BS7909 Temporary Electrical Systems (Feb 2026)

Applications are open for our 3-day training course, BS7909 - Temporary Electrical Systems, which has been designed for anyone working with temporary power.

This course has been written and developed by the UK expert on temporary power, James Eade with industry input and backing.

The course covers the latest edition of BS 7909 issued in January 2023 and is fully up to date with the 18th edition of the Wiring Regulations (BS 7671:2018+A2:2022+Corrigendum 2023) as well as IET guidance on the use of generators written by James Eade. Other guidance referenced in the course includes the IET Code of Practice for In-service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment, 5th Edition (also written by James Eade) and industry guidance from PLASA as well as the ABTT’s Technical Standards for Places of Entertainment.

The course content will include:

• The requirements and practical application of legislation, relevant standards (such as BS 7909 and BS 7671), IET guidance as well as related industry guidance from the ABTT and PLASA.
• The role earth plays in electrical safety, common earthing arrangements, protective bonding requirements and generator earthing.
• The application of different electrical protection methods, including the selection of appropriate devices and their correct use.
• Testing and inspection of equipment and temporary systems, including the reporting requirements of BS 7909. This also includes a practical element using test equipment supplied by the trainer.
• Managing temporary electrical systems in accordance with BS 7909 including practical steps to assessing electrical risks, especially in special locations (e.g. wet locations or those with greater risk of mechanical damage).
• Generator operation and housekeeping and supply arrangements in mobile and transportable units.

Who is this course for?
Anyone working with temporary power with experience in that field.

If you are considering attending this course, please read the following carefully. You will be expected to understand the technical content in this course:

• You must have relevant experience in the electrical field
• Experience in the events industry and working with temporary power is desirable but not essential.
• You will be expected to understand the technical content in this course
• You will need to be conversant with basic electrical theory such as using Ohms Law and working out power loading.

This course does NOT teach basic electrical theory

The course consists of written theory assessments as well as a practical one and is taught in a modular format with an open-book assessment at the end of each module. The assessments consist of a mix of short written questions/answers and multiple-choice questions. There is also a practical where candidates will demonstrate to the assessor their skills of observation of electrical inspection and also demonstrate testing of electrical systems using equipment supplied by the tutor.

This is a pass or fail course and all modules must be passed to achieve the award. Successful candidates will be awarded a City & Guilds Assured digital badge.

Tutor:
This course will be taught by Jon Williams. Jon has been working with James Eade since January 2019 as a trainer and electrical consultant. Jon holds a BA(Hons) in Theatre Practice (Production Lighting) from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.

With a career starting in Theatre some twenty years ago, and after deciding to move away from production lighting and into electrical installation and testing, Jon has gained numerous industry qualifications including a C&G Licentiateship Award in Engineering. Jon is a professionally registered Engineering Technician

Eligibility:

This session is specifically for established film and television practitioners based in Scotland. Please only apply if you meet this criteria. BECTU opportunities for those in other areas of the UK can be found here:
England, Wales.

• Applicants should be based and working freelance in film and television in Scotland.

• We're targeting practitioners working in scripted production for this course.

• Students are not eligible for this training.

Selection:

• As this is a workshop style course, there are a limited number of spaces available to allow participants the opportunity to interact and ask questions.

• Places will be given to those who demonstrate the greatest professional need for this training.

• If we receive more eligible applications than spaces available, we will endeavour to schedule additional training sessions at a later date (subject to funding).

• Places are provided free of charge but are worth a considerable amount. Please only apply if you can commit to attending the session.