Re- "The Institution is supposed to be a promoter of engineering education and a role model for professional ethics in UK engineering, not a money-grabbing outfit focussed on its own profit above all things."


There have always been numerous publications aimed at those applying the Wiring Regulations from many different sources. These would include, material used by colleges and other training establishments, guides issued by engineering institutions, employer groups , trade associations, accreditation bodies, trades unions and especially manufacturers/suppliers much of which can be also be found on-line gratis.   

 

The IET has been the coordinating body responsible for wiring standards in UK buildings since it was The Society of Telegraph Engineers & Electricians in the early 1880s ,although it is a very long time since this activity occupied the majority of members.

 

In my experience the Wiring Regulations themselves are used as source of authoritative reference and/or more difficult or complex situations where judgement/argument is required. Most Electricians don’t need routinely to refer to the regulations at work because they are familiar with what is relevant to them from initial/refresher learning. Those of Eng Tech, JIB “Technician” or supervisory responsible standard usually have a strong understanding, familiarity with were to seek further information and how to interpret it. Some of them post in the IET Wiring & Regulations Forums.          

 

On the subject of consumer units, I understand that the Fire Service pressed for changes to enclosures in the last regs revision following some fires being propagated from arcing and overheating within. Under UK Building Regulations installation of Consumer Units should be carried out by, or at least certificated by a competent person as defined by current registration through an approved scheme. The IET does not currently operate such a scheme, although some members and Engineering Council professional registrants are also members of approved industry schemes.  

 

As part of its duty to serve our members involved in electrical installations within the scope of the Wiring Regulations and hopefully attract more of a high standard in future, The IET should of be listening and improving where it can. Unfortunately Morgaine I found your critique too generic, are you working in this field and if so what information are you seeking that you allege IET is “hiding”? I would support making information that has potential to improve the quality of electrical installations readily available. However work being carried out by untrained people, who may have gained knowledge, but lack the essential attributes of practical good workmanship and real relevant experience, would create more hazards not fewer.

 

I argue in a different thread that an advanced apprenticeship expected of electrician , isn’t “inferior” to a degree, they just come from different ends of a continuum between practical and theoretical (aka vocational v academic), intended to optimise people for different roles. However, many experienced Engineers especially within this field of work end up meeting somewhere in the middle.   

Re- "The Institution is supposed to be a promoter of engineering education and a role model for professional ethics in UK engineering, not a money-grabbing outfit focussed on its own profit above all things."


There have always been numerous publications aimed at those applying the Wiring Regulations from many different sources. These would include, material used by colleges and other training establishments, guides issued by engineering institutions, employer groups , trade associations, accreditation bodies, trades unions and especially manufacturers/suppliers much of which can be also be found on-line gratis.   

 

The IET has been the coordinating body responsible for wiring standards in UK buildings since it was The Society of Telegraph Engineers & Electricians in the early 1880s ,although it is a very long time since this activity occupied the majority of members.

 

In my experience the Wiring Regulations themselves are used as source of authoritative reference and/or more difficult or complex situations where judgement/argument is required. Most Electricians don’t need routinely to refer to the regulations at work because they are familiar with what is relevant to them from initial/refresher learning. Those of Eng Tech, JIB “Technician” or supervisory responsible standard usually have a strong understanding, familiarity with were to seek further information and how to interpret it. Some of them post in the IET Wiring & Regulations Forums.          

 

On the subject of consumer units, I understand that the Fire Service pressed for changes to enclosures in the last regs revision following some fires being propagated from arcing and overheating within. Under UK Building Regulations installation of Consumer Units should be carried out by, or at least certificated by a competent person as defined by current registration through an approved scheme. The IET does not currently operate such a scheme, although some members and Engineering Council professional registrants are also members of approved industry schemes.  

 

As part of its duty to serve our members involved in electrical installations within the scope of the Wiring Regulations and hopefully attract more of a high standard in future, The IET should of be listening and improving where it can. Unfortunately Morgaine I found your critique too generic, are you working in this field and if so what information are you seeking that you allege IET is “hiding”? I would support making information that has potential to improve the quality of electrical installations readily available. However work being carried out by untrained people, who may have gained knowledge, but lack the essential attributes of practical good workmanship and real relevant experience, would create more hazards not fewer.

 

I argue in a different thread that an advanced apprenticeship expected of electrician , isn’t “inferior” to a degree, they just come from different ends of a continuum between practical and theoretical (aka vocational v academic), intended to optimise people for different roles. However, many experienced Engineers especially within this field of work end up meeting somewhere in the middle.