Startup Info and tools needed??

chrisgc · Sep 17, 2009

Hi all,

I have passed my Part P and have Domestic Installers and just passed the 17the Editions Regs.

I am looking at just doing small domestic work in the near future and was wondering if anyone could give me some more info on what I would need to start up as my Mum has very kindly said she would help with a small startup loan.

Things like the following:-

1) hand tools, ie brand of screwdrivers, cutters etc.

2) Electrical tools I might need ie for chasing.

3) What voltage detector and proving unit

4) What megger should I go for (as have trained with one) am looking at MFT1552 or would you recommend the 1553 with on sit software (and if the 1553 with on site what is would you take on site ie. laptop or pda).

5) Also what competant person scheme should I apply for (edging more towards NICIEC or Elecsa)

All your help would be much appreciated and hope I have this in the right topic section.

Kind regards
Chris

Mark.W · Sep 17, 2009

Hi

Have a look at this thread regarding tools http://www.electriciansforums.net/electrical-tools-products/7575-what-tools.html

All Voltage indicators and proving units are basically the same, don't buy it too expensive because you don't tend to use it alot in the real world.

Megger 1552 is fine.

NIC are the biggest but not necessarily the most helpful, a lot of people like elecsa.

chrisgc · Sep 17, 2009

Thanks Brightspark - short but sweet.

Will take a look at the thread link.

So when it comes to the megger is it not worth investing in the 1553 on site as they seem to be selling it on the fact that you can complete the certificates on site thus getting payment quicker?

Or will you still find yourself at your pc anyway with a 1553 as you would a 1552 completing paperwork?

Chris

Mark.W · Sep 17, 2009

To be honest I'd still get the 1552, I don't hand over certs before I have the cash in my hand, so having the onsite tester is of no use to me because I don't print them onsite. Each to their own really....

chrisgc · Sep 17, 2009

Brightspark

Totally understand where your coming from and also as much as the on site one sounds great it means more outlay as I aint got a smartphone so the only option is to purchase a pda or take my laptop and lets be honest I dont want my laptop in the back of a van or worse still in the front and it be seen.

Can I ask how you collate the information from your 1552 to the pc - does it have a pc lead to connect to it or do you do it manually ie look at the results on the megger then put them on the cert sheet?

OR

Maybe how about the 1553 (bluetooth capability)? Cos I am under the impression that with the bluetooth as long as you have a bluetooth dongle attatched to pc it can upload the results to your pc and in the appropriate boxes?

Chris

Mark.W · Sep 17, 2009

I personally use easycert, it's software for your pc and phone. What I do is when I'm on a job I fill the cert out on my phone and when I get home plug my phone into the pc and upload it into a cert on the pc.

Festerfly · Sep 17, 2009

the 1553 doesnt store all your tests in one continuous list ready for a download at a later date. You do a test, trasmit to pda/laptop etc and then move on to your next test after tabbing your cursor to the next input field etc. One by one.

I am getting the 1553 w/on-site but initially will just be recoreding my details by hand until i get more adept/quicker at my testing etc. Dont want to take on too much too soon!