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?

 

[Pete E]

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.

In my previous place I lived, I had a wood burner...I had been there a "number" of years before I had the chimney swept... The sweep was a bit taken a back and said it would be done at least once a year maybe twice, depending on what was been burnt..I still think he was just trying to drum up business!

 

[Midwest]

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.

Mine has convinced me that his £50 charge will keep the insurance company at bay.

Reminds me, need to up my hourly rate.

Edit; vans still in the garage

 

[Spoon]

..I still think he was just trying to drum up business!

This is the problem.. You never know...
It's a bit like that mattress advert that 'recommends you change your mattress every 8 years.' Sod that... I'm not changing mine until I have a spring sticking in my back...

 

[Midwest]

This is the problem.. You never know...
It's a bit like that mattress advert that 'recommends you change your mattress every 8 years.' Sod that... I'm not changing mine until I have a spring sticking in my back...

That's what the missus used to say.

 

[The Ghost]

This sounds like you want to be a little bit pregnant. No such thing! your'e all in or all out, there are no half way measures. Broadly there are three areas to master. Science, although basic as it is, regulatory and statutory requirements and last by no means least, practical skills. It sounds like Practical skills may not be a problem so science and legal aspects. If you started with the legal such as H&S EAWR COSSH WEEE WaHregs ad nauseum it would be a good place. Consider effects on house insurance and medical insurance if you have any. Consider the ramifications on selling the house.
Science not so difficult, can be a bit daunting when first encountered like all things. However very doable. Now saying that, I have had people working with me who have completed a three year course and worked just on domestic, and did not have a clue. So what did they learn? darned if I know!
You cannot complete work in your house without testing! As then you have no way of proving the work is safe. Bear in mind you and yours rely upon safe work methods. So you will need to master using an MFT. Even knowing the theory will not prepare you for anomalous results you get as they are not taught anywhere. This is where experience comes in. That takes years.
For instance, I can do a bit of plumbing. Quite proud of my installing a bar mixer shower, had I known more I might have saved myself a few hundred. The bar mixer had no check valves and the cold water siphoned back into the heat exchanger in the combi and burnt out the exchanger. A new one cost nigh on £3oo. Ok no harm done except to my wallet, maybe pride...but it illustrates a point that a little knowledge really could be a dangerous thing. Ok think I have gone on enough, don't take this as discouragement. I think it is an interesting and moot point.

 

[Midwest]

That's what my father used to say.

 

[uksrevivor]

Fair play to the OP for being honest in what he wants to gain more knowledge in electrics for.
I would always say that " little knowledge" in electrics is dangerous but only if you are carrying out work on it, but there is nothing wrong in trying to learn more to understand it better. Now understanding it and carrying out electrical work are 2 different things. Even in your own home there are limitations and far to few IMO. Look at some of the most common threads in this forum and you will see, how do i wire this light, how do i run power to my garage, how do i wire this switch the list goes on. Having some knowledge to question or understand what an electrician is talking about if you are getting them to quote for a job might help you. Even a socket that does not work anymore may not just be a like for like replacement. Know your limitations and i dont mean what the regs state i mean your own limitations. If you post questions on this forum many members will help you and probably point you in the right direction to learn more but a post asking for a how to do it guide will probably get very little.