SPARKS Magazine Summer 2024 issue

at makitauk.com and follow us on socials for updates.

EDITOR’S NOTE

elcome to the summer edition of SPARKS Magazine! This issue is jam-packed with fun quizzes, helpful revision exercises, and our ever-entertaining (though sometimes facepalm-worthy!) Epic Fail section at the back.

This year, we've been on the road, visiting colleges nationwide for the SPARKS Learner of the Year and SPARKS Female Skills competitions. With support from our industry partners, we set out to find the best in electrics! Head to pages 5 and 11 to see some of the best moments, and check out the reels on our socials.

Competitions are an excellent way to boost confidence and feel part of something bigger. When you join the SPARKS regional heats, you become part of a community where everyone supports and learns from each other. Want to get involved? Talk to your lecturer about entering in 2025—you could be the next big winner!

Whether you're keeping busy this summer or taking a break, stay focused on your electrical career goals.

Enjoy the issue!

Celia Matthews

EDITOR: CELIA MATTHEWS celia.matthews@sng-publishing.co.uk

SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER: LEE OWEN design@sng-publishing.co.uk

SENIOR DIGITAL CONTENT EXECUTIVE: PHOEBE MANSFIELD phoebe.mansfield@sng-publishing.co.uk

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER: PATRICK BLORE patrick.blore@sng-publishing.co.uk

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER: SARAH HERNE sarah.herne@sng-publishing.co.uk

EVENT MANAGER: SAMANTHA COLE samantha.cole@sng-publishing.co.uk

MANAGING DIRECTOR: ZOË TANNER zoe.tanner@sng-publishing.co.uk

TECHNICAL CONTRIBUTORS: Lewis Blakemore, Wigan & Leigh College Luke Foster, Telford College

PRINTERS: Stephens & George, Wales

Editor GENERAL ENQUIRIES

To subscribe to SPARKS Magazine call 0121 779 0888 or subscribe online at www.sparks-magazine.co.uk

are accepted for publication in SPARKS Magazine only upon SNG Publishing Ltd standard terms of advertising.

written by our expert technical team, have all been updated to A2:2022. An absolute must have for your tool bag!

NAPIT Foundation is our free membership scheme available to students, colleges and training establishments across the UK.

Through this membership NAPIT Foundation members get access to expert technical support, industry news and updates, as well as discounts to industry publications and training rigs.

Take the best first step in your career and join with a leading UK scheme provider, NAPIT!

Foundation are the Official Judging Partner of SPARKS Learner of the Year 2024

Our clean tool & machine area is set aside to produce bespoke high spec training & assessment rigs.

SPARKS ONLINE

COLUMN

1 SPARKS HANDBOOK

You’ve probably seen it around college, but did you know you can read the SPARKS Handbook for free on our website? It's got loads of key info about electrical products, a glossary of terms, and tips to help you prepare for your AM2S!

Female Skills 2025

3

STUDENT RESOURCES

Need a bit of help with your coursework? Our platform has a collection of short video tutorials that cover the basics and beyond. Plus, we have an industry contacts page with details of manufacturers who are eager to support you on your career journey.

5 STAY CONNECTED

Follow us on social media, share your work and connect with our community—it’s a great way to build your network and get inspired!

2 SPARKS EVENTS

Want to get spotted by the big names in the industry? Our competitions are a great way to gain experience to boost your CV and meet like-minded learners and apprentices. Ask your lecturer about joining the next competition.

4

LECTURER RESOURCES

Lecturers, we've got something for you too! Our Virtual Lecturer Training platform lets you earn CPD points and stay updated on the latest products in the industry.

Becoming the Electrician of Tomorrow

Read our tips and ideas to help you grow and build a business fit for the future.

Stay ahead of the curve and unearth opportunities for growth with Schneider Electric to future-proofing the electrical industry.

The role of electricians and the nature of their work is evolving rapidly. Smart home technology, sustainable retrofits, and the rise of ‘energy prosumers’ (who both produce and consume energy) alongside shifting regulations and standards have made working in the industry more complex.

