Returning to be an Electrician

[Midwest]

I have only just joined this forum, so hello to all. I have done some searching on my question in this forum, but mostly on the internet, so I hope someone doesn't show me a recent post straight away.

I'm due to retire from my current job in the next two years, so I am planning ahead. When I left school in the 70's o), I served a full apprenticeship as an electrician, and qualified as an Approved Electrician. I worked in domestic installation and then industrial installation, before leaving the industry in 1985. I am thinking of returning to the domestic field (self-employed) when I retire.

My question is what courses/qualifications do I need to qualify again as an approved electrician? There seem to be a host of courses out there, but most seem aimed at people who are completely new to the industry, notwithstanding I would need retraining.
I contacted the JIB, who said I could renew my Approved Electrician card after an H&S assessment. Is that all I need to do? Seems a bit too simple.

If that is the case do I just need to do a Part P course?

 

[Brendan976]

Spread the course over the eleven weeks, whilst the 2382 is not rocket science it's still slot to take in after being out of the game for so long
Regards
Ben

 

[parker56]

Fully agree with Brendan976 gives you a lot more time to take it all in,(learn all the new terms) good luck.

 

[Midwest]

I am in exactly the same position as Midwest I gave up sparking in 1979 and returned recently, I took the 2382 and passed, I got my ecs and JIB approved card back. I agree that the part p course is not mandatory and you repeat a lot of stuff that is covered in the 2382, but, I have to say I found it very useful, if you have not been doing inspection and testing for a long time then the old adage springs to mind well it did in my case " if you dont use it you lose it" and this course will certainly help if you intend doing the 2391.


Regards

Ben

Sorry just trying to grips with all these courses. So I should start with 2382, then 2392 and then possibly a Part 3. Would not the 2382/2392 allow me to register with a 'Competent Person Self-Certification Scheme' ?

 

[wildgoose]

17th Edition - Essential.
2392 - Practical & very useful.
C&G Electrical Appliance Testing - PAT can be boring but testing brings in other work.

I also returned back to my original trade 3 years ago, after specialising in another area of the electrical industry. Did other courses but the 3 above have been the most useful.

Also suggest that you buddy you with another local spark to get back into it. This is also very useful so you can help each other out because there are going to be josb which you cannot do on your own!!

 

[Midwest]

17th Edition - Essential.
2392 - Practical & very useful.
C&G Electrical Appliance Testing - PAT can be boring but testing brings in other work.

I also returned back to my original trade 3 years ago, after specialising in another area of the electrical industry. Did other courses but the 3 above have been the most useful.

Also suggest that you buddy you with another local spark to get back into it. This is also very useful so you can help each other out because there are going to be josb which you cannot do on your own!!

Good point with the buddy system. I'm likely to start sort of part time (will have small pension), but working with someone else makes sense. Before doing the courses, I'm going to do some reading. Can anyone suggest some guidance books (the big green book is on its way L )?
I’ve seen ‘Electricians Guide to the building Regs ISBN 979-0863418624’ recommended (can’t find that on-line) and ‘On Site Guide ISBN No 978-1849192873’.
Nice bed time reading!

 

[parker56]

GN3 its another must read.

 

[Brendan976]

HI

Look up this website this is all about inspection and testing written by a spark who know his stuff and how to put it across is layman's terms. I just did my part p assessment and passed using this website mainly for the inspection and testing part of it

Practical Guide to Inspection, Testing & Certification of Electrical Installations

I found it so useful, I looked up ( Christopher Kitcher) the guy who wrote it on Amazon and purchased the book

Regards

BeN

 

[Midwest]

I've had my nose in 'Practical Guide to the 17th Edition of the Wiring Regs' and it's not simple is it! I'm thinking of going on a 3 day CG2382-10 course. I'm pretty confident about understanding the practical side of the course, types of wiring, isolation, types of circuits etc. However the calculations and formulae I’m not so. Would this type of course explain the calculations or would you be expected to have a good understanding of them?

 

[telectrix]

first, do the 2382-10. once this is under your belt, you can apply to join one of the scams, niceic, elecsa, napit. don't go paying through the nose for a course. your local college will probably do 2382-10 for around £250

 

[TaffyDuck]

MidWest I`m new here too so we can be noobs together. My suggestion would be that you get 17th edition asap. With your level of experience Im sure that it wont prove too difficult. The next stage on your quest I would suggest should be getting yourself Part P approved from either ECA, NIC, ELECSA. You dont need any specialist testing qualifications for that. 2392 might be an advantage but until your up to speed I would suggest that 2391 might be a step to far. All the Part P providers will be helpful and are there to help you not trip you up. Dont be fooled by training courses called Part P. The ONLY way to get Part P is to be assesssed on site. We have a so called electrician around here that has Part P Qualified written on his van. there is no such thing.