Home electricals - training course

daheff

Hi folks

is there any course out there that a home DIYer could do to be able to competently change lights/plug sockets/install oven hob etc?

Had to get a lad out to replace an immersion timer recently and felt like it was a job I could have done myself if I knew how. 150 quid gone etc.

JL spark

come with me for a month and pay me €500 a week and I’ll give you basic training,,,

Jim_Hodge

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058370135/home-electricals-training-course

There is. It's called an apprenticeship and getting a trade.

con747

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058370135/home-electricals-training-course

YouTube has all you need for basic stuff but only try do what regulations allow you to do, and ALWAYS turn off what you are working on at the consumer unit. If in doubt don't try it, electricity will kill you if you don't know what you are doing.

https://www.hsa.ie/eng/topics/electricity/inspection_and_testing/works_needing_certification/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CLike%20for%20like%E2%80%9D%20replacements%20of,Controlled%20Works%20or%20Restricted%20Works.

blackbox

I don't think you will find anyone to give such a course as people who are qualified electricians are generally paranoid about the possibility of amateurs getting injured or causing damage. They may also be a little concerned about loss of revenue.

If you understand the concepts of alternating current, voltage, current and watts, and are fairly good with your hands, it should not be a problem. You'll probably find books on the topic in your local library as in addition to the information you get from Youtube. Be aware that rules may have changed since the books or videos were published.

As mentioned above, always isolate before working, and then test to make sure that you have isolated the correct circuit.

The main official rules about what needs a qualified REC are don't attempt to wire anything from the fusebox or meter and don't do any work in a bathroom (someone may wish to add to this).

zg3409

I have found "hobbyists" don't even know how to properly turn off the power nor how to check if the power is actually off. Then they often do jobs that are unsafe and risky.

It takes quite a bit of training to know even how to understand how the breakers on a fuse board work and what each does, then how to use a multimeter is quite a bit of training. Then you are risking killing a family member or yourself. It's a bit like Daniel O Donell and the gas, but electricity can be live and you not know it, you could make metalwork or water pipes live, you could burn down your own home with a lose connection while you sleep. Your house insurance won't pay out if it's your own fault, let alone claims if you kill a visitor etc.

I know electricians are expensive and don't want little jobs, but unless you are really trying to take up a new hobby and start wiring batteries to bulbs it's not worth the risk. Most average people struggle with 2 way light switches.

davegilly

Blue to blue and brown to brown. Not that difficult. An immersion switch isn't rocket science, especially if you replace with a similar switch.

However the issues start when you don't understand how to kill a circuit, are overloading circuits, poor connections etc. Electricity is dangerous. If you are unsure then get someone who knows what they are doing. €150 is a lot cheaper than a house burnt to the ground.

daheff

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122647074#Comment_122647074

have a job, but sometimes i wonder would i have been better off getting an apprenticeship……..


thanks for all the advice folks.