Opportunities for Growth

Opportunities for electricians continue to grow at an unprecedented pace, not least due to the greater focus on sustainability. The digitisation of energy will continue to be a focus as consumers and businesses demand more visibility of their energy consumption to reduce costs and greenhouse gas emissions. The electrical industry underpins a move to a greener future, less reliant on fossil fuels as a source of energy. From the installation of smart home technology, EV charging and electric heat pumps to the rise of energy prosumers and renewable energy at home, electricians are a key part of creating more energy-efficient homes.

Upselling

Simple enquiries can often turn into great opportunities. For instance, installing a circuit to supply an external socket may require upgrading of earthing and bonding, perhaps even a new consumer unit. However, it is possible to go even further and upsell new products or services to customers that could be of benefit.

Educating customers on new technology available to them, including energy efficiency solutions, is a great way to upsell. For instance, a customer ordering an EV charger may not have considered the benefits of onsite battery storage to make use of cheap rate electricity through the night. Also, they may not be aware that the addition of a solar PV system could provide them with further long-term economic benefits.

Expanding Business Profile

The cornerstone of marketing success is a business’ website. Adapting landing pages to optimise search engine results should take priority. Approximately 90% of people only look at the first page of online search results, so it is vital to rank highly in local searches. Google Ads offers an easy way to target advertising, using chosen keywords and location information to appear at the top of local Google search pages, yet improving your website’s ‘organic’ search results is invaluable.

Tips for Boosting Online Visibility

Keywords can be used to boost search rankings. If the website has multiple pages, use different keywords so that the pages are not competing against one another in rankings.

Professional site optimisation can be a good investment to ensure this:

• Great user experience and easy website navigation are vital. A business’ website should be mobile-friendly, informative, and useful

• Encouraging customers to leave Google reviews helps to show credibility

• Linking the website with social media accounts helps to increase traffic to the site

Social Media

Social media is a great tool to connect with customers. By sharing experiences and showing the work of the business, electricians can highlight successful projects, answer questions publicly, and showcase customer reviews. For instance, Facebook allows businesses to target audiences, with posts helping them to appear higher in Google search results.

Conclusion

The boom in work for electricians has only just begun. Business opportunities for electricians are set to grow even further alongside initiatives for a smarter and more sustainable future. The time is now to capitalise on these opportunities, but businesses must ensure that they are ready and able to go above and beyond the competition to win new projects.

To find out more about Becoming the Electrician of Tomorrow, scan the QR code!

2024 LEARNER OF THE YEAR

“AMAZING

PRIZES”

2024 LEARNER OF THE YEAR

Our seven finalists undertook a live 10-hour practical test, carried out across two days.

The competitors were:

THE FINALISTS

JADE NORRIS BATH COLLEGE DANIEL POWELL DERWENTSIDE COLLEGE

CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE!

The SPARKS Learner of the Year 2024 champion, Kian Milroy from St Helens College, has been crowned after an epic journey that showcased exceptional skills and determination from all competitors.

JANE THORP SUFFOLK NEW COLLEGE

HOW THE TEST WAS MARKED

JUDGES EVALUATED COMPETITORS ON:

■ PRECISE MEASURING AND LEVELLING

■ CORRECT TERMINATIONS

■ QUALITY OF CONNECTIONS AND CIRCUIT LAYOUT

■ COMPONENT POSITIONING

■ ASSEMBLY OF CONTAINMENT SYSTEMS

■ SAFE OPERATION OF POWER TOOLS

■ ADHERENCE TO PPE GUIDELINES

THE JOURNEY

REGIONAL HEATS (JAN-FEB):

Level 2 and 3 electrical learners from colleges across the UK competed in 6 regional heats.

THE FINAL SHOWDOWN

GRAND FINAL (APRIL):

Six regional winners and the highest runner-up battled it out in a live 10-hour practical test over two days.

After an intense final on 23rd & 24th April at the Schneider Electric Innovation Centre in Coventry, Kian Milroy from St Helens College was crowned winner of the SPARKS Learner of the Year 2024. Jane Thorp from Suffolk New College, winner of SPARKS Female Skills 2023, earned the runner-up spot.

