What do I need to be a sparky?

[Super Morto]

Hi all,

Ok the names Dave, I'm new to this forum so be gentle! lol

I'm looking to be qualified to do home installation and electrical work and check & cert all work.

The question is what do I need?


Thanks in advance for any help,

Dave.

 

[afhm1976]

Hello Dave,

I have recently finished my C&G 2330 level 3. You need to do all three levels. I did my levels 1&2 in 1 year and just finished my level 3 this year. You might also consider doing a 17th edition course which is an update of the 16th which is what I learned. That can be done in under a week with an exam at the end. Why the C&G2330 isn't updated to be the 17th is beyond me.

You then need to do C&G 2391 which is testing and inspecting but I think you will need a bit more hands on experience actually testing & inspecting installations first.

You can also do an NVQ level 3 in electrical installation which will make you an approved contractor.

Hope this helps.

 

[Super Morto]

Thanks for your reply af,

Is the 2330 1,2,3 really needed?, I have 2 and a half years practical experience, but none of the theory and testing side.

I was just hoping to do the 17th Edition, the C&G 2391 and the Part P + Pat testing.

As far as im aware, including information from this site and from all over the internet, all you need to be is competent in the areas or your electrical work. I will be starting my own business with residential work only, so I wont be looking for jobs within bigger companies.

I'm I rite in thinking this way?

Thanks again

 

[ezzzekiel]

all you need is to join a scheme provider (niceic, napit, elecsa etc) they will require some form of qualifications.
17th edition and 2391 may be enough however if not the usual quick route is a di course which takes about a week and is now being run by local colleges as well as private training providers.

All the scheme providers run there own di courses which is pretty much a guaranteed pass and entrance to the schemes as you are being trained by them, costs around £1000 ish, then you would need 17th edition within first 12 months of joining a scheme.

You need to pass a site assesment by the scheme provider and hold calibrated test equip, various books and £2M public liability insurence.

Napit run a free two day trade test which you can do to prove competence if you dont have the qualifications they require this involves theory exams and then a practical.

My advise get 2382 then apply and if they want more do the di course also - that will be enough - 2391 is a excellent qual to have but will take around 6 months from starting to getting results back and is a very difficult exam.

 

[Super Morto]

Hi Ezz,

Cheers for the reply m8. When you say "di" what do you mean?

The rest of the info provided if great. And must I register with a provider? Before I can go self employed? I know I need insurance etc but this is all new to me so im not sure how it all works yet.

Im currently reading the 17th regs, with on site guide, and will be booked in for the test in September, but after that im a bit lost, but as you say do a di course?

So is Part P is not needed?

I know the PAT test is extra, but the more I know the more I get paid

And if I can start doing work before I do the 2391 that would be great, but what about the testing of my work? Is this covered in the 17th?, like I say im about 1/3rd of the way through so far, so im not sure what is further on in the regs. If it includes the testing side ill do the 2391 as im working for further qualifications.

The crazy thing about all this is, I've done just about all the practical side of it all (residential) but I cant legally do the work. But I will get there, just finding my way through what I need to do and what I dont need to do, as I know there are many money grabbers out there.

Cheers again,

Dave.

 

[Super Morto]

I've also just read this post = http://www.electriciansforums.net/electrical-forum-general-electrical-forum/18609-part-p.html

Loving this site atm!!!!

 

[Jay Sparks]

Ive just read the thread above about the 2330. I did the level 2 and then finished the level 3 last June. I was tought up to 17th edition standard and then was able to take the 2382 17th edition one day up date course in Aug 09. afhm1976 which college did you go to cos they should have been up to date with the regs if you did your level 3 last year. The 17th came into effect June 2008. If you have these and the 2391 (which im hoping to do in Oct) you will be classed as a qualified sparky but not everyone thinks the same. The JIB have there own definition. Good luck mate.

 

[Jay Sparks]

You dont need to be qualified to inspect and test an installation, you just need to be compotent which if you have the 17th edition thats what your classed as. And you also need good sound knowledge of the inspection & test procedure and your own set of calibrated test kit. The sticky point is you do need to be registered with a body like napit, niceic, elesca etc to do any work that requires you to inform building regs (part P). Elesca is the best option. You only need a level 3 installation qual i.e 2330 and your 17th edition. Then they come out and check that you know how to do the inspection & test. The others want you to have the above and the 2391. Plus elesca is cheaper, about £400 for the year.

 

[benji]

Skin as thick as a rhyno

 

[Jay Sparks]

Ya right there benji .

 

[shaun c]

And if I can start doing work before I do the 2391 that would be great, but what about the testing of my work? Is this covered in the 17th?, like I say im about 1/3rd of the way through so far, so im not sure what is further on in the regs. If it includes the testing side ill do the 2391 as im working for further qualifications.

id look at doin the 2392-10 mate its a easyr testing course with a lot of hands on and training

 

[Super Morto]

Skin as thick as a rhyno

Not sure what your on about here m8, but i hope its Not me? Fact is wont attemp anything unless im 100% sure i can do the whole job correctly. Testing and all.

 

[ezzzekiel]

di= domestic installer course which is the minimum qualification you need to be accepted onto a scheme.
you then join a scheme which will make you partp approved which you need to be able to legally carry out domestic work.