What is a qualified electrician?

Qualified electricians in the UK are individuals who have achieved at least NVQ Level 3 or an apprenticeship standard. This can be evidenced through qualifications, equivalent historic qualifications, or experienced worker assessment. Qualified electricians can undertake work across a range of electrical installations in domestic, commercial, and industrial settings.

Typical work includes:

• Installation of power and lighting circuits
• Installation of electrical containment using a range of cable supports
• Termination of conductors
• Initial verification and certification
• Maintenance of existing electrical installations

If you have not yet started your training or are partly qualified, check our ‘become an electrician’ webpage or read our blog on how to become an electrician.

Why upskill?

Qualified electricians may wish to upskill by gaining additional qualifications and undertaking CPD (Continuing Professional Development) courses to diversify the work they can undertake. This can enhance their job prospects, increase employability, and allow them to undertake a wider range of tasks.

Electricians are also required to keep up to date with industry standards, which can be evidenced by updating their BS 7671 Wiring Regulations qualification.

What options are available?

At City & Guilds Training – Electrical , we provide a range of upskilling opportunities for qualified electricians including the following.

Green technologies

• Design, Installation and Maintenance of Solar Photo-Voltaic (PV) Systems
• Design, Installation and Maintenance of Electrical Energy Storage Systems (EESS)

Electric Vehicle Charging

• C&G 2921-31 Design and Installation of Domestic and Small-Commercial EV Charging Installations (Replaced by 2921-34 from September 2024)
• C&G 2921-32 Design of Domestic and Large-Scale EV Charging Installations
• C&G 2921-33 Installation and Maintenance of Largescale EV Charging Installations
• 2921-34 Design and installation of domestic and small commercial electric vehicle charging installations. (Available from September 2024 and replaces the 2921-31)

Inspection and Testing

• C&G 2391-52 Inspection and Testing of Electrical Installations
• Inspection & Testing Refresher (In-centre)
• Inspection and Testing Online Refresher Course (eLearning)
• C&G 2377-77 EET / PAT Testing Course

Wiring Regulations

• C&G 2382-22 18th Edition Course
• 18th Edition Amendment 2&3 CPD Refresher Course

Electrical Design and Verification

• C&G 2396 Electrical Design and Verification

Fire Alarms and Emergency Lighting

• Design, Installation and Maintenance of Emergency Lighting Systems
• Design, Installation and Maintenance of Fire Alarm Systems

Electrical Safety Management

• Authorised/Competent person low voltage (APLV/CPLV) course

Bespoke training courses

Do you have a specific requirement to upskill your existing staff? We can develop a bespoke course to suit your business upskilling needs, simply contact our team today to find out more.

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What is Electrical Inspection and Testing?

Electrical inspection and testing involve a systematic assessment of electrical installations to ensure they are safe and meet the required standards. This process typically includes:

• Visual Inspection
  A thorough examination of the electrical installation to check for any visible signs of damage, wear, or non-compliance with regulations. This step ensures that all electrical components are installed correctly and are in good condition.
• Testing
  Testing involves using specialised equipment to measure the performance of the electrical system. This includes verifying the continuity of wiring, checking insulation resistance, measuring earth fault loop impedance, and testing residual current devices (RCDs) to ensure they function correctly. Testing is crucial in identifying faults that may not be apparent during a visual inspection.
• Certification
  After the inspection and testing are completed, a certificate is issued to confirm that the electrical installation complies with the relevant standards. This certification is essential for legal and insurance purposes and provides peace of mind to property owners and occupants.

The Importance of Electrical Work Being Tested and Regularly Inspected

Regular electrical inspection and testing are vital for several reasons:

• Safety
  The primary purpose of electrical inspection and testing is to ensure the safety of the people using the electrical system. Faulty or deteriorated electrical installations can lead to electric shocks, fires, and other hazards. Regular testing helps to identify and rectify potential safety issues before they cause harm.
• Compliance with Regulations
  Electrical installations must comply with the latest regulations, such as the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations (BS 7671) in the UK. Regular inspection and testing ensure that the installation remains compliant with these regulations, which are updated periodically to reflect new safety standards and technologies.
• Preventing Costly Repairs
  Identifying and addressing potential issues early through regular testing can prevent more significant problems down the line. For example, detecting and fixing a wiring fault early can prevent a costly electrical fire or system failure.
• Insurance Requirements
  Many insurance policies require that electrical installations be regularly inspected and tested. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in the invalidation of the insurance policy, leaving property owners unprotected in the event of an electrical incident.
• Maintaining Electrical Efficiency
  Regular testing can also help to identify areas where the electrical system may not be operating as efficiently as possible. Addressing these issues can lead to energy savings and improved system performance.

