The feedback from gas installers who have undertaken the BPEC Certification Ltd. full and defined scope Part P courses has been very positive indeed. The main sentiment expressed is that the courses gives them the confidence to carry out electrical work both safely and efficiently.

Many of those undertaking the courses admit that they have worked on electrical installations in the past and have a level of understanding that is enough to ‘get them by’. The real benefit of the courses is that they confirm the correct methods to follow so that ‘best practice’ is adopted at all times.

It goes without saying that the safety of both the installer and the customer is of paramount importance. The courses are designed to ensure that simple and safe installation practices are established from the start and followed throughout their duration.

The majority of installers who have taken the training and assessment have opted to take the EDSCBA assessment which covers a number of different elements, these are wiring (including central heating), lighting and component exchange to defined scope level B. On average, training and assessment for this will usually take approximately 5 days to complete. The benefit of completing the EDSCBA assessment is that will allow an operative to undertake most electrical work within a dwelling (provided that they are registered with an approved body). As an alternative, installers could also opt to take individual elements such as ECHWICA (central heating wiring) - if that is the only type of electrical work they undertake.

The courses normally include training and assessment on the following elements:

• Basic principles
• Legislation and regulations
• Electrical safety
• Installation theory
• Testing and documentation
• Installation practical

Particular emphasis is given to the testing of installations both prior to and after their completion, these tests will include:

• Polarity
• Continuity of earthing conductors
• Polarity
• Insulation resistance
• Earth loop impedance
• RCD

The training and assessments are currently available at many of the BPEC Certification Ltd. approved centres throughout the country. As part of the approval process to carry out the assessments, centres are required to provide a full range of test equipment, simulator boards and the necessary normative and legislative documentation. Many centres also provide detailed training manuals to support the training and assessment process. Individual centres will provide the necessary advice and guidance for installers interested in undertaking the courses

Richard Phipps – Certification Manager - BPEC Certification Ltd.