welding & pumping equipment, have some knowledge of star delta, startup switching and overload protection. Where I come unstuck is in what I might not know and the a little knowledge......

It strikes me that it would be very easy to overload things very quickly with the currents involved and investment in time to check the design of the site is very important

Shadowing would be something that I'd be really happy to do, it's finding someone who would be happy to be shadowed.

How good are the trade associations at helping?