Who is Qualified to Carry Out Inspection and Testing Work?

Electrical inspection and testing must be carried out by qualified professionals who have the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience. In the UK, electricians who conduct inspection and testing work should be certified to a recognised standard, such as the City & Guilds 2391-52 qualification.

Qualified electricians should have a deep understanding of the electrical system, the ability to use testing equipment correctly, and the knowledge to interpret the results accurately. They should also be familiar with the relevant regulations and be able to issue certification to confirm compliance.

Inspection and Testing Courses at City & Guilds Training

City & Guilds Training offers several courses designed to equip electricians with the skills and knowledge needed for electrical inspection and testing. These courses cater to both practicing electricians looking to refresh their knowledge and those seeking advanced qualifications.

• Inspection & Testing Refresher

The Inspection & Testing Refresher course is a two-day practical course aimed at practicing electricians who want to update their understanding of single and three-phase testing procedures. This course is ideal for electricians who already have experience with inspection and testing but need to refresh their knowledge to stay current with the latest standards and best practices. The course covers essential testing procedures and provides hands-on experience, ensuring that participants leave with a renewed confidence in their skills.

• Inspection and Testing Online Refresher Course

For those who prefer the flexibility of online learning, the Inspection and Testing Online Refresher Course is an excellent option. This course is designed to prepare electricians for more advanced inspection and testing courses, such as the C&G 2391-52. It is particularly beneficial for practicing electricians who want to refresh their knowledge of key tests before moving on to more in-depth training and assessments. The online format allows participants to study at their own pace, making it a convenient choice for busy professionals.

• C&G 2391-52 Inspection and Testing of Electrical Installations

The C&G 2391-52 Inspection and Testing of Electrical Installations course is the premier qualification for electricians looking to specialise in inspection and testing. This Level 3 award combines the content of the former C&G 2391-50 and 2391-51 courses, covering both initial verification and periodic inspection of electrical installations. The course is designed for practicing electricians who want to deepen their knowledge and skills in this area. It includes both theoretical and practical components, culminating in a rigorous assessment that ensures participants are fully qualified to carry out inspection and testing work to the highest standards.

Upskill with City & Guilds Electrician Training Courses in the UK

Electrical inspection and testing are essential practices for ensuring the safety, compliance, and efficiency of electrical installations. Regular testing can prevent serious hazards, ensure compliance with regulations, and maintain the integrity of electrical systems.

For electricians looking to enhance their skills in this critical area, City & Guilds Training offers a range of electrical courses tailored to different levels of experience and learning preferences. Whether you are a practicing electrician seeking a refresher or aiming for an advanced qualification like the C&G 2391-52, there is a course designed to meet your needs. Investing in these qualifications not only enhances your professional competence but also contributes to the safety and reliability of the electrical systems you work on. Contact us today.

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What is Earthing?

Earthing, also known as grounding in some regions, is a safety measure designed to prevent electric shocks and minimise damage caused by fault currents. The primary objective of earthing is to provide a direct path for electrical currents to flow into the ground, thus reducing the risk of injury and equipment damage.

• Purpose of Earthing:

The fundamental purpose of earthing is to establish a low-resistance pathway for electric currents to dissipate into the ground in the event of a fault. When a fault occurs, such as a short circuit or a breakdown in insulation, the excess current flows through the grounding system and into the earth. This rapid dissipation prevents the build-up of dangerous voltage levels, safeguarding both people and equipment.

