[ Spotlight: Training and skills ]
and explode myths surrounding the amendment. ‘There seems to be a lot of misinformation out there about the new wiring regulations. But this is only based upon rumour and our job is to put over the facts,’ says Connor Flynn, lead assessor for ELECSA who presented to a number of the seminar audiences. The message from ELECSA is clear: ‘Get the facts
rather than listen to the rumours. Few of the changes apply to domestic wiring regulations, so those smaller contractors whose bread and butter work entails only households need not fear Amendment 1.’ Changes are likely to be felt by contractors working
in larger commercial or medical buildings, where they need to be aware of new amendments relating to electro- magnetic surges or where a lightning strike may impact power in critical care units, for example. There is also a new numbering system for regulations specific to the UK market, which all contractors – whether operating domestically or commercially – will need to be aware of. Flynn says: ‘Despite the fact that there are 100 new
pages compared to the existing regulations, there are actually very few changes. Those that are there are more about proving compliance to the regulations laid down in the 2008 amendments, rather than any new thinking. ‘There are no major changes to the landscape, but the
new amendment helps show compliance in line with the EU harmonisation requirements previously laid down. People may not like change, but Amendment 1 will be better and of greater benefit. What we want is for people attending the seminars to walk out knowing the facts that impact them and, more importantly, that they do not have to worry. If in any doubt, they can simply contact ECA or ELECSA for trusted advice,’ he added.
Learn online The same principle applies to the ECA 17th Edition online learning tool. Aimed at contractors who don’t already have a 17th Edition qualification, the new online course is ideal for those who need a flexible approach to training away from the traditional classroom environment. The course consists of audio, visual and interactive content, allowing candidates to learn at their own pace. Anyone who signs up for the course will also receive the 17th Edition updates free of charge. The final assessment still needs to be taken at
an approved City and Guilds or EAL training centre, but discounts are available when the course and assessment are purchased together. On its own, the course costs just £280+VAT; booked together with the assessment the total cost is only £340+VAT. Further information is available from the ECA website at
www.eca.co.uk/online17th ECA and ELECSA members can also benefit from a
special offer on new copies of the Wiring Regulations. BS7671:2008 Amendment 1 can be ordered now for just £60. This includes delivery, and all orders received before 31 July 2011 will also receive a FREE 3.5mm VDE Slimfix screwdriver (worth £8.27) from Wiha. n To place an order or find out more, call 0845 634 9043 or visit
www.elecsa.co.uk or
www.eca.co.uk
There seems to be a lot of misinformation out there about the new wiring regulations
Renewables Roadshow reaches higher
Following on from the success of their own roadshow last winter, ECA and ELECSA will be involved with Plumb Center and other big names from the renewables industry to bring you an even bigger Renewables Roadshow in September. The Renewables Roadshow, powered by Plumb
Center, is exclusive to trade professionals and promises to ‘bring a zero-jargon approach to the very latest technologies and training to trade professionals across the UK’.
Showcasing the technology from a wide range of exhibitors, the roadshow aims to make renewable technologies more accessible and aims to get more tradespeople involved in the industry, including plumbers and heating and ventilation engineers, as well as electricians. ECA Group CEO, Steve Bratt, said: ‘ECA and
ELECSA have been at the forefront of promoting renewable technologies to electrical contractors. Our own roadshow generated a lot of interest, and we now want to share our expertise with a wider audience. Plumb Center’s Renewables Roadshow is aimed at all the building services trades and brings together a vast array of products, advice and expertise. We are excited to be a part of something that will really put renewables on the map.’ Covering six different locations nationwide, the
venues have been chosen to ensure that most people will be within two hours’ reach of one of the shows:
n 6 September – Reebok Stadium, Bolton n 8 September – Ricoh Arena, Coventry n 13 September – The Centaur, Cheltenham n 15 September – Wembley Stadium, London n 20 September – International Centre, Harrogate n 22 September – SECC, Glasgow
ECA and ELECSA will be exhibiting at each of the
six venues, and their Microgeneration Certification Scheme experts will be on hand throughout the show to give advice and answer your questions. As part of the roadshow, the Renewables Awards will take place on 8 September in Coventry. With 17 categories, including Renewables Installer of the Year – which offers a £10,000 prize for the winner – the awards want to inspire all those involved in the industry to reach higher. n To register for free tickets and find out more about the Renewables Roadshow and the Awards, visit
www.renewables-roadshow.co.uk
July 2011 ECA Today 59
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