Help please

[Kevin1234]

Hi chaps

i don't want to write "war and peace" I'm just after some help on a clear way forward.

After many years in the Middle East I find myself stuck. I (a million years ago) did my electrical apprenticeship in Grimsby obtaining 236 electrical install part A,,,, never did the b part as went overseas,,,,, stupidly 

after all the years overseas I want to start a small domestic install local company to keep me going. I can rewire a house with my eyes closed,,, but based on legislation I find now that I need to certify dwellings.

im completely confused in respect to what I need to do and I'm asking for some guidance on the way forward.

the misses keeps pushing me to start doing my own thing,,,, getting the van etc and starting,,, but I'm confused and suffering from lack of confidence on what to do to start.

last year I did the 17th edition at Grimsby college and passed around June,,, but I'm a bit unsure in respect to testing nowadays. I looked into the 2392-10 course and was amazed at the prices. Looked into part P and again was shocked at the course prices.

the reason I have sent this message is to hopefully get some clarity of what I actually need to do to start trading.

im 55 and simply want to start a quality small business that will give me an income and keep the misses off my back. I cannot work full time as I'm looking after an elderly parent who takes some time to deal with,,,,, but haho maybe I'm from a different age.

i have little doubt you all have better things to do,,,, but I would appreciate some help please.

i did write to a local electrical firm in Grimsby on the off chance they would help with some guidance ,, but it appears nowadays no one seems to give a monkies helping other people.

thank you

kevin

 

[Rob.]

Never in my life done domestic work, so others will be able to fill you in on that a lot better than I. 

I can however point out right away, Part P isn't a qualification. Do not part with any money for these 'part p courses' part P is a building regulation. 

 

[Tony S]

Like RoB I’m purely industrial although retired.

As RoB said, ignore the part P, it’s just a rip off devised to line the pockets of the supposed training centres.

I&T would be an advantage but as far as I know not a requirement.
 

 

[Kevin1234]

Thanks gents much appreciated my understanding, hence the original request for help was the fact that I don't really know what's needed and what is not. I did ask at the local uni, but they are useless. Thanks again. Kev

 

[M107]

Well if you have some previous knowledge of testing then look at the "Test & measurement workshop" run by Nicey for £200ish as a refresher.

Then look at signing up with one of the scam operators for part P registration; give them a call first to see if your old 2360 quals will give you a way in.

You will have to have an initial assessment so get a couple of notifiable jobs under your belt first, do the notification by paying your BC direct (my last assessor said they do check that first time joiners have notified the jobs to BC).

Start doing some non-notifiable work to get a customer base & a cash flow going.

Set up an account at the wholesalers.

http://www.niceic.com/contractor/essentials/help-and-advice/niceic-and-assessment/what-qualifications-does-the-qualified-supervi-(1)

 

[Kevin1234]

Thank you Billy the kid much appreciated 

regards

kevin

 

[M107]

No problem

 

[ruston]

And this is all you need to understand Part P . Don't let them rip you off..

 As you will see a lot of work is NOT notifiable . Good luck.

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/441872/BR_PDF_AD_P_2013.pdf

 

[Kevin1234]

Thank you for your time Ruston

kevin 

 

[ruston]

You are very welcome. 

I hope the PDF helped.

 Good luck.

 

[Kevin1234]

The PDF was a big help, thank you.

could I ask if you know of the types of multifunctional testers for domestic use that are easy to use 

thanks again

 

[Rob.]

I've always stuck to using Megger, I did have until recently a megger 1730 I found it very simple to use. However they aren't cheap!

Fluke are another leading brand, although I don't know the part numbers off hand. 

Eurotester is a budget model, that from what I've read can hold it's own against the big boys like megger and fluke, although they have slightly less bells and whistles. It depends really on what type of work you want to undertake, whether things like 3 phase rotation, PFC measurements are going to be needed, specialist RCD testing functions etc... For standard domestic work, I'd imagine the bog standard ones out of each range would cover you. 

Me personally, I have separate meters for each job now, although that's a different argument all together as to why. 

 

[Rob.]

Just to add, the forum sponsor http://isswww.co.uk/?gclid=CL2F6cuQ0dMCFUQq0wodndcKeg or @megger mark have always been helpful before with peoples testing needs. 

 

[Kevin1234]

Rob

your a star, the work I'm doing will be domestic only, just to get some cash in the door and keep the misses happy.

thanks again

kevin 

 

[M107]

I use a Fluke 1653 & find it easy to use.....also had Megger but it kept going wrong so went back to Fluke.

I'm sure somebody  here has an MFT for sale.............Steps was it you?

 

[ruston]

The PDF was a big help, thank you.

could I ask if you know of the types of multifunctional testers for domestic use that are easy to use 

thanks again

I do not use a multifunction tester. Like Rob I use Megger separates. I do not like all my eggs in one basket lol.

 

[Kevin1234]

For the help and support,,, I cannot say thank you all enough,,,, I have little doubt you all have much better things to do,,,, so it's all more appreciated 

thank you 

Kevin 

 

[ruston]

Kind of you to say so , many do not bother saying thank you..

 You do not have to spend a fortune on testers . There are many calibrated second hand testers for sale on a well known auction , just to get you started.

Just be careful and pay by Paypal.

 

[steptoe]

I use a Fluke 1653 & find it easy to use.....also had Megger but it kept going wrong so went back to Fluke.

I'm sure somebody  here has an MFT for sale.............Steps was it you?

The MFT I'm going to sell isn't really suited to domestic tbh, and probably definitely not suited to a beginner/novice

I have a set if kewtech separates I'll be putting on a well known auction site tho,

They need calibrated, but read perfectly accurate when compared to any of my calibrated testers.

 

[rapparee]

A fluke 1651 is the basic entry model or 1662 if you are buying brand new.