Discuss Do I need to update my 18th edition for Amendment 2 ? in the UK Electrical Forum area at ElectriciansForums.net

But surely if its not mandatory to belong to one of these organisation hiw can I be prosecuted?...in addition I carry insurance ..the problem would be theirs
No it wouldn't!


If you do any work especially for paying customers it is your responsibility to do the job safely and in line with all regulations. (You could be held accountable under law if you don't)

Remember, that's ALL regulations, not just the electrical ones you learnt 40 years ago.

If you cut holes in joists, or position outlets, all this has to be in-line with building regulations, the C&G or 18th edition only extends to the electrical aspects, not the whole job.

The building regulations specify many aspects of the day to day work of all electricians - just not the electrical bits.

Part P specifically mandates that certain work is notifiable to the local building control, this includes electrical work in kitchens, bathrooms, new circuits etc. etc.

It is actually an offence in law not to notify.

Insurance generally covers you for errors (put too big a hole in a joist which then collapses etc) but won't necessarily cover you if there is systematic breaches of regulations, as this would be considered deliberate, it also won't protect you from flagrantly breaking the law.
 
No it wouldn't!


If you do any work especially for paying customers it is your responsibility to do the job safely and in line with all regulations. (You could be held accountable under law if you don't)

Remember, that's ALL regulations, not just the electrical ones you learnt 40 years ago.

If you cut holes in joists, or position outlets, all this has to be in-line with building regulations, the C&G or 18th edition only extends to the electrical aspects, not the whole job.

The building regulations specify many aspects of the day to day work of all electricians - just not the electrical bits.

Part P specifically mandates that certain work is notifiable to the local building control, this includes electrical work in kitchens, bathrooms, new circuits etc. etc.

It is actually an offence in law not to notify.

Insurance generally covers you for errors (put too big a hole in a joist which then collapses etc) but won't necessarily cover you if there is systematic breaches of regulations, as this would be considered deliberate, it also won't protect you from flagrantly breaking the law.
Wow sounds like you're a lawyer....as a box standard electrician I can't be expected to know the ins and outs of the building regulations..indeed I don't belive that I am required to have an in depth knowledge of the electrical regulations ...they are for guidance only not for blind obedience to..yes I can agree that gross stupidity cannot be excused but I don't belive that the law imposes such Draconian requirements as to expect us to know everything What we do.
As far as I'm aware we only have to carry out our work to our best endeavours...with reasonable skill...we are not expected to be the top of our field..only reasonable.
 
Wow sounds like you're a lawyer....as a box standard electrician I can't be expected to know the ins and outs of the building regulations..indeed I don't belive that I am required to have an in depth knowledge of the electrical regulations ...they are for guidance only not for blind obedience to..yes I can agree that gross stupidity cannot be excused but I don't belive that the law imposes such Draconian requirements as to expect us to know everything What we do.
As far as I'm aware we only have to carry out our work to our best endeavours...with reasonable skill...we are not expected to be the top of our field..only reasonable.
Wow. I'm ducking out of this one, clearly you don't won't to hear what people have to say and you clearly don't won't to take any of it on board. You might as well carry on regardless. Be lucky.
 
Wow sounds like you're a lawyer....as a box standard electrician I can't be expected to know the ins and outs of the building regulations..indeed I don't belive that I am required to have an in depth knowledge of the electrical regulations ...they are for guidance only not for blind obedience to..yes I can agree that gross stupidity cannot be excused but I don't belive that the law imposes such Draconian requirements as to expect us to know everything What we do.
As far as I'm aware we only have to carry out our work to our best endeavours...with reasonable skill...we are not expected to be the top of our field..only reasonable.

Wow!
 
Wow sounds like you're a lawyer....as a box standard electrician I can't be expected to know the ins and outs of the building regulations..indeed I don't belive that I am required to have an in depth knowledge of the electrical regulations ...they are for guidance only not for blind obedience to..yes I can agree that gross stupidity cannot be excused but I don't belive that the law imposes such Draconian requirements as to expect us to know everything What we do.
As far as I'm aware we only have to carry out our work to our best endeavours...with reasonable skill...we are not expected to be the top of our field..only reasonable.

Are you being serious?

If you drive down the road without a seat belt - because when you learnt to drive it wasn't mandatory (pre '83) do you think the police/courts would say "ah ok you can't be expected to know all the ins and outs of the regulations, they should be considered just guidance as long as you made an effort"

Absolutely not, you even as an individual are expected to ensure you are up to date with this sort of thing.

