The EDA’s Product Knowledge Modules help businesses like yours create cross-selling and up-selling opportunities by building knowledge and confidence. These training modules have won a Princess Royal Training Award so you can be assured of their value. It’s probably why EDA businesses have taken over 11,000 training modules since launch.

Introduction to the Principles of Electricity is one of the 12 EDA’s Product Knowledge Modules created to develop the professional knowledge and confidence of your team.

Training in Introduction to the Principles of Electricity includes:

• Introducing electricity
• Direct current and alternating current
• Electrical safety
• Ratings and markings of electrical equipment
• Introduction to low-voltage electrical installations
• Electricity and the environment
• Qualifications and accreditations for electrical installation work

Online learning through The EDA Academy

All the EDA Product Knowledge Modules are available to study electronically via The EDA Academy, the Association’s e-learning portal. Each training course is delivered through video and interactive learning, but if the original hard copy textbook is preferred these are still available.

Years of knowledge to give your team a commercial edge

City & Guilds accredited, this training programme harnesses decades of combined expertise from product experts at EDA manufacturers and allied trade associations to create an accessible and practical training opportunity for you and your team.

EDA Product Knowledge modules are also approved for Continuing Professional Development by The CPD Certification Service.

Test your knowledge

Have a go at this quiz sampled from the Introduction to the Principles of Electricity module. Then check your answers below. If the results show that you need to boost your team’s know-how, talk to the EDA today.

Q1: Why is HV used for power transmission in the National Grid?
Q2: What single-phase supply voltage is normally used in the UK (not including construction site safety supplies)?
Q3: What type of overcurrent protection devices contain a wire which overheats and melts if too much current flows?
Q4: What does ‘AC 230 V’ on a product mean?
Q5: What types of protective device might be found in a modern consumer unit?
Q6: What does ‘ECS’ stand for?

Scroll down for answers

Answers

Q1: Using HV reduces the current in transmission cables, and therefore losses due to heat
Q2: AC 230 V 50 Hz
Q3: Fuse
Q4: It can be used on AC supplies with a supply voltage of 230 V
Q5: MCBs, RCDs or RCBOs
Q6: Electrotechnical Certification Scheme

How did you do?

Full marks: Well done.

3 – 5 out of 6: Not bad. Could the EDA training help you to fill in any gaps in your knowledge and help you progress in your career?

Less than 3: The EDA Product Knowledge Programme could be just what you need to boost sales.

Watch the video and download the Course Directory

 There’s plenty of information online at www.eda.org.uk, including videos and a downloadable course directory, giving you a summary of what’s covered in each of the 12 training modules.

The EDA team is ready to help. Call 020 3141 7350 or email training@eda.org.uk

For more information, click here

Find more ‘EDA Insight’ articles here

The post EDA Insight: Spark Your Sales Confidence appeared first on Professional Electricians Wholesaler.

Steve Dunning, Managing Director of Martindale Electric, explains how wholesalers can help their customers stay safe around electricity.

A few years ago, Martindale Electric launched the ALIVE campaign, a memorable safe isolation procedure to help reduce electricity-related injuries and fatalities in the workplace.

In creating our “ALIVE” message, we distinguish between good working practice (to complement our complete 12 step approach) and the five vital steps that absolutely must be carried out for your own protection and to prevent loss of life.

ALIVE stands for:

• Approved kit – Before starting, make sure your equipment meets all legal safety standards (BS EN61243-3).
• Lock out – Identify the point of isolation, lock it off and place warning tags onto the equipment.
• Initial Prove – Test your Voltage Indicator (VI) against the proving unit to make sure it is working properly.
• Voltage test – Use your VI to confirm dangerous voltage levels are not in the circuit you are about to work on.
• Ensure – Prove and retest the VI against the proving unit to ensure it is functioning before working on the circuit.

For electrical wholesalers, stocking a good range of safety equipment and safety accessories, such as Lock Off kits and Proving Devices alongside standard electrical test equipment, helps customers stay safe and adhere to the ALIVE message.

The heart of the ALIVE campaign is the use of proving devices, which play a pivotal role in the safety process. These devices are essential in validating the functionality of voltage indicators, test lamps and meters. By using a suitable proving device both before and after using these instruments, electricians ensure that they are working correctly, complying with the stringent Electricity at Work Regulations.

Plus four

Martindale Electric has introduced four new proving units to its range, designed to streamline the safety verification process for electrical professionals. The new Proving Units – PD230SRD, PD440SRD, PD440SRDX, and PD690SRD – are fast and easy to use, offering instant test voltage for both high and low impedance voltage indicators, test lamps and meters.

One of the key features of these proving units is their versatility. They provide AC/DC output, which can be easily selected via a push-button switch, and offer stepped voltage outputs that match two-pole tester thresholds. This flexibility is essential, as it allows electricians to match the proving unit’s output voltage with the voltage range of the instrument being tested. To further simplify coordination, the proving units are colour-coded to match Martindale voltage indicators, making it easy for professionals to identify the right equipment for the job.

Among the new proving units, the PD440SRDX stands out with its unique CALCHECK feature. This feature simplifies the verification of insulation and low resistance ranges on 18th Edition multifunction testers, a critical step in ensuring the reliability of these testers. The CALCHECK function is particularly valuable for identifying potential calibration issues with multifunction testers, before certifying new wiring installations or conducting condition reports. It’s also a procedure recognised by electrical contractor assessment bodies.

Additionally, all the new SRD and SRDX models feature stepped voltage LEDs with thresholds that align with most voltage indicators and two-pole testers. This alignment ensures precision and accuracy in testing, a vital aspect of electrical safety.

While the PD440SRDX and other advanced models cater to specific needs, Martindale Electric also recognises the importance of simplicity for all electrical contractors. Hence, the introduction of the PD230SRD and the more advanced PD440SRDX.

The PD230SRD Proving Unit serves as the ideal entry-level proving device, facilitating the checking of basic voltage indicators. It is perfect for proving both low and high impedance voltage indicators, test lamps and two-pole testers. With its MG3 high-strength magnetic hanger and robust over-moulded, low profile design, it is convenient and durable. The unit boasts a long battery life, complete with a low battery indicator and an auto power-off function.

For those requiring a higher voltage output of up to 440V and additional testing features, the PD440SRDX is the go-to option. This model, while still user-friendly, provides more versatility for working with 18th Edition installation testers. Its precise, stepped voltage outputs are tailored to match two-pole tester thresholds, making it indispensable for electrical contractors.

For more information on Martindale Electric’s proving devices, click here

The post Steve Dunning explains how wholesalers can help their customers stay safe around electricity | Martindale Electric appeared first on Professional Electricians Wholesaler.