FINALISTS

SKILLS

■ BOOST YOUR CONFIDENCE

■ BETTER YOUR SKILLS

■ WIN AMAZING PRIZES

■ ADD THE ACHIEVEMENT TO YOUR CV

■ IMPROVE YOUR EMPLOYABILITY

THE JUDGES:

HEAD JUDGES: John Eastwood and Steve Humphreys from NAPIT

Amy Barratt-Singh (@amythesparky) on behalf of Schneider Electric

GUEST JUDGE:

Suzy Blakeley-Monk (@princesssparkanglesey19)

“It's a privilege to support the next generation of electricians as they progress through college.

Sponsoring the SPARKS Learner of the Year competition aligns perfectly with Schneider Electric's commitment to nurturing the future of the industry.”

Vildan Guner, Contracts Channel Marketing Manager at Schneider Electric

MEET THE RUNNER-UP

JANE THORP

JANE IS STUDYING HER APPRENTICESHIP AT SUFFOLK NEW COLLEGE

“ALL THE PRIZES ARE AMAZING!”

“IREALLYENJOYED INSTALLINGALL THEDIFFERENT PRODUCTS”

“WINNING THE FEMALE SKILLS COMPETITION LAST YEAR MADE ME REALISE THAT PERHAPS I HAVE GOT A CHANCE AT LEARNER OF THE YEAR”

“THE PEOPLE WHO MADE IT TO THE FINAL WERE AMAZING AND ALL DESERVE TO BE HERE”

HAVEAMAZING“ITFEELSTO CALLEDYOURNAME OUT!”

HOW I WON

> I MARKED OUT THE BAY

> I POSITIONED ALL THE CONTAINMENTS

> I WIRED IT ALL

> THEN, I DID THE SECOND FIX

THE WINNER IS…

KIAN MILROY

KIAN IS STUDYING HIS APPRENTICESHIP AT ST HELENS COLLEGE SCAN HERE to watch the competition highlights.

“I DIDN’T EXPECT TO WIN!”

“I ENJOYED MEETING THE LADS AND GIRLS, APPRENTICES MY AGE, AS I DON’T GET THAT AT WORK”

“IT’S BOOSTED MY CONFIDENCE!”

“I REALLY ENJOYED USING THE EASY9 CONSUMER UNIT, IT WAS DEAD EASY TO TERMINATE ALL THE CABLES IN”

“THE PRIZES WERE AMAZING! £2,000 CHEQUE AND LOTS OF FREE KIT!”

Meet Nathan Pawsey, the 2023 SPARKS Learner of the Year, as he shares his essential top tips to help you succeed at the beginning of your electrical career.

NATHAN'S TOP TIPS

1 ALWAYS BE POLITE!

When interacting with clients, always be polite, punctual, and professional. This creates a positive impression with customers and can lead to more work in the future.

2 INVEST IN YOUR OWN TOOLS

Even if your employer provides tools, consider investing in a few of your own. It demonstrates initiative, and having extra tools can make your work easier.

3 ASK FOR HELP

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. There’s nothing worse than struggling with a task you don't understand, and that's what your mentor or boss is there to help with.

4 TAKE THE ROUGH WITH THE SMOOTH

Sometimes the early days can be challenging, but as you progress, you'll become more confident and skilled. Keep at it, and soon you'll be qualified.

5 NEVER REFUSE A CUP OF TEA

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, never refuse a cup of tea.

INVEST IN YOURSELF

“A POSITIVE IMPRESSION WITH CUSTOMERS CAN LEAD TO MORE WORK IN THE FUTURE” “NEVER REFUSE A CUP OF TEA!”

Female Skills

THE FINALISTS

BREAKING MOULDS, BUILDING FUTURES!

Just two years in, the SPARKS Female Skills Competition is already making significant waves! The event highlights the importance of encouraging more women to consider careers in the electrical industry.

THE JOURNEY (FEB-MAR)

The competition kicked off in February, as female learners from Levels 2 and 3 competed in three regional heats across the UK. The judges had their work cut out for them, narrowing down the entries to six exceptional regional winners.

THE FINAL (APR)

The six finalists went on to compete in a nail-biting final in April, at Stephenson College, Coalville. Charlotte Bobbett from Yeovil College was crowned the winner, with Anne Greaves from Leicester College as runner-up.