• Components of an Earthing System:

An effective earthing system comprises various components, each serving a specific role in ensuring safety. These components include:

1. Earth Electrode: A conductive element, such as a metal rod or plate, driven into the ground to establish a connection with the earth.
2. Earthing Conductor: A copper or aluminium conductor that connects the electrical installation to the earth electrode, facilitating the flow of fault currents into the ground.
3. Main Earthing Terminal: The central point where all earthing conductors within an installation converge before connecting to the earth electrode.
4. Equipotential Bonding: The interconnection of all conductive parts of an electrical installation to eliminate potential differences, minimising the risk of electric shock.

What is Bonding?

Unlike earthing, which focuses on directing fault currents into the ground, bonding is concerned with connecting conductive parts to ensure they are at the same electrical potential. The objective of bonding is to prevent potential differences between metallic objects and structures within an electrical installation, mitigating the risk of electric shock and fire hazards.

• Purpose of Bonding:

Bonding is essential for creating a uniform electrical potential among various metallic components, preventing potential differences that could lead to electric shock or spark ignition. This is particularly crucial in environments where metal structures, pipes, and equipment are interconnected, such as buildings, industrial facilities, and homes.

• Components of a Bonding System:

The key components of a bonding system include:

1. Bonding Conductors: Copper or aluminium conductors that interconnect metallic components within an electrical installation, ensuring they are at the same potential.
2. Main Bonding Jumper: The primary conductor that connects the main earthing terminal to the main distribution board, establishing a connection between the earthing and bonding systems.
3. Supplementary Bonding: Additional bonding connections made to specific metallic components, such as water and gas pipes, to eliminate potential differences.

Bonding vs. Earthing

• Functionality: Earthing is primarily concerned with providing a safe pathway for fault currents to flow into the ground, preventing the build-up of dangerous voltages. Bonding focuses on creating a common electrical potential among interconnected metallic components, reducing the risk of electric shock and fire hazards.
• Path of Current: Earthing directs fault currents into the ground through an earth electrode, minimising the impact of faults on people and equipment. Bonding establishes a connection between metallic components to ensure they are at the same electrical potential, preventing potential differences that could lead to electric shock or fire.
• Components: Earthing involves components such as earth electrodes, earthing conductors, main earthing terminals, and equipotential bonding. Bonding components include bonding conductors, main bonding jumpers, and supplementary bonding connections.

Importance of Earthing and Bonding:

• Safety:
Earthing mitigates the risk of electric shock and minimises equipment damage by providing a low-resistance path for fault currents to dissipate. Bonding prevents potential differences between metallic components, ensuring the safety of individuals and reducing the likelihood of fire hazards.
• Equipment Protection:
Earthing safeguards electrical equipment by diverting fault currents away from the installation, preventing damage and ensuring operational integrity. Bonding protects equipment from potential differences that could lead to corrosion, degradation, or malfunction.

In conclusion, while earthing and bonding are integral components of electrical safety, they serve distinct purposes within an electrical installation. Earthing focuses on directing fault currents into the ground to prevent electric shock and equipment damage, while bonding establishes a common electrical potential among interconnected metallic components to mitigate the risk of electric shock and fire hazards. Both systems are essential for ensuring the safety and functionality of electrical installations, emphasising the importance of understanding and implementing proper earthing and bonding practices.

How do I tell if my house has the correct earthing and bonding?

Ensuring that your house has the correct earthing and bonding is paramount for electrical safety. Here are several indicators and steps to help you determine if your house has the proper earthing and bonding:

• Check for Visible Earthing Components:

Look for visible signs of earthing components such as earth electrodes, typically metal rods or plates, installed near the main electrical panel or meter box. These electrodes create a connection between your electrical system and the ground.

• Inspect Main Earthing Terminal (MET):

Locate the Main Earthing Terminal (MET), which is the central point where all earthing conductors within your home converge before connecting to the earth electrode. It is often situated near the main distribution board.

• Examine Earthing Conductors:

Inspect the earthing conductors. These are usually copper or aluminium cables that connect the MET to the earth electrode and form the pathway for fault currents to dissipate into the ground.

• Verify Equipotential Bonding:

Ensure that equipotential bonding is in place. This involves connecting all conductive parts of an electrical installation to eliminate potential differences and reduce the risk of electric shock. Bonding conductors should link metal components like pipes, heating systems, and electrical equipment.

• Consult Electrical Plans and Documentation:

Review the electrical plans and documentation for your house. These documents often provide information about the design and installation of the earthing and bonding systems.

