The DTI Guide to Photovoltaic (PV) Installations is the current industry “Best Practice Guide” and has advice on earthing arrangements within it.  The dti guide can be downloaded from our downloads page.

The guide is currently undergoing a re-write and will be rereleased very soon.  The update will be available from our website as soon as it is released.

Anybody wishing to work as an electrician in the UK must be deemed as a competent person.  According to the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and BS7671:2008 17th edition wiring regulations, a competent person is a person having sufficient knowledge and understanding and relevant practical experience of the particular type of work being undertaken, so as to prevent danger or injury to him / herself and others.

The basic qualifications recognised by most competent persons scheme are: 17th edition wiring regulations BS 7671:2008 and Part P wiring in domestic installations.  This is dependent on the type of work the candidate is undertaking.

 was asked this question recently by one of our regular Renewable energies clients who is installing an electric car charger at his business in Birmingham.  The building is typical business park construction with large metal girders and metal skin.  The earthing arrangement is TN-C-S.

The government steering group for this technology are currently writing the new standard for it and they have included the installation of an earth electrode if a TN-C-S arrangement is in use.  I do not agree with them on this particular occasion but that’s my personal opinion.  As the standard isn’t published there is no technical reason I can think of for complying with it, however, British Gas have already began to install to this standard so if the installation is being carried out by them then an electrode will be required.

Beginners often start with foundation or domestic installer electrical training courses to build practical skills before progressing to advanced qualifications like 2391 Inspection & Testing.

Most electrical training courses run between 2 and 8 weeks, depending on the qualification. Fast-track courses are available for those wanting to qualify sooner.

Yes! Many electrical training courses, including the Qualified Electrician Course at WMD, are designed for complete beginners with no prior electrical experience.

Yes. WMD’s electrical training courses include City & Guilds and LCL Awards qualifications that are widely recognised by employers and Competent Person Schemes (CPS).

Costs vary depending on the qualification level, but most electrical training courses range between £1,000 and £3,000, including materials and assessments.

Absolutely. WMD’s electrical training courses combine theory with extensive hands-on practical training in real workshop environments.

Our training centre welcomes students from across the UK — including Birmingham, London, Manchester, Leeds, and Glasgow.

You can earn industry-recognised certificates like City & Guilds 2382 or 2391, and LCL Awards qualifications that allow you to register with CPS schemes.

Yes. We offer flexible options, including weekend and intensive courses, so you can fit your learning around your schedule.

WMD offers fully accredited, fast-track, and beginner-friendly electrical training courses taught by industry experts with real-world experience.