As a professional, it will be even more expected for you to be up to date with all aspects of your job, it is after all your profession.

I am obviously not a lawyer, but I do try to keep up with the rules and regulations that impact my job, these are contained in a range of documents, obviously the 18th is the most significant one, but the electricity at work act, building regulations, and various others such as Puwer etc.
 
With no offence intended it sounds as though the OP has been somewhat living under a rock since about Jan 2005. Before that date the manner of working described was common.
There were even signs in the electrical aisle at B&Q about it when it changed so its astonishing if he genuinely has no knowledge of it.
 
I've just read one of the other threads where the OP says he carries out EICRs for £85. I suppose that's possible when you bend the rules to suit you - then you can undercut other people.

Apologies if that's a bit rude or unfair. I just find this thread a little hard to swallow.
 
Last edited:
@Brian Taylor are you aware of the requirements for...AFDDs, ........
Try post 114

 
Try post 114


Oh my. I replied to that comment. Do you think it was a serious question?
 
Are you being serious?

If you drive down the road without a seat belt - because when you learnt to drive it wasn't mandatory (pre '83) do you think the police/courts would say "ah ok you can't be expected to know all the ins and outs of the regulations, they should be considered just guidance as long as you made an effort"

Absolutely not, you even as an individual are expected to ensure you are up to date with this sort of thing.

As a professional, it will be even more expected for you to be up to date with all aspects of your job, it is after all your profession.

I am obviously not a lawyer, but I do try to keep up with the rules and regulations that impact my job, these are contained in a range of documents, obviously the 18th is the most significant one, but the electricity at work act, building regulations, and various others such as Puwer etc.
Of course I am aware of the requirements to use a seat belt...that requirement was well and truly advertised in the press and television, however I don't belive that the majority of drivers are fully conversant with all the finer points of the High way code...there are just too many of them. By the same token very few will be fully conversant with every aspect of the regulations....and can't be expected to be so...we simply interpret it to the best of our abilities...some aspects can be highly subjective. But I think as long as we refrain from anything very silly we can be happy that we are doing our best.
 
Following the wiring regulations is not a legal requirement in itself.

Following Part P of the building regulations is absolutely a legal requirement. How can anyone in the trade not be aware of this!!!

Part P came into force in 2005. And it's not just about notifiable works. It contains legal requirements for all electrical work done in domestic dwellings.
 
Following the wiring regulations is not a legal requirement in itself.

Following Part P of the building regulations is absolutely a legal requirement. How can anyone in the trade not be aware of this!!!

Part P came into force in 2005. And it's not just about notifiable works. It contains legal requirements for all electrical work done in domestic dwellings.
Yes but I was not aware of this until this afternoon...and I'm not too sure how I can resolve this in the short term .
 
Yes but I was not aware of this until this afternoon...and I'm not too sure how I can resolve this in the short term .
That's not true Brian, following your comments on this thread I had a quick look at your other posts on other threads, you discussed the part p notification process a few months ago.

It may have been the same thread where you said you would provide blank signed EICRS for your customers if they wanted, but could be another one.
 
Of course I am aware of the requirements to use a seat belt...that requirement was well and truly advertised in the press and television, however I don't belive that the majority of drivers are fully conversant with all the finer points of the High way code...there are just too many of them. By the same token very few will be fully conversant with every aspect of the regulations....and can't be expected to be so...we simply interpret it to the best of our abilities...some aspects can be highly subjective. But I think as long as we refrain from anything very silly we can be happy that we are doing our best.
To an extent.

Under the law, if you break any traffic law you are judged, in the case of dangerous driving for example, if your driving falls significantly below the standard of a typical cautious driver, or just below that standard for careless driving.

It would be the same as an electrician, you would be judged on whether the work you did met the standard expected by a competent electrician.

How do you think you would compare in the eyes of a jury or judge?

No updated training on regulations for approx 15 year (with 4-5 "new" versions in that time).

Not complying with the law on part P - again introduced a long time ago.

Performing inspection and issuing satisfactory reports when ~15 years out of date with the latest regulations.

Potentially breaches of the building regulations (you can't say you're compliant as you said you don't know about them).

Etc.

I doubt a court would see this as a professional electrician doing their best.

Yes, if you were up to date, had complied with all the parts, but had made a simple or perhaps technical challenging error, then a court may accept you did make every reasonable effort.
 
Following the wiring regulations is not a legal requirement in itself.

Following Part P of the building regulations is absolutely a legal requirement. How can anyone in the trade not be aware of this!!!

