If you're an electrician, do you know the differences between the 16th and 17th Edition ?

For those of you who work or train in the electrical and building services industries, 2008 was the year that new IEE wiring regulations, unveiled in January and coming into force in June, marked the most significant overhaul of the electrical safety system in nearly twenty years.The 17th Edition IEE Wiring Regulations BS7671:2008 - produced by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (The IET) - are the national standard to which all domestic and industrial wiring must conform. The 17th edition update contains substantial changes made to align with European documents, from drawings for electrical installations, through to general use sockets, mobile equipment and bathroom circuits.Obtaining a thorough knowledge update on the 17th Edition is a statutory requirement for those registering onto a Part P scheme and this electrical qualification is required within a 12 month period.A background in Electrical Installation work is essential. This means you must be working as an electrician in the Electrical Contracting industry, to be able to undertake AbleSkills 3-day IEE Wiring Regulations 17th Edition Update (City & Guilds 2382) course. The vital benefit of the course is to provide a comprehensive working knowledge update that enables the undertaking of more ambitious and lucrative electrical contracts projects .It will update on the significant differences between the 16th and 17th editions, and therefore, focus on the main additions and alterations that have been incorporated in the 2008 (17th) edition.The following units covered in this course are:Scope, object and fundamental requirements for safetyDefinitionsAssessment of general characteristicsProtection for safetySelection and erection of equipmentSpecial locationsInspection, testing and certificationUse of appendicesFor electrical employees, it increases your chances immediately to significant career advancement, e.g. to a Qualifying Manager's position. In fact, your employer may ask you to train to for the additional qualification!It's worth remembering that currently, there is a shortage of highly trained electricians, competent and qualified to undertake many types of electrical projects. The total estimated shortage for the whole of the UK is between 35, 000 - 38,00. London and the South East account for roughly 30% of this shortfall.