I think I am going to go for Part P 'defined scope' registration soon.

I've fired off a few emails to various bodies this evening, and from the
web sites concerned, it seems I should be able to qualify reasonably
easily.
I do have a query for those who have done it - what test equipment is
needed. I'm pretty sure a £20 multimeter and a plug-in socket tester
wouldnt suffice!

Thanks
Alan.

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A.Lee
wibbled on Thursday 08 July 2010 19:01

I think I am going to go for Part P 'defined scope' registration soon.

I've fired off a few emails to various bodies this evening, and from the
web sites concerned, it seems I should be able to qualify reasonably
easily.
I do have a query for those who have done it - what test equipment is
needed. I'm pretty sure a £20 multimeter and a plug-in socket tester
wouldnt suffice!

Thanks
Alan.


A multifunction tester or testers that do/does dead-resistance, live loop
impedance (and/or PFC), 500V insulation test and RCD tests (tripping times
primarily, but a ramp test is useful to see if the RCD is over sensitive).

These could be bought as a single device or separate instruments.

Single: Pros: One calibration charge, probably more cost effective
Cons: If it breaks you are out of action

Multiple: Pros: Get the most suitable instrument in each class.
Not fully out of action if one breaks (though as you can't
complete the full range of tests you might be out of action for all intents
and purposes)

Cons: Probably cost more, multiple calibration charges.

I really like the Megger 1552. Can be had off ebay, ideally get one less
than 3 years old then it still has warranty.

The auto-RCD sequence feature of the 1552 is nice if you have to plug the
instrument in a long way from the CU (but I suppose you could just hold the
probes on the CU directly...) It applies the various tests while you stand
by the CU resetting the RCD. At the end, you go and read out all the results
from the meter.

If you are expecting to complete loads of EICs then the Megger 1553 has a
computer link IIRC (as do many other makes/models) which makes for easier
record keeping and you can print off the EIC rather than hand filling.

Read the IET forums for opinions on various makes. Some are reputedly
complete ****e, but some other than Megger have a good name too.

In addition, a CalCard or home made resistance box makes for a quick ready-
check at the start of testing and you'll be wanting a 13A breakout plug with
3 4mm probe sockets. There are ES/BC versions but without a ready connection
to the CPC at Class II lamp fittings, these aren't as useful as they seem...

You may or may not want a wander lead (long thickish wire with 4mm plug on
one end and 4mm socket on the other. I use one occasionally to test earth
continuity to random pipes and other misc jobs. Don't buy reqady made -
total rip off. I made one with a reel of instrument wire (super flexible)
from Rapid, 4mm plug on one end and soldered a 4mm socket on the other
heatshrinked up. Stored on the original reel.

BTW - I got mine for LABC happiness purposes, but I did do the basic VRQ
course (I guess you'll do that plus the C&G 2382?

--
Tim Watts

Managers, politicians and environmentalists: Nature's carbon buffer.

Tim Watts wrote:

A.Lee
wibbled on Thursday 08 July 2010 19:01

I think I am going to go for Part P 'defined scope' registration soon.

I do have a query for those who have done it - what test equipment is
needed. I'm pretty sure a £20 multimeter and a plug-in socket tester
wouldnt suffice!

A multifunction tester or testers that do/does dead-resistance, live loop
impedance (and/or PFC), 500V insulation test and RCD tests (tripping times
primarily, but a ramp test is useful to see if the RCD is over sensitive).

Thanks.

BTW - I got mine for LABC happiness purposes, but I did do the basic VRQ
course (I guess you'll do that plus the C&G 2382?

From reading the various trade body sites, 2381 is pretty much all that
is needed for some, as well as a Competence Certificate from a 3 - 5 day
course, knowledge of 17th edition, and a site visit to see work
completed.
It'll be close to £2500 for that, so is not a cheap way of doing a few
kitchen installs per year myself, but in the long run, I think it'd be
money well spent.

Ta
Alan.
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To reply by e-mail, change the ' + ' to 'plus'.

"A.Lee" wrote in message
...
I think I am going to go for Part P 'defined scope' registration soon.

I've fired off a few emails to various bodies this evening, and from the
web sites concerned, it seems I should be able to qualify reasonably
easily.
I do have a query for those who have done it - what test equipment is
needed. I'm pretty sure a £20 multimeter and a plug-in socket tester
wouldnt suffice!

Thanks
Alan.


Pretty much what Tim says below.

I actually prefer the all in one testers. I am using the Dilog 9083P at the
moment.

And good luck with it.

