Actually, to Will and Mike, cut Ian a break. I can honestly say that I was as capable and doing the same thing at 14. I have no EC's in my family either. The closest thing I have is an uncle who is an EE but, his skills are RF and digital, not mains wiring. I wanted to learn, so I had to read books and teach myself. It is not that difficult to do that, and become pretty knowledgeable, if you like to read and try.
Ian I have faith in you. I also applaude you for wanting to do it the right way. Yet, as some of the other guys have said, the permit may not even be reqiured in your area, check with your local building dept.
