In a short time here I've noticed advice being given by people who are clearly not competent to do so.

At best the failings have been simply misleading, at worst they are putting people at risk of being killed (and no - I am *NOT* exaggerating).

Taking dodgy advice on how to hang wallpaper or fix a dripping tap is one thing, but on electrical matters?

I urge anyone seeking electrical help to use a forum where people are required to register, and where there is evidence via the numbers of posts they've made that there's a community of regulars, as that way any bad advice rapidly gets called out.

Concerned of London, August 2009

Good advice - the state at the moment is that the IEEE regulations (which feature on the internet) outline what the householder might attempt and what they must not attempt. You will be surprised at just how much the regulations will allow the house holder to do.
Very difficult to know what one could do from the list of things you are allowed to do. If you do know what you are doing be confident.
Strength of advice comes from reading all advice - particularly the IEEE regulations which are designed to save life and allow the confident use of electricity by all - there is usually always one person who will shoot down wrong advice and that is good.

Nyge, March 2011