Safety standards

1. Making sure electrical work meets current safety regulations Ask for certification: In the UK, almost all electrical installation work must comply with BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations). On completion, the electrician should issue the relevant certificate: EIC (Electrical Installation Certificate) for new circuits/consumer units. MWC (Minor Works Certificate) for small jobs like adding a socket. EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) for periodic inspections. Part P Building Regulations compliance: Certain work in homes (like new circuits, consumer unit replacements, and work in kitchens/bathrooms) is notifiable. If the contractor is registered with a government-approved scheme (e.g. NAPIT, NICEIC, ELECSA, Stroma), they can self-certify and provide you with a Building Regulations Compliance Certificate. Ask for testing: Every job should include appropriate testing (e.g. insulation resistance, earth continuity, RCD trip times). Don’t be afraid to ask for proof of the test results. Check labelling and documentation: A properly completed consumer unit will be labelled with circuit details, and certificates should match the work done. 2. Checking contractors are qualified electricians Check scheme membership: Search their name or business on official registers: NICEIC Find a Contractor NAPIT Search Registered Competent Person Electrical Verify qualifications: At minimum, a competent electrician should have: Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Electrical Installation (or equivalent apprenticeship). 18th Edition Wiring Regulations (BS 7671) qualification. Inspection & Testing qualification (e.g. City & Guilds 2391) if they’re carrying out testing/EICRs. Ask for ID or cards: Many electricians carry an ECS/JIB card showing their qualification level and validity. Check insurance: They should hold public liability insurance (usually at least £2 million cover).

Get a eicr inspection conpleted

You should have EICR certificate

An EICR is a condition report on an existing installation and not to be used to cover new installations. Any work completed in your property should be tested and the appropriate certificate issued. For new works this would usually be an EIC or minor works certificate, depending on the scope of works completed.

Check to see if they are part of a governing body eg NIC, Napit or a few other once. Check if they have a membership ID card (check the membership number and validate date. Regards Andrew