16TH Edition Wiring regulations........

[tigga]

Hi, are there any electricians on here who could advise ?

I am a multi skilled engineer but for several years have been working at a place that is mainly mechanical, therefore havent got round to updating my qual's to 16th edition, im just wondering what it will take to get this, is it a one off test if so what does it consist of ? or do i need to got to nightclass or something ?

Thanks in advance

[Buenchico]

You need to take the City & Guilds 2381 examination. This is a 2-hour, 60 question, multiple choice paper. Your local further education college will run courses leading up to this examination but most colleges will also accept 'external candidates' (i.e. people who haven't studied with the college but just turn up to take the exam).

I suggest getting hold of a copy of the current wiring regulations (available through any bookshop or from any branch of Maplin Electronics). If it all makes sense, without the need for formal study, then just take the exam. Otherwise sign-up for a course.

If there's any possibility that you might be working on domestic wiring, remember that you now need to be registered as a 'competent person' in addition to any qualifications held.

Chris

[tigga]

Thanks for the very infomative answer chris, i had tried googling and found nothing but sites trying to sell courses, paperwork and cd roms, and the college just wanted to put me on a course. So i will get the reg's straight away and as you say take it from there, if i find i do need to go on a course, i guess i will need them anyway.

Could you possibly explain a bit about registering as a 'competent person' ie what is involved as it would be useful to have.

Thanks again !

[Buenchico]

Tigga:
Thanks for your reply. The link I'm going to give you regarding the 'competent person' situation might, at first glance, appear to be irrelevant:
http://odpm.gov.uk/index.asp?id=1130907

That link is to to the website of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister! So what, might you ask, has John Prescott got to do with this?! Actually, that particular page is aimed at householders contemplating electrical work within their own homes. If you look immediately underneath the picture of the new mains wiring colours, you'll find details of the 5 organisations who can accept registrations under the self-certification scheme for 'competent persons'. I've checked out the first one and it seems quite informative. This link will take you directly to the relevant requirements:
http://www.partp.co.uk/contractor/contractor_costs.asp
(It should be noted that the regulations refer to BS 7671 rather than to any particular examination - but C&G 2381 is actually the qualification which relates to BS 7671 so my previous information still holds true).

Hoping this is helpful,

Chris