THE JUDGES:

HEAD JUDGE: Darren Oates, NET

Amy Barratt-Singh (@amythesparky) on behalf of Schneider Electric

GUEST JUDGE:

Gina York, Professional Electrician (@the.daughter_)

HERE’S WHAT THE JUDGES HAD TO SAY...

“As we’re all aware, the industry is predominantly male. Competitions like this are fantastic! They’re essential for encouraging more women to join the electrical trade.”

Darren Oates, NET

“This year’s competition has been absolutely brilliant! The contestants have significantly grown in confidence since the start, and the standard has been exceptional.”

Amy Barratt-Singh

Female Skills 2024

FINALISTS MEET THE RUNNER-UP

ANNE GREAVES

“IT FEELS AMAZING! IT WAS DEFINITELY A BIG SURPRISE TO HAVE MY NAME CALLED OUT!”

“IT’S NICE TO BE A PART OF SOMETHING”

ANNE IS STUDYING HER ELECTRICAL QUALIFICATIONS AT LEICESTER COLLEGE A MASSIVE THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

“THEY’RE ALL REALLY LOVELY GIRLS – WE'VE ALL BEEN MESSAGING EACH OTHER ON INSTAGRAM!”

“GIRLS DON’T FEEL LIKE IT’S AN OPTION. I THINK IT’S IMPORTANT TO DO A COMPETITION LIKE THIS BECAUSE WE DO NEED REPRESENTATION.

I WISH I’D HAD THE OPTION WHEN I WAS YOUNGER”

"THERE IS A WHOLE COMMUNITY OF WOMEN TRAINING AS WELL, IT’S NOT JUST YOU!”

“Promoting diversity is a cornerstone of our values at Megger. Supporting initiatives that enhance gender diversity within our industry is crucial. We are proud to back the SPARKS Female Skills Competition again this year, as it aligns perfectly with our commitment to these values.”

Lee Baker, Territory Manager at Megger (Headline Sponsor)

Studying

As co-publisher of the IET Wiring Regulations, now updated to BS 7671:2018+A2:2022, we have lots of information and guidance available to help you get into the electrical industry.

From informative articles on different ways into industry and the most relevant qualifications, to videos designed to help de-mystify certain areas of the IET Wiring Regulations, our website is full of useful resources for electrical students, including:

– Books for students, such as the Student’s Guide to the IET Wiring Regulations

– The Student’s Guide video series including topics such as Safe Isolation and Risk Assessment

– Wiring Matters magazine articles to help you with your studies

– A job profile bank detailing some of the many different career options available to you when you qualify

Get your copy of the Student’s Guide to the IET Wiring Regulations, available to buy from the IET Bookshop today!

“IT FEELS A BIT LIKE A DREAM!”

“IT’S BEEN A REAL CONFIDENCE BOOST FOR ME. I THINK I PROBABLY UNDERESTIMATED MYSELF A LITTLE BIT”

“I FEEL LIKE I’VE MADE SOME GENUINE FRIENDS DURING THE COMPETITION”

“THE SKY’S THE LIMIT! I WANT TO KEEP LEARNING AND PROGRESSING”

MEET THE WINNER! CHARLOTTE

BOBBETT

CHARLOTTE IS STUDYING HER ELECTRICAL QUALIFICATIONS AT YEOVIL COLLEGE

“A BRAND NEW MEGGER MULTI-FUNCTIONAL TESTER JUST FOR ME!”

“FRIENDSHIP AND COMMUNITY HAVE PROBABLY BEEN THE BIGGEST PART FOR ME. IT FEELS REALLY SPECIAL TO HAVE THAT TO TAKE AWAY”

SCAN HERE to watch the competition highlights.

REVISION GUIDE BY

LUKE FOSTER Electrical Lecturer at Telford College

SOLAR PV

Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are gaining popularity as a sustainable energy source. Test your knowledge with these Solar PV questions.

When installing a rooftop solar array, which building regulations are most relevant?

A Structure, fire safety, ventilation, hygiene

B Resistance to the passage of sound, drainage and waste disposal

C Ventilation, conservation of fuel and power, structure

D Fire safety, structure, electrical safety, water ingress

Which electrical standard applies to

BS 7671

B EN 12831

C EN 60309

D BS 4343

Q1

Q2

photovoltaic system installations in domestic properties? Ans.

