Smart delays for smart meters?

Posted on May 23, 2013 by jess

The roll-out of smart meters in 30 million UK homes has been postponed by more than a year. A recent Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) announcement claims the £11.7bn project will now commence in 2015 to enable the industry more time to design, build and test the communications system required. This, in turn, has seen the end of the roll-out extended to 2020 instead of 2019.

Once in place, the project is aimed at cutting energy usage in households across the UK to prevent the need to import more energy in the future. Smart meters were to be introduced to bring an end to estimated bill by showing exactly how much gas and electricity is being used in each home, by sending an accurate meter reading back to the user’s energy supplier every day.

The delay has been widely supported, receiving praise from Angela Knight chief executive of Energy UK, who explained: “We welcome the government’s decision to allow an additional 12 months to complete the smart meter programme. This recognises the scale of the programme and the need to prepare carefully.”

Backing this opinion, Ed Davey, Energy Secretary, added: “Completing the national roll-out will be an enormous logistical and technical challenge for the industry. Getting this right for consumers is the government’s priority.”

There was more positive news from Don Leper, director of new business at E.ON, who said: “We’re making great progress with our smart metering programme. While E.ON has been installing smart meters for more than two years, this decision now provides the whole industry with the time to make best use of the foundation period to ensure that all our customers benefit.”

An updated view of Smart Meters is planned for publication in late 2013. To a degree, however, the future of Smart Meters and their route to market lays in the balance in the face of the next general election scheduled for May 2015.

Part P CPS requirements remain unclear

Posted on May 13, 2013 by jess

The requirements for joining a Part P Competent Persons Scheme (CPS) were due to change on the 6^th April, with Qualifying Supervisors needing the new QCF qualification: Level 3 NVQ Certificate in Installing, Testing and Ensuring Compliance of Electrical Installation Work in Dwellings or similar.

As the new qualification is not widely available, it is still possible to join a CPS under the old requirements – 17^th Edition Wiring Regulations and an onsite inspection to verify practical competence. We deliver the City & Guilds 17^th edition wiring regulations course and the Domestic Electrical Installer (DEI) qualification that provides underpinning knowledge of Part P, inspection, testing and certification in domestic dwellings.

For installers looking to become QS’ the situation remains unclear and, unfortunately, we have no word as to when this might change, a confusing state of affairs for electricians and training providers alike! We will continue to keep abreast of industry changes and will hopefully deliver the new NVQ when it becomes a necessary Part P CPS requirement.

What has been set out since January of this year is changes to Approved Document P, which mean many electrical installations are no longer notifiable, and non-CPS registered installer can now use a QS to certify work as an alternative to Building Control. Installers can download a copy of the new Approved Document P from the planning portal.

Updated course list in response to changing industry

Posted on April 9, 2013 by jess

April means a new year for anyone who runs their own business. We have updated our price list for 2013, including some new courses and new information based on changes in the building services engineering sector.

The full price list can be downloaded here: PRICE LIST

New courses!

We’ve added the new MET4, Gas Meter course, which is designed specifically for installers who fit Diaphragm type meters. The course is for experienced gas installers who already hold Core Domestic Gas Safety (CCN1) and/or Core Commercial Gas Safety (COCN1), plus Testing and Purging of Pipework (TCPP1) and one or more of the following qualifications:

Core Emergency Service Provider (CESP1)
Core Meter Installation (MET2)

New information!

As of April 6^th the requirements for joining a Part P Competent Persons Scheme changed, with Qualifying Supervisors (QS) required to complete one of two new Level 3 qualifications. More information about these changes can be found on Logic Certification’s blog.

For Logic4training’s full list of courses and prices, download the price list here.

Job opportunities for Luton’s unemployed

Posted on March 17, 2013 by jess

We’ve teamed up with Luton Adult Learning to deliver Access to Building Services, a pre-apprenticeship course for 19+ students which provides an excellent grounding in the breadth of building services engineering. On completion of the course candidates will be ready to go on into full employment at a junior level or start an apprenticeship programme.

If you’re aged 19+, living in the Luton area and are currently unemployed, you could benefit from free training, leading onto a career in heating, ventilating, plumbing, air conditioning and refrigeration, electrical and even renewable technology installation.

On successful completion of the course, candidates will have a City & Guilds 2000-01 Level 1 Certificate in Access to Building Services Engineering, employability and work skills and a CSCS card, necessary to work on many building sites. Logic4training, along with Luton Adult Learning, will also try and link you up with a local employer; to provide experience and hopefully a job or apprenticeship placement.

For more information, download a leaflet here: Access to Building Services Engineering.

We’re looking for employers in the Luton area to take on apprentices/employees following this course, and/or provide general support to candidates during their training. Contact us for more information.

Part P CPS changes explained

Posted on March 17, 2013 by jess

From the 6^th April, operatives designated as the Qualifying Supervisor (QS) for electrical work in domestic properties will be required to hold the new Level 3 Certification in Installing, Testing and Ensuring Compliance of Electrical Installations in Dwellings or equivalent qualification.

