Training For Us DIYers...

[Pete E]

Having read some of the threads on the forum, I can see the issue of DIYers working on domestic electrics is a bit contentious but I hope this question will not cause any problems.

I was wondering whether there is any form of training where by a DIYer like myself can extend their domestic electrical knowledge? I am thinking of something like night school or what have you???

I am not looking to become a fully fledged/trained electrician but would like to increase my knowledge to equip me to do more of my own electrical work, regulations permitting.

Is there anything out there that is suitable or is it a case of a little knowledge is a dangerous thing?

 

[DPG]

I see what your saying Midwest, but where do you stop things? Do you stop people fitting 13A plugs in their own home? I personally don't class myself as a qualified car mechanic, but am quite comfortable changing brake pads, etc. If I asked a mechanic for a bit of advice I wouldn't like being told 'I'm not going to help you because you aren't a fully qualified mechanic and you need to get an apprenticeship'.

 

[Pete E]

If I can put a negative spin on this thread.

To carry such work in your own house, shall we say to comply with Part P building regs, will require a certain amount of investment.

As others have said, you would need to pay for some training courses. You would also need to invest in some testing equipment, and purchase tools, if you haven't already got them You would also need to consider, whether any of the work required notification to local building control.

All in all, if a cost benefit analysis was carried out, I think most would come to the conclusion, that it would make more financial sense, to employ the services of an electrician, unless perhaps you have a large scale project in mind.

I'm sat here typing, because my van is currently in the garage, getting a fault fixed. I perhaps could of gone to night school previously, in preparation for this event. However I'm content to pay for repairs to my van, by someone with the skills, knowledge & suitable equipment. Next week, I'm getting my chimney swept by a registered chimney sweep. I could perhaps go out and by some brushes & rods and do the job myself, but I'm not sure how my insurance company would respond, if the chimney happed to catch fire, due to my sweeping skills.

I think you make some valid points, but its not just an issue of money.

Just before Christmas we had a leak from a faulty mixer tap. A plumber came out (I was working) but could not get the parts he needed till after Christmas.

When I got home, I was able to determine it was something I could do myself and replaced the whole mixer tap for less and quicker than waiting for the plumber.

One Saturday before Christmas, the OH reported turning on the oven was causing the electric to trip. Within the hour I had traced the problem to a faulty outlet where the oven was plugged in and had replaced it with a spare I already had..

On boxing day, the fridge/freezer started to play up...OH was more than a bit concerned given how much food was still in there, but a little poking about showed it to be cause a frozen stat...

These were relatively minor issues, but a little bit of knowledge allowed be to sort things not only cheaply but quickly. Had my initial checks uncovered anything complex or major, at that point I would have been happy to call in a professional.

 

[Midwest]

I see what your saying Midwest, but where do you stop things? Do you stop people fitting 13A plugs in their own home? I personally don't class myself as a qualified car mechanic, but am quite comfortable changing brake pads, etc. If I asked a mechanic for a bit of advice I wouldn't like being told 'I'm not going to help you because you aren't a fully qualified mechanic and you need to get an apprenticeship'.

In the most part I agree with you DPG. But I tend to hold my breath when working in some domestic properties which have been set upon by DIY'ers, and that's not just electrics. Doing some work in a kitchen this week, where the previous incumbent had used laminate flooring on the walls instead of plasterboard.

I gave crawling around under my car, quite a few years ago. I don't see it as a hobby, I just want it fixed without it falling on my foot.

Nope If I want a hobby, I'll take up kayaking or something

 

[Midwest]

I think you make some valid points, but its not just an issue of money.

Just before Christmas we had a leak from a faulty mixer tap. A plumber came out (I was working) but could not get the parts he needed till after Christmas.

When I got home, I was able to determine it was something I could do myself and replaced the whole mixer tap for less and quicker than waiting for the plumber.

One Saturday before Christmas, the OH reported turning on the oven was causing the electric to trip. Within the hour I had traced the problem to a faulty outlet where the oven was plugged in and had replaced it with a spare I already had..

On boxing day, the fridge/freezer started to play up...OH was more than a bit concerned given how much food was still in there, but a little poking about showed it to be cause a frozen stat...

These were relatively minor issues, but a little bit of knowledge allowed be to sort things not only cheaply but quickly. Had my initial checks uncovered anything complex or major, at that point I would have been happy to call in a professional.