Part P came into force in 2005. And it's not just about notifiable works. It contains legal requirements for all electrical work done in domestic dwellings.
I guess I was not in an environment where anyone thought in necessary to inform me of this requirement
That's not true Brian, following your comments on this thread I had a quick look at your other posts on other threads, you discussed the part p notification process a few months ago.

It may have been the same thread where you said you would provide blank signed EICRS for your customers if they wanted, but could be another one.

To an extent.

Under the law, if you break any traffic law you are judged, in the case of dangerous driving for example, if your driving falls significantly below the standard of a typical cautious driver, or just below that standard for careless driving.

It would be the same as an electrician, you would be judged on whether the work you did met the standard expected by a competent electrician.

How do you think you would compare in the eyes of a jury or judge?

No updated training on regulations for approx 15 year (with 4-5 "new" versions in that time).

Not complying with the law on part P - again introduced a long time ago.

Performing inspection and issuing satisfactory reports when ~15 years out of date with the latest regulations.

Potentially breaches of the building regulations (you can't say you're compliant as you said you don't know about them).

Etc.

I doubt a court would see this as a professional electrician doing their best.

Yes, if you were up to date, had complied with all the parts, but had made a simple or perhaps technical challenging error, then a court may accept you did make every reasonable effort.
Well first and foremost surely I can be competent to carry out the basic works that I do without having to be fully up to date with the latest regulations..I passed my driving test in 1972...I have not been required to upgrade or site additional exams or tests during that time..the fact that I have not done so does not make me a bad or dangerous driver..indeed the many years of experience makes more able to read the road and be more aware of what other drivers are doing...as in my driving analogy..my 40 years of electrical experience may well make me a safer operative than someone with lesser time in the job. When I first started work we still had electricians that had grandfather rights...that is to say.they had worked their way up by dint of experience and not by academic achievements, this lake of paperwork did not make them bad electrician's, infact many were very skilled at what they did.
Secondly define if you would please a competent electrician...
I'm pretty sure I could prove competecy to any reasonable person. I may not have the most up to date paperwork but that doesn't mean I'm not more or less conversant with safe installation work, it simply mean that I have not had the opertunity to be appraised of the up to date requirements to provide some sort of paperwork.
Thirdly, I don't think we as electricians could be classified as professionals..this accolade refers to those who have attained a higher level in education and employment such as doctors, legal people engineers etc, ..electricians although skilled cannot be seen as such and as such be held to the same strict standards. We are manual workers and people's expectations of us are a good deal lower than those at the top. I can appreciate that many people tend to refer to themselves as professionals (God help us we have refuse executives in their area)
When of course we all know that they're simply binmen...it is simply bigging yourself up a appear more important than you really are.
 
I've just been looking at some of your old posts. You knew full well about the requirements to notify jobs and about the appropriate schemes back in July 2020 !! And here we are in November 2022 and you still plead ignorance.

You also said you wouldn't buy the current regs until they came down to a lower price.

Unbelievable!!
 
Just so I'm clear, you've been doing electrical work, including new circuits and consumer units, for years without notifying anybody?

Why do you think it 'shouldn't cost you anything' ?

It seems a bit dodgy that you don't want to pay money to notify work, and you don't want to pay money to take courses.

Presumably you do issues EICs and MW certs for the work though?
It sounds to me like he's on a wind up.
 
I'm pretty sure I could prove competecy to any reasonable person. I may not have the most up to date paperwork but that doesn't mean I'm not more or less conversant with safe installation work, it simply mean that I have not had the opertunity to be appraised of the up to date requirements to provide some sort of paperwork.
If we take you at your word, then the exceptionally irritating thing is that until last year there was a way to do exactly that, prove competency by demonstration (3 written exams and 1 practical exam). So you missed the chance to get 18th edition (1 exam) and quietly get into a CPS scheme through the back door. Sadly for you that option has now gone away.
 
I'm pretty sure I could prove competecy to any reasonable person. I may not have the most up to date paperwork but that doesn't mean I'm not more or less conversant with safe installation work, it simply mean that I have not had the opertunity to be appraised of the up to date requirements to provide some sort of paperwork.

How can you say your work is safe if you don't even know the up-to-date regs?
e.g. Do you install your cables so that premature collapse in an event of a fire is not an issue?
From your posts I can only assume you don't.

edit: I'm with the opinions above that this is all just a wind up.
 