• Professional Inspection:

Consider hiring a licensed electrician to conduct a thorough inspection. Professionals can use specialised tools to measure resistance and verify the effectiveness of the earthing system.

• Check Compliance with Local Codes:

Ensure that your earthing and bonding systems comply with local electrical codes and regulations. These standards are in place to guarantee the safety and reliability of electrical installations.

Generally, only trained electrical installer can verify if the earthing and bonding is correct. This is because they will need to ensure the following three things:

• That the earthing and bonding is actually there
• That it is of the appropriate size
• And finally, that it has been correctly connected

As with most things related to electrical installation never assume and guess everything is fine just because it looks normal. If in doubt, give a professional electrician a shout.

Get the Best Electrician Training Courses in the UK with TradeSkills4U

If you’re seeking to increase your electrical expertise or get certification as a UK electrician, TradeSkills4U provides a wide array of electrician training courses. Our inclusive programs include both foundational qualifications and electrical apprenticeships, as well as specialised skills development. Get in touch with our team today to discover more about the best electrician training programs in the UK.

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• Students who are currently completing electro-technical qualifications to support their learning.
• Students who are preparing for their AM2 assessment.
• Corporate CPD for standardisation.
• Existing electricians who want to refresh their testing knowledge.
• Existing electricians who are about to undertake a CPS (competent person scheme) assessment i.e. with the NICEIC.
• Students who are preparing for the C&G 2391-52 course and who would like to refresh their knowledge of electrical testing.

What Does this eLearning Course cover?

This eLearning course is designed to refresh existing knowledge as well as the initial electrical testing procedures for electrical installations. This eLearning covers electrical testing procedures as well as the theory of single-phase (SP) and three-phase (TP) installations.

The eLearning course comprises 10 individual units including:

1. Continuity of circuit protective conductors (including main and supplementary bonding) (SP/TP)
2. Continuity of ring final circuit conductors (SP)
3. Insulation resistance (SP/TP)
4. Earth electrode resistance (including theory on test method E1, E2, E3 and practical demonstration on test method E1 – Fall of potential method.)
5. Polarity and phase sequencing (SP/TP)
6. Earth fault loop impedance (Ze and Zs at DB) (SP/TP)
7. Prospective fault current
8. Earth fault loop impedance (Zs)
9. Residual current device (RCD)
10. Knowledge checks (2 x 50 questions online quizzes)

How is it structured?

Each eLearning unit is individually packaged and can be accessed on most internet-enabled devices (laptop/desktop, tablet, smartphone). The units are based on open navigation, this means you can go straight to the part you need without having to fully re-do the unit every time you log back in. Simply pick up from where you left off!

This bespoke eLearning course has a good mixture of video demonstrations presented by our very own electrical tutor Andy, as well as infographics and narrations. Simply put – it’s like having a tutor guiding you through each section wherever you are! Each unit also provides a short knowledge check at the end to make sure you are confident to progress to the next unit.

This is what you can expect after you purchase this course

– Video introduction with our very own electrical tutor Andy.
– Comprehensive theory units covering the procedure such as showing you how to set your meter, what the test is for and what you should be looking for.
– Video demonstrations showing you the entire procedure for single and three-phase installations (where applicable).
– Recording and verifying your results.
– Scientific principles, to help you to better understand the electrical test.
– Knowledge check with around 10 questions for each unit plus feedback at the end.

Once you have completed all units there are 2 x 50 question quizzes, with feedback at the end to really test your understanding. That’s around 190 questions, with feedback, in the whole package!

Ready to order?

Simply visit the Inspection & Testing Online Refresher course page to purchase and get access to the full eLearning course. Don’t forget – we are offering a FREE TRIAL of this eLearning module also available on the course page. For more information about this or any other electrical course we offer, please call our team on 0800 8564448.

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We are soon to say goodbye to an old friend the City & Guilds 2391-10 Periodic Inspection & Testing Course. It is one of the most highly regards qualifications in the industry and allows successful candidates to carry out period inspection & testing.

The 2391-10 was first introduced back in February 2008. Since then it has been regarded as one of the most difficult qualifications to gain in the industry and indicative of an electrician or contractor at the top of their game. Nationally the qualification has a pass rate of around 32%, however we are very proud to have achieved a pass rate above 80% on our last course and consistently perform way above the national average.