These changes are only relevant to Qualifying Supervisors – ultimately responsible for working standards within the company. Installers who operate under a QS are not required to hold the Level 3 NVQ but must still be able to carry out the work safely and in accordance with the relevant regulations; including inspection, testing and certification. Logic4training delivers Part P Domestic Electrical Installer Full Scope courses, plus the 17^th Edition Wiring Regulations, to provide the relevant knowledge and competence for carrying out domestic electrical work.

20% off 17^th Edition Wiring Regulations course, 2 – 4 April at Northolt.

At the moment, anyone who is already a member of a Part P CPS under the old requirements (17^th Edition Wiring Regulations and demonstration of an understanding of Part P) will not have to take a relevant NVQ 3 retrospectively – this may change at some point.

While completing an NVQ 3 is a more costly and lengthy process, there is some good news for sole traders working as kitchen fitters, plumbers and heating engineers. Amendments to the Part P Approved Document have removed the requirement for certain work to be notified. Therefore, in many instance, these installers do not now need to be part of a Part P CPS. Registered third party electricians can also be used to certify notifiable electrical installation work as an alternative to using a Building Control body.

Full details of the amendments to the Part P Approved Document can be found on the Planning Portal.

For our full range of electrical courses, click here.

Gas Logic Solutions?

Posted on March 8, 2013 by jess

That’s not us! They say copying is the sincerest form of flattery but we’re not too happy about a completely unrelated company, Gas Logic Solutions, using the Gas Logic name against our wishes. We’re currently dealing with this matter in conjunction with our solicitors.

If you’re looking for high-quality, industry-leading gas and building services engineering training and consultancy then make sure you choose one of the Gas Logic brands; encompassing Logic4training, Electric Logic, Plumb Logic, Solar Logic and Logic4trade, covering the breadth of the BSE sector, plus the tools installers need to carry out their jobs. Gas Logic Solutions is nothing to do with this and has no affiliation with Gas Logic and these established brands.

Gas Logic has the solution for all your gas ACS training requirements, Gas Logic Solutions, well, we wouldn’t like to say!

Gas Logic: Gas safety training for ACS, assessment, re-assessment and new entrants courses available.

Electric Logic: City & Guilds courses for electricians, plus Part P training and AM2 assessment.

Plumb Logic: Training and assessment courses for plumbers.

Solar Logic: MCS recognised renewables training and new entrant’s courses.

Logic4trade: Your one stop shop for the tools and equipment building services engineers need to do their job.

Gas Logic Solutions: ? Nothing to do with us!

Time’s running out for Part P CPS

Posted on January 10, 2013 by jess

This year, the requirements for joining a Part P CPS are changing – as of the 6^th April, qualifying candidates will need to have achieved the appropriate Level 3 NVQ Certificate – Installing, Testing and Ensuring Compliance of Electrical Installation Work in Dwellings. Those responsible for all types of electrical installation will be required to complete the new Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Installing Electrotechnical Systems and Equipment (Building and Structures).

At the moment, the CPS stipulates the completion of 17^th edition wiring regulations and demonstration of competence in installation, inspection, testing and certification – for installers without relevant experience, undertaking Part P training will supply this knowledge.

Waiting until after the deadline will be costly and timely, particularly for smaller businesses. Logic4training is urging any installer who wants to join a Part P CPS, but doesn’t have the correct qualifications, to complete them now, before the deadline in April. To further incentivise engineers to get this training done now, we’re offering a range of deals on our Part P courses – check out our Special Offers page for the latest discounts.

Calling all AM2 learners – handy hints and tips now available!

Posted on December 19, 2012 by jess

Logic4training has made available two guidance documents for candidates applying for, or undertaking, its AM2 Electrotechnical Assessment. The documents, issued by the National Electrotechnical Network (NET), are intended as a revision guide to help apprentices and trainees in preparation for the AM2 assessment, which forms an essential part of the Electrical Advanced Apprenticeship.

The documents will assist candidates in preparing for forthcoming exams, providing essential information on compulsory elements (such as the AM2 Self-Assessment checklist), as well as a comprehensive list of the most common errors candidates should be sure to avoid. Tips include making sure to familiarise yourself with all aspects of the Building Regulations and Wiring Regulations, together with post-assessment administration advice, including the process should you need to re-sit the exam.

Some top errors to avoid include:

Candidates have not demonstrated the correct procedure for Safe Isolation of Supplies
Candidates do not install the circuits in accordance with the requirements of BS 7671
Candidates do not select the correct instrument for the required test
Candidates do not carry out Safe Isolation procedures correctly
Candidates do not understand how to access information from BS 7671

AM2 course content re-cap

The AM2 course comprises four assessment areas:

Practical installation (7.5 hours)
Inspection and testing of the installation (3.5 hours)
Fault finding (2 hours)
Online theory assessment (1 hour)

Candidates will be asked to install, terminate, connect, inspect, test, commission and diagnose faults in accordance with the installation specification provided by the assessor and in accordance with the relevant statutory and non-statutory regulations on the following:

Lighting and power circuits
A three-phase distribution board and sub circuit
A central heating/sustainable energy system
A safety services circuit and device
A data cabling system

Download the AM2 guidance documents:

AM2 Assessment Hints and Tips

AM2 Common Candidate Errors

Green Deal Cashback scheme announced

Posted on October 23, 2012 by jess

Further details about the long awaited Green Deal scheme have been announced, providing a business opportunity for building services engineers with the right skills.

