Fast-track training to meet new wiring regulations

The new version of the BS7671 benchmark came into force in January this year, and contractors and facilities managers have been racing against time to ensure their electricians are up to par.

To help fast-track electricians, DTL has launched a one-day course, and is seeing strong demand from utilities companies, contractors and facilities teams.

The course is only available to delegates who have recently completed a course in the previous edition, the 17th third amendment. For others, DTL runs an intensive three-day course. Both courses are for operatives with responsibility for the design, installation or maintenance of electrical systems. The courses are designed for electrically-trained engineers and craftsmen, providing successful candidates with a benchmark qualification on completion.

Matthew Gray, Operations Manager at DTL, said: “We have rolled out training in the new standard across all our centres as part of our commitment to provide the highest standards of learning and assessment. Our training centres are spread across the breadth of the UK so are within easy reach of our customers nationwide. We’re also providing courses for a number of customers on their own premises.”

The one-day ‘refresher’ course is available to book online here, which also includes a link to the full three-day course for electricians who don’t qualify for the fast-track route.

The courses provide electricians with greater understanding of the legislation, and help to ensure compliance with the regulations. DTL cites other benefits including better documentation, communication and enforcement of safe working procedures.

Learners receive half a day of theory training, followed by a two-hour online, 60-question, multiple-choice examination and feedback session with assessment and certification under City and Guilds; the Level 3 Award in the Requirements for Electrical Installations (BS7671: 2018) 18th Edition Regulations (2382-18).

The wiring regulations apply to the design, erection and verification of electrical installations, as well as additions and alterations to existing installations. The 18th Edition has introduced comprehensive changes to the previous edition in areas including protection against over-voltages and fire as well as electrical embedded-heating. A new section covering energy efficiency has also been introduced.

Key learning points from both DTL’s courses include the terminology used for electrical installations, assessment of installations and protection against electric shock. Other aspects include protection against short-circuit currents, isolation and switching, and protection against overloads, as well as sizing conductors, selection and erection of equipment, and sizing of earthing and protective conductors, and an outline of the rules for inspection and testing.

On the three-day course, delegates are continually assessed through written and practical exercises, and there are opportunities to work with a wide range of equipment that will support their knowledge in the field. It includes evening work, reading course materials and completing projects. As with the one-day course, an online examination is undertaken on the final day.

DTL also provides low voltage (LV) and high voltage (HV) commercial training for authorised persons, and recently opened a new high voltage training facility for the Midlands at its Derby training centre.