How can you say your work is safe if you don't even know the up-to-date regs?
e.g. Do you install your cables so that premature collapse in an event of a fire is not an issue?
From your posts I can only assume you don't.

edit: I'm with the opinions above that this is all just a wind up.
I'm guessing you are referring to the metal clips to support the cabling with plastic trunking?
 
Secondly define if you would please a competent electrician...

Competency is outlined in the wiring regulations.

Competent electrician may be defined in several ways having minor differences, but essentially if you read the entry qualifications to be a member of the Competent persons scheme for the type of electrical work you do, that is typical of the standard used throughout the industry.

Essentially
Level 3 in installation (your C&G will do).
(Including testing)
Current regulations.
Current building regulations where applicable.
Demonstrate to an inspector that your work meets the current standards.

Etc.

Many councils also define this for acceptance of notifiable work from non-scheme members and for inspection work, for example:


submitted in connection with:
• Housing licensing applications under Parts 2 & 3 of ‘The Housing Act 2004’ (Mandatory
HMO, Additional HMO and Selective licensing)
or in compliance with;
• Regulation 3 (1) of ‘The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented sector (England)
Regulations 2020’ (SI 312:2020)
and
• Regulation 7 (3) of ‘The Licensing and Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation
(Additional Provisions) (England) Regulations 2007’ (SI 1903:2007) – as applicable to
‘Section 257 HMOs’,
has / have been produced by a person both qualified and specifically competent to undertake
inspection and testing of fixed electrical installations.
In line with current government guidance, the Local Housing Authority (LHA) may do this by:
1. checking if the inspector is a member of a relevant competent person scheme, via the
‘Registered Competent Person Electrical’ website:
and / or
2. “requiring the inspector to sign a checklist certifying their competence, including their
experience, whether they have adequate insurance and hold a qualification covering
the current version of the wiring regulations and in the periodic inspection, testing and
certification of electrical installations”.
 
Last edited:
I'm guessing you are referring to the metal clips to support the cabling with plastic trunking?

But it covers much more than that, you said your work is safe, so it must be compliant with the regulations.

If you do think your work is acceptable, just do a search on-line for 18th edition test questions.

You should find places where you can take a simulated exam on line for free, you should be able to skip through in 10-15mins (although you would be more careful and take your time in the real exam).

Now, I don't think you would pass as you by your own admission don't have the latest regs, but even without the latest you should be achieving 60%+

Perhaps that will give you a perspective on where you are/need to be.

We just have your posts and words to judge, so that isn't a real representation on your actual level.
 
I'm guessing you are referring to the metal clips to support the cabling with plastic trunking?

@Brian Taylor are you winding us up because quite frankly unless you have been on another planet I find it difficult to believe you are unaware of Part P and its requirements.
Well maybe not in your side of the job but please have some sense of
Competency is outlined in tha wiring regulations.

Competent electrician may be defined in several ways having minor differences, but essentially if you read the entry qualifications to be a member of the Competent persons scheme for the type of electrical work you do, that is typical of the standard used throughout the industry.

Essentially
Level 3 in installation (your C&G will do).
(Including testing)
Current regulations.
Current building regulations where applicable.
Demonstrate to an inspector that your work meets the current standards.

Etc.

Many councils also define this for acceptance of notifiable work from non-scheme members and for inspection work, for example:


submitted in connection with:
• Housing licensing applications under Parts 2 & 3 of ‘The Housing Act 2004’ (Mandatory
HMO, Additional HMO and Selective licensing)
or in compliance with;
• Regulation 3 (1) of ‘The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented sector (England)
Regulations 2020’ (SI 312:2020)
and
• Regulation 7 (3) of ‘The Licensing and Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation
(Additional Provisions) (England) Regulations 2007’ (SI 1903:2007) – as applicable to
‘Section 257 HMOs’,
has / have been produced by a person both qualified and specifically competent to undertake
inspection and testing of fixed electrical installations.
In line with current government guidance, the Local Housing Authority (LHA) may do this by:
1. checking if the inspector is a member of a relevant competent person scheme, via the
‘Registered Competent Person Electrical’ website:
and / or
2. “requiring the inspector to sign a checklist certifying their competence, including their
experience, whether they have adequate insurance and hold a qualification covering
the current version of the wiring regulations and in the periodic inspection, testing and
certification of electrical installations”.
Wow you must really like bookwork , but from what you have listed I guess I quality as a Competent person, as I do as you correctly state have a C&G certificate and testing certificate, I do have access to a brown regs book, I have just been informed that one of my co workers has a copy of the building regulations that I can borrow and I'm reasonably confident that I can prove competecy. As for the rest I have no idea or interest in it..I'm far to old to be dragged into the petty buerocacy of local authorities.
 