So therefore, you have the necessary skills & knowledge to rectify such minor faults.

Seems you are now looking at the next step. How far to you intend to go.

 

[Pete999]

So therefore, you have the necessary skills & knowledge to rectify such minor faults.

Seems you are now looking at the next step. How far to you intend to go.

I think the OP has already explained his intentions in #1 and#5 yes we have to take his intentions at face value, but that's all we can do.

 

[Rosco]

The main problem is that we all see this on a weekly or daily basis, people asking for step by step guides or trying to pull the wool over our eyes by saying someone else did this or that, so it is understandable why we are skeptical and defensive when it comes to dishing out advice and sometimes insulted when told “how hard can it be?”

When I first joined I got caught out by a step by step merchant as I was trying to help and took pity on their situation, it was then pointed out to me that this was possible a bad decision (lesson truly learnt on my part!)

But when someone comes in and is honest with either “I’ve tried and screwed up” or “I want to learn” then I have time for these people (obviously hero boy gets a slap on wrist and told to find someone local to help, but they have learnt)

In short if you want to learn great but still know your limits and learn the safety and regs first!!

Then sky is your limit.

Rant/explanation complete

 

[Midwest]

I think the OP has already explained his intentions in #1 and#5 yes we have to take his intentions at face value, but that's all we can do.

I don't really see his purpose Pete, OP's just explained he's quite handy fixing the odd problem in his household. Whey bother going onto the next stage?

Might as well get a competent trades person for the more complex stuff, requiring training courses.

 

[DPG]

I don't see the problem. I fancy doing a short course on welding - just so I can improve and do bits and pieces. Won't be an expert and wouldn't claim to be. Nice to further my knowledge though - good for the brain!

 

[Pete E]

Seems you are now looking at the next step. How far to you intend to go.

I guess that's the question...As I say I have no intention of doing major electrical work, but I would like to improve myself. While I am happy to invest my time (ie evening classes ect) I think in reality it will come down to costs of any potential training...

 

[Pete E]

Nice to further my knowledge though - good for the brain!

I think that's a big part of it...I would also like to be able to a bit of plumbing, but thought I best not mention the "P" word on here!

 

[Pete999]

I don't really see his purpose Pete, OP's just explained he's quite handy fixing the odd problem in his household. Whey bother going onto the next stage?

Might as well get a competent trades person for the more complex stuff, requiring training courses.

Deleted

 

[DPG]

Yeah, don't mention plumbing, you'll get Telectrix started

 

[Midwest]

Well I've said my piece. Its not set in stone, wish all the DIY work I come across resembled anything competent. Make my current life so much more relaxed.

 

[FatAlan]

If I can put a negative spin on this thread.

To carry such work in your own house, shall we say to comply with Part P building regs, will require a certain amount of investment.

As others have said, you would need to pay for some training courses. You would also need to invest in some testing equipment, and purchase tools, if you haven't already got them You would also need to consider, whether any of the work required notification to local building control.

All in all, if a cost benefit analysis was carried out, I think most would come to the conclusion, that it would make more financial sense, to employ the services of an electrician, unless perhaps you have a large scale project in mind.

I'm sat here typing, because my van is currently in the garage, getting a fault fixed. I perhaps could of gone to night school previously, in preparation for this event. However I'm content to pay for repairs to my van, by someone with the skills, knowledge & suitable equipment. Next week, I'm getting my chimney swept by a registered chimney sweep. I could perhaps go out and by some brushes & rods and do the job myself, but I'm not sure how my insurance company would respond, if the chimney happed to catch fire, due to my sweeping skills.

Had my chimney (on Recently purchased house) checked swept by a registered sweep who also happened to be senior fire officer. He issued a certificate but stated that it was basically worthless after he walked out the door. I do possess a set of brushes and do sweep my own chimney. Must admit £50 for the sweep sounds good value when you consider the time & mess saving.
But I agree with Midwest , when you start looking at the study and investment in learning, training and investing in kit you have to do a lot of DIY to get your money back. Then again you might just be a tool tart who is looking at an excuse to buy lots of new toys!

 

[Pete E]

Then again you might just be a tool tart who is looking at an excuse to buy lots of new toys!

Are you suggesting that's a bad thing?