Progression

[Liam]

All the ten years I have been a heating engineer, all I have done is combi heating systems. I would love to be able to diagnose problems on boilers and know how to fit them, would also love to fit new systems. Anybody got any advice on the best way to get trained up on this sort of thing, or just to stick to what I know.

 

[bspareltd]

GO with a breakdown engineer

 

[TimeServed]

If you've fit combsi for 10 years then surely you have the know how to fit some pipework and rads?? As for breakdowns there's loads of the manufacturers courses available, which I myself plan on doing soon.

 

[Liam]

Yer of course mate fit boilers and rads everyday. Do you have to pay for these courses?

 

[TimeServed]

Most of them yes. Have a look on there websites, the Baxi course seems to get really good reviews on here. Check out the Mr Combi course also. Although the above comment about going out with a breakdown engineer is probably your best bet if you know of any....

 

[bspareltd]

you can go on as many one day courses , until you dont shadow a engineer you will struggle , I have taught about 5 different guys on how to diagnose faults , start with basic plumbing as in s and y plan systems ,open plan ,unvented then combis ,with that you must have basic electrical knowledge.
Remember if you diagnose wrongly it is very costly ,doesnt matter what the technical help line is saying it is your call in the customers house .

 

[Destroyer2813]

Step outside your comfort zone every now and then, and take on jobs fitting 12 showers ;-)

 

[TBServices]

Problem with combi/sealed systems is they require no thought.

Did you study level 2/3? I'd suggest getting some books on central heating, the Reginald/Treloar are meant to be good

 

[Liam]

Step outside your comfort zone every now and then, and take on jobs fitting 12 showers ;-)

Haha I know tell me about it

 

[bewsh]

As others have said, following a *good* breakdown engineer and getting hands on experience is best. You need to be quite handy with a multimeter and understand how each system works.

Anyone can install a boiler, but not many installers can fix them!

 

[zillaplumb]

Understanding the process of the boiler is crucial, when I first started boss drew up a flow diagram of the basic processes of the boiler(demand,signal,air pressure switch etc) and I haven't really looked back all other knowledge came with experience and a quality multimeter and literature on a memory stick, and some intense thinking!

 

[Liam]

Sound lads great. We're do you think a good course is the be taught a multimeter? The boilers amaze in terms of there engineering and a just think it would be even better to know how to fix them.

 

[stoker122]

Lots of people like the Baxi course Liam.

 

[TimeServed]

Do a search for multimeters and manufactures course and you'll find loads of info.