A

What should you do to minimise the risk of electric shock when fitting solar modules to a system before completing the installation?

A Cover the array with a blanket or similar to prevent electricity generation

B Leave the cables coiled up in the roof to keep them out of sight

C Use the module box lids to cover the array, preventing electricity generation

D Ensure all cables are enclosed or terminated with no exposed live parts, and place a warning sign indicating they are live Q4

If a photovoltaic (PV) installation has a rating above 16A per phase, which Distribution System Operator (DSO) document must be complied with?

A G98 only

B G99 only

C G89 only

D G98 and G99 Q5 When commissioning a solar PV system, which of the following is correct regarding wind resistance?

A The array must withstand wind uplift across all brackets

B The array must withstand wind uplift based on one bracket

C The number of brackets doesn't matter, as wind uplift is minimal on most systems

D The array must withstand wind uplift, but only for systems installed on hills

What is the key document to refer to when commissioning a solar PV system?

A Customer's planning consent

B EN 60309

C Sales invoice

D The original design documentation

What is the difference between AC and DC current?

Direct current (DC) is the type of energy used in a socket outlet, while alternating current (AC) is used to produce light

B In DC, electrons flow steadily in one direction, while in AC, electrons change direction, sometimes moving forward and sometimes backward

C Alternating current (AC) is what is drawn from a socket outlet, whereas direct current (DC) is what is sent to the socket

D In DC, electrons flow steadily in both directions, while in AC, electrons move in one direction only

Which one of the following would help reduce the risk of damaging your back when lifting?

A Only use a scaffolding that has been erected and tagged by a qualified scaffolder

B Ensure that you do not apply heat near your body

C Only work on cabling that is terminated when there is a voltage present

D Follow manual handling guidance and use two people where necessary

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Members of the community are eligible to participate in Aico’s free-of-charge City & Guilds Assured Training - Domestic Fire & CO Alarm Systems.

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MIX & MATCH

How well do you know your electrical terms? Match each term to its correct description. Good luck!

A

A unit of power equal to one billion watts, often used in the context of large power plants or power grids.

B

The rate at which an alternating current changes direction, measured in hertz (Hz).

D

The corrosion that occurs when two different metals are in electrical contact, leading to material degradation.

E

A safety device consisting of a strip of wire that melts and breaks an electric circuit if the current exceeds a safe level, thereby preventing overheating.

G

A metallic enclosure that prevents the entry or escape of an electromagnetic field, used to shield sensitive electrical equipment from external EMI.

H

The unit of frequency, equal to one cycle per second. Used to measure the frequency of alternating currents.

C

A measure of the opposition that a circuit presents to a current when a voltage is applied, involving both resistance and reactance. F

A machine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy, often used as a backup power source. I

Unit of energy. One unit is the energy transferred when one ampere flows through a resistance of one ohm for one second.

AM2S - READY OR NOT?

The AM2S is an in-depth, 16-hour assessment where you have to carry out specific tasks in areas such as installation, fault-finding, safe isolation and inspection & testing.

It’s like the ‘driving test’ of your apprenticeship where you put into practice everything you have learned during your training. You’ll need to pass this assessment in order to become fully qualified.

Unfortunately, the number of apprentices who tell us they felt under pressure to take the AM2S without being fully prepared, seems to be on the increase. So, let’s make sure you are ready!

“BY TAKING THE ASSESSMENT WHEN YOU ARE FULLY READY, YOU’LL GIVE YOURSELF THE BEST CHANCE OF SUCCESS”

HOW DO I KNOW I’M READY?

Take a careful look at these two documents:

AM2S READINESS FOR ASSESSMENT CHECKLIST

This maps out exactly the range of activities, skills and knowledge that you’ll be assessed on. You should only sign this when you feel fully prepared and confident about all areas of the assessment.

AM2S PREASSESSMENT MANUAL

This goes into more detail about each section and lists common areas where people fail.

ASK YOURSELF

“Do I have the confidence in my ability to complete these tasks to a high standard? Do I have any additional training needs that need to be addressed?”