The 2391-10 has been reworked by City & Guilds and replaced by 2 qualifications:

City & Guilds 2394 Initial Verification Course

City & Guilds 2395 Periodic Inspection & Testing Course

Officially the above courses replace the 2391-10 however in reality it is actually the 2395 which is a direct replacement, covering periodic inspection & testing. Here at Trade Skills 4U we view the City & Guilds 2394 as a replacement for the 2392 but with three phase thrown in.

One thing about the new qualifications is that they actually share a unit and exam. As such we will be shortly launching a course package covering both the 2394 and 2395. This will save candidates both time and money.

Our final 2391-10 courses will run on the 30th July and are fully booked. However for those who have previously taken the 2391-10 but not yet passed their qualifications we can still register you for an exam and there are 3 exams dates left this year. However the final registration dates for these will be the 31st July so if you are interested please contact us on 01293 529777 today for more info.

If you have missed out on this qualification, don’t worry simply book onto the 2395 instead. We already have course dates available.

So whilst we say goodbye to an old friend we also say hello to two new qualifications.

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In layman’s terms Inspection and Testing is the testing procedures that electricians use to ensure that a circuit is working correctly and safe for use before being energised. It is a set of processes and procedures which must be followed and involves the use of test equipment to measure that the installation is functioning as expected in accordance with the wiring regulations.

It is a vital part of every electrical job and is completely separate to Part P. An inspection and test is carried out to verify, so far as is reasonably practicable, that the requirements of BS 7671 (Wiring Regulations) and other relevant regulations have been met, during the job itself and after completion before handing over to the client. Inspection and testing should also be carried out for all electrical installations at regular intervals. For example an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) for existing installations.

It is applicable to all areas of electrical work whether this is domestic, commercial or industrial.

Before inspection and testing is carried out

Protecting Others

It is important to ensure that safety precautions are carried out before starting. This is to protect the health and safety of others and also yourself.

It is important to protect the safety of people, livestock and property against the dangers and damage that electrical installations can cause. In basic terms this means assessing risk of injury from things such as:

• Electric shock
• Burns/fire
• Other moving equipment
• Power supply interruptions
• Arcing or burning

Protecting yourself

It is important that other people know you are carrying out inspection and testing, particularly other workers on site.

Therefore it is important to label or suitably identify the switchgear and control gear when carrying out inspection and testing. Again this simply means ensuring that no-one accidentally switches on or attempts to use the installation currently undergoing inspection and testing.

Whilst these measures may seem a little extreme, it is worth bearing in mind that the installation has not been verified as being safe so still needs to be treated as a potentially dangerous installation. It is better to be safe than sorry.

Who can do inspection and testing?

Inspection and testing can only be carried out by a competent person with relevant experience and qualifications. We offer a number of courses for those wishing to carry out inspection and testing including:

1. City & Guilds 2392 Course – For those inspecting and testing their own installations in domestic properties.
2. City & Guilds 2394 Course – For those with some existing knowledge of inspection and testing and working with 3 phase
3. City & Guilds 2395 Course – Periodic Inspection and Testing for those with a solid understanding of inspection and testing.

What is Inspection?

It is carried out before the testing and the installation is normally disconnected from the supply.

The point of inspection is to verify that the installed equipment:

• Complies with relevant standards – this is normally a mark of certification by the installer or manufacturer
• Is the correct type and installed in accordance to the Regulations
• Not damaged or defective which would cause a safety issue

The Inspection includes the checking of several items which are relevant to the installation. The checking can also take place, if necessary, during installation. The items checked are listed in Regulation 611.3 ‘Inspection’ BS7671.

What is testing?

It is important that testing is carried out using the correct equipment and methods and the results are compared with relevant criteria contained in Regulations 612.2 to 612.13

Testing also needs to be carried out in a specific order before the installation can be switched on. The test order is detailed in Regulations 612.2 to 612.6

If any part of the testing fails to comply, that test plus any other testing already carried out has to be repeated once the fault has been fixed. This is because the results of the tests may not be accurate and may have been influenced by the fault.

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