Cheers

Adam

A.Lee
wibbled on Thursday 08 July 2010 20:05

Tim Watts wrote:

A.Lee
wibbled on Thursday 08 July 2010 19:01

I think I am going to go for Part P 'defined scope' registration soon.

I do have a query for those who have done it - what test equipment is
needed. I'm pretty sure a £20 multimeter and a plug-in socket tester
wouldnt suffice!

A multifunction tester or testers that do/does dead-resistance, live loop
impedance (and/or PFC), 500V insulation test and RCD tests (tripping
times primarily, but a ramp test is useful to see if the RCD is over
sensitive).

Thanks.

BTW - I got mine for LABC happiness purposes, but I did do the basic VRQ
course (I guess you'll do that plus the C&G 2382?

From reading the various trade body sites, 2381

It's being replaced by the 2382 this year (I think). Same thing basically.

is pretty much all that
is needed for some, as well as a Competence Certificate from a 3 - 5 day
course,

That competence cert sounds like a VRQ. Basically, we did 3 days of
practical work - bloke would explain something then each of use had a bit of
ply on the wall with a CU and random accessories. We had to wire it up
neatly and properly. Then test it. Day 4 was some multiguess exams, all open
book apart from the Building Regs bit (why I have no idea).

There was a separate rig for live test demos.

Most of the folk were pros doing a trade transfer or needing to bring
electrical work under Part P. Few DIYers too.

knowledge of 17th edition

That's the 2381/2382 - all theory. It's mostly about being able to know how
to look up stuff quick in the big book (it is an open book exam).

, and a site visit to see work
completed.

We were told: VRQ + 2381 (as was) gets you into the NIC. 2 site visits and
if OK you are fully signed up as a DI. Other bodies presumably vary... Which
one are you aiming for?

It'll be close to £2500 for that, so is not a cheap way of doing a few
kitchen installs per year myself, but in the long run, I think it'd be
money well spent.

You can do it for rather less:

http://thebtc.co.uk/brochure/part-p/

Waddon, near Croydon, South London - next to the station, just down from
Ikea.

750 quid for the VRQ (gone up rather a lot since I did it)

420 for the 2382 at the same place, but you *can* just go to the IET in
London and sit the exam for less than 100 quid. You can do online past
papers and read the big book yourself. It's not actually that hard - more
about familiarity.

The above would be quite suitable if you basically know what you're doing
and need some edges polished up and a bit of paper.

However, if you wanted a "real" course, that actually taught everything
relevant, there are multi week courses which are considerably more in depth.

I'd expect a fortnight's course for 2500 (or a week's residential where the
day ran from 8-8 and it was a full 7 days) but I'm well away many places are
charging that for a week of light days, trying to coin it in like the HiPS
lot.

Ta
Alan.

HTH

--
Tim Watts

Managers, politicians and environmentalists: Nature's carbon buffer.

On Jul 8, 8:05*pm, (A.Lee) wrote:
Tim Watts wrote:

It'll be close to £2500 for that, so is not a cheap way of doing a few
kitchen installs per year myself, but in the long run, I think it'd be
money well spent.


is there not a recurring annual fee as well, to maintain the
certification?

Robert

RobertL wrote:

On Jul 8, 8:05 pm, (A.Lee) wrote:
Tim Watts wrote:

It'll be close to £2500 for that, so is not a cheap way of doing a few
kitchen installs per year myself, but in the long run, I think it'd be
money well spent.


is there not a recurring annual fee as well, to maintain the
certification?

Yes, the cheapest is around £350/yr.Then there is a fee for initial
application, so first year would be £600ish.
First Course, £5-700, second course, about the same, or can be done by
lots of reading the manuals, so between £120 and 700.
Test equipment £400.
Buying of 17th edition and other material, probably £75-100.
That is pretty close to £2500, without the extra work lost in the
meantime. If you do 'home study, I reckon I could get the cost down to
£1500ish, possibly a little less.
It makes me wonder if it is worth it, if spread over the next 10 years,
then maybe, if I finish after 5 years, no way woudl it break even.
Alan.
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Tim Watts
wibbled on Thursday 08 July 2010 21:12


I'd expect a fortnight's course for 2500 (or a week's residential where
the day ran from 8-8 and it was a full 7 days) but I'm well away many
places are charging that for a week of light days, trying to coin it in
like the HiPS lot.

From your other post, I gather the 2500 is your total cost, including
equipment etc? If so, that's probably more reasonable...
--
Tim Watts

Managers, politicians and environmentalists: Nature's carbon buffer.