By signing the checklist, you are making a formal declaration that you feel completely prepared. If you don’t feel ready or feel under pressure to sign, speak to your tutor or your employer and ask them to help you work on the areas where you have concerns.

TOP TIP

NET IS THE ONLY AUTHORITATIVE SOURCE OF AM2 ADVICE - BEWARE OF ONLINE GROUPS WHICH SOMETIMES HAVE INCORRECT INFORMATION THAT MIGHT ACTUALLY CAUSE YOU TO FAIL RATHER THAN PASS!

GEAR UP FOR SAFETY

On the job, you'll face all sorts of risks, so don't play around with your safety. Make sure you're wearing the right Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

etting hurt means time off work—and that means lost cash. Naomi Kent, our SPARKS Female Skills 2023 Finalist, models the essential gear you need to stay safe and on track.

“YOU ONLY GET ONE PAIR OF EYES, SO PROTECT THEM”

SAFETYFIRST

“THE

PROTECT YOUR HANDS FROM CUTS, SHOCKS, AND ABRASIONS.”

7 STEEL TOE CAPS

6 KNEE PADS

5 PROTECTIVE GLOVES

4 HI-VIZ VEST

Your feet are at risk from falling tools and heavy equipment. Sturdy boots with steel toe caps prevent foot injuries and keep you on your feet.

Kneeling on hard surfaces or sharp objects can lead to serious knee injuries. Knee pads offer comfort and protection to keep you going strong.

Safety gloves are your best friends when dealing with electrical shocks and sharp objects. The right gloves can protect your hands from cuts, shocks, and abrasions.

Stay visible. A hi-vis vest makes sure you're seen, especially in low-light settings or on busy construction sites. Being visible reduces the risk of accidents.

DEFENDERS: Loud noises from power tools and electrical equipment can wreck your hearing. These ear defenders reduce that risk, so you can keep your ears in top shape.

GOGGLES OR SPECS

1 HARD HAT

SAFETY GOGGLES OR SPECS: These keep your eyes safe from flying debris, sparks, and other airborne hazards. You only get one pair of eyes, so protect them.

This is your brain protector. It shields you from falling objects and accidental bumps, crucial for keeping you safe on-site.

INSPECTION & TESTING

As an electrician, being clued up on electrical safety standards, procedures, and regs for inspecting and testing installations is crucial.

READY TO PUT YOUR KNOWLEDGE TO THE TEST?

Jump into these multi-choice questions and show us what you’ve got. Good luck!

Q1

Which one of the following is concerned principally with Part 6 of BS7671?

A Electricity at Work Regulations 1989

B Building Regulations

C Electricity, Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations

D IET Guidance Note 3

To enable electrically skilled persons to construct an electrical installation and commission it, the required document is?

A IET BS7671:2008

B Electricity at Work Regulations 1989

C The Specification

D Part P of the Building Regulations

Precise details regarding the way electrical equipment is to be installed must be obtained from?

A The equipment manufacturer

B The client C Main contractor D Electricity supplier

Electrical test instruments should conform to which of the following British Standards?

A HS (G) 141

B HSE Guidance

C EAWR 1989

D BS EN 61010

Go to sparks-magazine.co.uk to download exercise answers for free.

Q5

Electrical shock hazards may arise from isolated parts of an electrical installation, which of the following connected loads require care to be taken?

A Resistive loads

B Electric heating systems

C Voltages on earthed metalwork

D Capacitive loads

Q6

The responsibilities of an electrical inspection and test engineer include each of the following with one exception?

A To ensure no danger occurs to persons, livestock, and property during testing

B To compare the test results with design criteria

C To consider the condition of the installation and advise accordingly

Q8

When inspecting an installation for the first time, the purpose is to verify each of the following except?

A No part of the installation is damaged

B Test results comply with previously obtained data

C Parts of the fixed installation are correctly selected and erected

D Installed electrical equipment is of the correct type

D To issue prohibition notices Q9

Records concerning the condition of the electrical installation of domestic or non-domestic premises may be required by each of the following except?

A The person carrying out the inspection and testing

B The owner of the premises

C The occupant of the premises

D The main building contractor

In the case of a house of multiple occupancy, the maximum period between inspections and testing is recommended not to exceed? Ans.

