A new course has been added to the training offering from the Fire Industry Association (FIA), designed to provide those working in the installation of fire and security systems with the necessary knowledge and skills to work safely with the dedicated supply from the local electricity source.

The first in a series of two day ‘Electrical Competency’ courses, developed with the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC), will be held at the FIA’s own training facility on 7-8 October.

The course ensures that technicians are compliant with the statutory Electricity at Work Regulations, focusing specifically on the supply from the fused spur to the control panel of the fire or security system. The first day focuses on theory, the second on the practical application of that theory, with topics including how to locate the fused supply to the panel, how to safely isolate and test it, selection of the correct cabling and, ultimately, how to ensure the system is electrically safe. References will be made to the appropriate standards such as the 17th Edition Wiring Regulations and the specialised requirements of BS 5839 for Fire Detection and Alarm Systems.

Successful delegates will receive a certificate from both the NICEIC and FIA, a means of clearly demonstrating to contractors and customers alike that they are competent to carry out such work.

Like the other courses within the FIA Training Programme, which has successfully trained over 30,000 people, the emphasis will be very much on how the knowledge can be practically applied in the workplace, with delegates working on a safely isolated live supply during the course.

Ian Gurling, FIA Training Manager, comments - “Our trainers have a wealth of knowledge and practical experience of installing systems and with the electrical connection being such a vital element of the installation process, we decided to introduce a course dedicated specifically to this. We expect interest from those who are relatively new to detection and alarm systems, as well as those working with them on a regular basis, ensuring that they are working to all the latest best practices and industry standards, whether it be new installations or maintenance of fire and security systems.”

More information on the Electrical Competency course, including dates for subsequent courses, along with the full range of FIA course details, is available at www.fia.uk.com