From January 28^th homeowners in England and Wales can claim for Cashback on energy saving improvements like insulation, front doors, windows and boilers. Packages could be worth over £1000 - the more you do, the more you get.

Cashback will only be available to householders who get a Green Deal assessment, have work arranged through a Green Deal Provider (this could be directly with a national brand or through a local tradesperson linked with a Provider) and make a contribution to costs. Funding is limited so interested parties should get in quick before the money runs out.

If you have taken appropriate steps to become a Green Deal Provider/installer, encourage your customers to get assessments done early, as soon as the scheme opens, in order to apply and get approval for their Cashback voucher before improvement works begin.

CASHBACK ELIGIBILITY

The Cashback is open to any householder making energy saving improvements under the Green Deal, after 28th January 2013. This includes owner-occupiers, those renting privately or in social housing. Landlords, both private and social, are also eligible where they pay installation costs, up to certain limits. In all cases, Cashback will be capped at 50% of the householder’s contribution to costs.

To qualify for the Cashback householders must:

Have a Green Deal assessment carried out on the property
Get and agree quotes from a Green Deal Provider (this could be directly with a national brand or through a local tradesperson linked with a Provider)
Apply for Cashback voucher online or by phone. To make things easier some Providers will be able to apply on behalf of their customers
Receive voucher confirming the Cashback
Complete works within specified period
Redeem voucher, along with evidence of works completed, for Cashback.

Work must be done within a specified period – 6 months for Solid Wall Insulation, 3 months for other improvements and in all cases before 31 March 2014.

GREEN DEAL CASHBACK SCHEME: ELIGIBLE MEASURES AND CASH BACK AMOUNTS

These rates are guaranteed for the first £40m after which the rates are likely to reduce. Up to £125m has been earmarked for the scheme as a whole.

Loft insulation (including top up) and insulating cavity walls (where appropriate) are important, basic energy saving measures. So where a Green Deal assessment recommends these alongside other improvements, householders will only be able to get the Cashback if they do those too.

ENERGY SAVING MEASURE	CASHBACK LEVEL
Loft insulation (incl.top up)	£100
Cavity Wall Insulation	£250
Solid Wall Insulation*	£650
Flat roof insulation	£390
Room in roof insulation	£220
Floor insulation	£150
Hot water cylinder insulation (top up)**	£10
Draught proofing	£50
Heating controls (roomstat and/or programmer & time/temperature zone controls)**	£70
Condensing oil boiler from non-condensing oil heating or other ***	£310
Upgrade boiler to condensing gas boiler from non-condensing boiler or other.	£270
Flue Gas heat recovery (condensing combi boiler) only alongside replacement boiler	£90
New or replacement storage heaters	£150
Replacement warm-air unit	£60
Waste water heat recovery systems	£60
Double/Triple Glazing (old single to A)	£20 per m2 up to a maximum of £320
Secondary glazing	£15 per m2 up to a maximum of £230
High performance replacement doors	£40

FURTHER CONDITIONS OF CASH BACK

* A minimum of 50% of external walls must be insulated to qualify for a Cashback.

** Cannot be claimed at same time as boiler replacement (as this is a regulatory requirement).

***householders should consider their renewable heat options, as they could get a higher payment under RHPP now, for certain measures.

This presents opportunities for gas engineers, oil installers, plumbers and electricians who have met the Green Deal Code of Practice criteria. Make sure your training’s up to date.

For more information about this announcement, click here

If you would like to be notified when cash back becomes available, please call the Energy Savings Advice Service on: 0300 123 1234

Training for Ex-BTSC Chessington candidates

Posted on July 19, 2012 by jess

Unfortunately for its students, building services training provider, BTSC in Chessington, has stopped trading. For many, this means courses have been stopped prior to completion, with money wasted on training that may never be finished.

If you were previously undertaking BTSC courses and the companies demise has left you with incomplete training, Logic4training can help. We cover all of the courses previously delivered by this centre, including Gas ACS, plumbing, renewables and electrical training. We’re happy to pick up where BTSC left-off and can tailor programmes to suit the level to which you may already be trained.

Many of the BTSC courses affected by this situation are extremely important for the candidates involved. Gas ACS is a necessary requirement of joining the Gas Safe Register, electricians and plumbers cannot trade legally without the correct qualifications and BTSC trained installers wanting to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI), Feed in Tariffs (FiTs) and Green Deal, may miss out if they don’t complete the courses already started.

Give us a call, 0845 845 7222, or email enquiries@logic4training.co.uk, to find out how we can help top-up your training where BTSC left-off.

Category Archives: Electrical