A Annually

B Every two years

C Every five years

D Every ten years

On the completion of the electrical installation condition report for an installation, the next test date to be included in the report is decided by?

A The client

Electrical designer

Electrical contractor

D The person carrying out the inspection and testing

Q7

Q10

INSPECTION & TESTING SHORT ANSWER QUIZ

Understanding the standards and requirements for electrical installations is critical for ensuring safety and compliance.

Test your knowledge by answering the following short answer questions:

Q1 List the first THREE actions recommended in the procedure of safe isolation of live electrical circuits.

Answers: 1: 2: 3:

Q2 State when the following actions need to be taken in respect to an electrical installation:

A. Initial verification

B. Periodic Inspection (Electrical Installation Condition Report)

Answers:

Q3 State THREE safety checks to be carried out on an earth fault loop impedance tester and leads before use.

Answers: 1: 2: 3:

Q4 A reading of 10Ω is obtained when carrying out a resistance measurement on a 10mm², main protective bonding conductor on a main water supply service, the cable is 150m in length.

A: Suggest ONE possible reason for this reading

B: Suggest a solution based on the reason given in (A)

C: Calculate the expected reading based on the information given and the resistance per metre of copper cable being 1.83µΩ / m (micro ohm’s per metre)

Answers:

Q5 List in the correct sequence, the first THREE tests that should be performed during an initial verification on a new ring final circuit.

Answers: 1: 2: 3:

Q6 The test for the continuity of a CPC (Circuit Protective Conductor) in a radial circuit feeding one socket-outlet uses a temporary link and a low reading ohmmeter. State:

A: Where the temporary link is connected

B: Where the low reading ohmmeter is connected

C: What the meter reading actually represents

Answers:

Q7 List THREE installation details that need to be completed on a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate.

Answers: 1: 2: 3:

Q8 Briefly describe the degree of urgency for remedial action for circuit classification codes: C1, C2, and C3.

Answer:

Q9 State the tests that require the test instruments' serial and/or asset numbers to be recorded on a Schedule of Test Results pro-forma.

Answer:

Q10 When carrying out an instrument test on an RCD, TWO recordings must be made. These are:

Answers: 1: 2: Go to sparks-magazine.co.uk to download exercise answers for free.

QUIZ: PRINCIPLES OF ELECTRICAL SCIENCE

How strong is your general electrical knowledge? Put it to the test by selecting the correct answer for each question. Good luck!

Q1 The central section of an atom is called the:

A shell

B electron

C neutron

D nucleus Q5 The general effect of the Earth's magnetic field is called:

Q2 Which of the following is a good conductor of electricity?

A glass

B copper

C plastic

gravity

mass

entrifuge

velocity

D wood Q6 The liquid found in a lead-acid battery is called the:

Q3 Ohm's law is usually identified by which of the following formulae?

A resistance = current / voltage

B voltage = current × resistance

C current = voltage × resistance

D current = resistance / voltage

Q4 The unit of electrical power is the:

A electrolyte

B electrode

C electrolysis

D electricity

Hot air rising from an electrical storage heater is due to:

circulation

radiation

convection

conversion

Which of the following prevents the flow of electricity?

a supply source

a circuit

a conductor

an insulator

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TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE SMART HOMES

REVISION GUIDE BY

LEWIS BLAKEMORE Head of Construction at Wigan & Leigh College

SMART HOMES

Smart technologies are revolutionising our living spaces! As an electrician of the future, you won’t be just re-wiring homes; you'll be creating high-tech living spaces.

It’s vital that you understand how these technologies work so you can offer more to your customers.

WHAT IS A SMART HOME?

A Smart Home allows homeowners to control appliances, thermostats, lights, and other devices remotely using a smartphone or tablet through an internet connection.

HOW IT WORKS?

Smart homes can be set up through wireless or hardwired systems, providing homeowners not just convenience, but also potential savings on energy costs.

WILL I NEED TO INSTALL THIS TECHNOLOGY?

Yes, your expertise and knowledge ensures everything works together seamlessly, from voice-controlled lighting to sophisticated automated security systems.

ARE SMART HOMES THE FUTURE OF UK LIVING SPACES?