Well maybe not in your side of the job but please have some sense of

Wow you must really like bookwork , but from what you have listed I guess I quality as a Competent person, as I do as you correctly state have a C&G certificate and testing certificate, I do have access to a brown regs book, I have just been informed that one of my co workers has a copy of the building regulations that I can borrow and I'm reasonably confident that I can prove competecy. As for the rest I have no idea or interest in it..I'm far to old to be dragged into the petty buerocacy of local authorities.
I really suggest that you check yourself against an on-line 18th test.

Having access to a book doesn't prove competence
 
But it covers much more than that, you said your work is safe, so it must be compliant with the regulations.

If you do think your work is acceptable, just do a search on-line for 18th edition test questions.

You should find places where you can take a simulated exam on line for free, you should be able to skip through in 10-15mins (although you would be more careful and take your time in the real exam).

Now, I don't think you would pass as you by your own admission don't have the latest regs, but even without the latest you should be achieving 60%+

Perhaps that will give you a perspective on where you are/need to be.

We just have your posts and words to judge, so that isn't a real representation on your actual level.
Ah had no idea such question existed...as a matter of interest....is it absolutely required to pay for one of these very expensive regulations update courses or can I simply read the book and do an on line multiple choice paper?
 
Ah had no idea such question existed...as a matter of interest....is it absolutely required to pay for one of these very expensive regulations update courses or can I simply read the book and do an on line multiple choice paper?

Yes you can do the exam on-line.

You can also just do the exam in a examination facility (usually cheaper) as if you do it at home, someone has to watch you by webcam to ensure you don't cheat.
 
Yes you can do the exam on-line.

You can also just do the exam in a examination facility (usually cheaper) as if you do it at home, someone has to watch you by webcam to ensure you don't cheat.

Sorry I was misled on this one, I don't think they do exam only having re-read it.

Or


Are but two examples.

Before booking, do a free on-line test to see if just the test is suitable for you.
 

Sorry I was misled on this one, I don't think they do exam only having re-read it.

Or


Are but two examples.

Before booking, do a free on-line test to see if just the test is suitable for you.
Many thanks
 
But it covers much more than that, you said your work is safe, so it must be compliant with the regulations.

If you do think your work is acceptable, just do a search on-line for 18th edition test questions.

You should find places where you can take a simulated exam on line for free, you should be able to skip through in 10-15mins (although you would be more careful and take your time in the real exam).

Now, I don't think you would pass as you by your own admission don't have the latest regs, but even without the latest you should be achieving 60%+

Perhaps that will give you a perspective on where you are/need to be.

We just have your posts and words to judge, so that isn't a real representation on your actual level.
Hi Julie, further to our conversation of yesterday I did find an online test for the 18th edition update...as I understand it you are required to pass just 35 question out of the 60 in the test to pass....I gave it ago ...I think I would of passed....so I guess that an online exam is the best way forward. Many thanks for your help..most helpful....its a shame that some of the others on this site haven't displayed the same humility and helpfulness.
 
Hi Julie, further to our conversation of yesterday I did find an online test for the 18th edition update...as I understand it you are required to pass just 35 question out of the 60 in the test to pass....I gave it ago ...I think I would of passed....so I guess that an online exam is the best way forward. Many thanks for your help..most helpful....its a shame that some of the others on this site haven't displayed the same humility and helpfulness.
If you do the on-line mock test, it will actually tell you if you would have passed, you can also view your answers to see which you got right and wrong (plus the correct answers).

It's on the third link I posted is it 18thexam or something.
 
Ah the
If you do the on-line mock test, it will actually tell you if you would have passed, you can also view your answers to see which you got right and wrong (plus the correct answers).

It's on the third link I posted is it 18thexam or something.
one I did required you to pay to give you the results....but did offer access to 1000 questions for about £20 pounds.
 
Ah the

one I did required you to pay to give you the results....but did offer access to 1000 questions for about £20 pounds.

The link above gives a full on line free test with results, not done it myself but...

 
The link above gives a full on line free test with results, not done it myself but...

OK, just done it, it's a fair to easy representation, I just skipped through it, no book to hand as I just took it out of curiosity.

You should get a result such as this:
Screenshot_20221116-133600_Brave.jpg


You can then go through each question and check your answer vs the correct one.
 

Reply to Do I need to update my 18th edition for Amendment 2 ? in the UK Electrical Forum area at ElectriciansForums.net

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