Performing electrical work on a construction site requires not only having the right knowledge, but also special qualifications. During training, people gain extensive knowledge not only related to the specifics of the work, but also legal regulations. What qualifications are needed to start work and what does the SEP exam look like?
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What electrical construction qualifications do you need?
To work with electricity on a construction site, you need to have the appropriate qualifications. As part of the SEP exam, you can obtain qualifications in three groups:
- group 1 includes electrical equipment, installations and networks operating at low and high voltage;
- group 2 — having SEP gr 2 qualifications allows you to work with thermal equipment;
- group 3 - applies to gas appliances, boilers and installations, as well as equipment for storing and transporting gas.
Additionally, within each group there are privileges related to:
- operation – allow for the operation, maintenance, assembly and repair of devices provided for in a given authorization group;
- supervision – i.e. the ability to supervise persons who only have the right to operate;
- measurement, i.e. authorization to perform electrical measurements.
Possessed authorizations confirming professional qualifications, and the person possessing them deals with issues such as electrical engineering , electricity, and with group 3 authorizations — also work related to gas equipment.
Best Practices for Studying for SEP Exams
The SEP exam is not just a formality. Due to the specific nature of the work and the risks associated with it, the candidate must demonstrate extensive knowledge, including legal knowledge. When selecting educational materials, it is necessary to refer to the applicable legal acts, including the Energy Law and the Regulation on Occupational Health and Safety with Electrical Devices.
In addition, the person taking the exam should have knowledge of the applicable technical standards related to low-voltage electrical installations and the principles of selecting cables and protection.
If you want to prepare even better for the exam and the subsequent job, you can go to training organized by the local SEP. These are special preparatory courses from which you can gain a lot of theoretical knowledge regarding both legal issues and the various practical situations discussed.
During training, you can learn about issues related to practical skills, such as electrical equipment and its use, cables and wires and their proper selection and installation, etc.
What does the SEP exam look like?
The course of the exam is regulated by law. To take it, you must meet the formal requirements and register with the local branch of the Association of Polish Electricians. Registration can be done both in person and online. After filling out the form, you must remember to settle the payment - the exam fee.
The theoretical exam is conducted in oral form. The candidate must demonstrate detailed knowledge of:
- legal provisions, in particular those related to energy law and applicable energy standards;
- occupational safety principles, issues related to protection against electric shock and operation of devices in hazardous conditions;
- construction of electrical equipment and installations;
- practical issues.
The purpose of conducting the exam is to verify the knowledge of the candidate who wants to work on the construction site with electricity. The entire procedure usually takes about 15-30 minutes, and the results of the exam are announced on the same day.
People who successfully complete the exam receive a certificate of qualification, which confirms their competence to perform the profession for a period of 5 years. After this time, it is necessary to renew them and this applies to all people working with installations and devices. Such a procedure is specially planned due to constantly changing regulations and technical standards. The obligation to take the exam means that every electrician has the obligation to update their knowledge. Thanks to this, every specialist must be up to date with technological innovations and regulations. The necessity to take the exam is also a way to remind about the applicable health and safety rules and to refresh knowledge in this area.
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