In this digital era, understanding smart home tech is essential. To give you some perspective, the US is believed to be the largest smart home market bringing in an annual revenue equivalent of £28 Billion, or four times that of the UK. The US population is approximately 40 times larger than that of the UK! Work that one out!

Once qualified, pursuing further educational courses in this area will greatly enhance your skill set, aligning you with the demands of modern electrical work.

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For more information about Smart Homes, check out these handy links:

QUICK QUIZ

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QUIZ: SMART HOMES

Test your knowledge with the following quiz, provided by Lewis Blakemore from Wigan & Leigh College. This quiz has been designed to challenge and expand your understanding of smart home technologies. Good luck!

Q1 What does IoT stand for?

A Internet of Telephones

B Internet of Things

C Internet of Time

D Internet of Technology Q5 What is the purpose of a smart plug in a smart home system?

A Control music volume

B Control temperature

C Manage energy usage

D Adjust lighting Q2 Which smart home technology allows you to control your home's temperature remotely?

A Smart lighting

B Smart thermostat

C Smart security system

D Smart speaker

Q3 What is the main benefit of using smart lighting in your home?

A Increased energy consumption

B Limited customisation

C Higher utility bills

D Energy efficiency

How do smart smoke detectors differ from traditional smoke detectors?

A They cannot detect smoke

B They can only be controlled manually

C They can send alerts to your phone

D They are not connected to the internet

smart home technology allows you to lock and unlock your doors remotely?

Smart thermostat

Smart blinds

Smart lock

Smart speaker Q4 Which smart home technology can help you monitor your home while you are away?

A Smart blinds

B Smart doorbell

C Smart vacuum

D Smart fridge

How can a smart irrigation system benefit your home?

A Increases water usage

B Decreases energy efficiency

C Saves water

D Requires manual control

Go to sparks-magazine.co.uk to download exercise answers for free.

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UK SMART HOME STATS

Check out these facts and stats that show just how much the UK is rapidly embracing smart home technology!

The UK Smart Home Industry is worth approx £7 billion annually.

(Source: Statista)

About 2.2 million of the UK's 25 million homes are smart homes.

(Source: The Eco Experts)

79% of UK residents use smart home devices for entertainment purposes.

(Source: Statista)

Smart Thermostats rank as the second most popular smart home device.

(Source: YouGov)

Half of the UK population now owns a smart speaker.

(Source: Statista)

25% of UK residents, with internet access, own at least one smart home device.

(Source: Finbold)

70% of UK residents use a voice assistant monthly.

(Source: Showhouse)

Around 8% of people in the UK own at least two smart home devices.

(Source: The Eco Experts)

Only 16% report not owning any smart home devices.

(Source: Statista)

Setting up a smart home system could save residents around £450 each year!

(Source: The Eco Experts)

So there you have it! Smart homes are way more than just a passing craze — they're a whole new way of living. And for all you modern electricians out there, this is a golden opportunity to plug into a future that's tech-savvy!

IN ASSOCIATION WITH CRAP ELECTRICAL UK BRAND NEW INSTALL! AND YOUR POINT IS...?

Not all electricians are lit, some are downright shocking! We’ve teamed up with Crap Electrical UK, to bring you our regular gallery of wacky wiring and lame lighting.

EPIC

NICE CLIPPING , THAT'S ABOUT ALL!

NOT SURE THAT'S GOING TO WORK

JUST PUT CIRCLES BACK IN. JOB DONE INFINITE POWER!

EPIC FAIL

RE-WIRE COMPLETE, ON TO NEXT JOB!

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FEATURES:

At the end of your apprenticeship you’ll need to complete the AM2 or AM2S Assessment before you can become fully qualified.

WHAT IS THIS?

It’s an in-depth assessment where you have to carry out specific tasks to show what you have learned during your apprenticeship.

BE PREPARED!

NET has a Self-Assessment Checklist so you can look at exactly what you need to do and make sure you have gained the right knowledge and practical experience. The AM2/AM2S is the pinnacle of everything you’ve learnt during your apprenticeship. So why not be proud of your skills and training and make it your mission to pass first time?

Ask your training provider about the AM2 or AM2S Checklist or find out more at www.netservices.org.uk/candidate-guidance