Hiring an electrician
Got some electrical work that needs doing? Here’s why you should make sure you hire a qualified electrician.
Hire a certified electrician for safety
Faulty electrical work can result in fires, electric shocks and extensive damage to property so it’s important to check your electrics are safe. However, 42% of those questioned in a survey by the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC) said they had never had their electrics checked. Almost 60% admitted to not using a qualified electrician for electrical work. This could prove deadly - here’s why it’s important to hire a qualified electrician:
- To comply with building regulations – it is illegal to carry out electrical work that doesn’t comply with part P of the building regulations. This is designed to minimise the risk of electrical fires and shock accidents. Under these regulations you can only carry out electrical work if you are fully competent and can test the work afterwards. So to comply with regulations it is best to hire an electrician who is registered with an approved scheme like the NICEIC, the Electrical Contractors Association (ECA) or NAPIT.
- For safety and quality – hiring an approved electrician means they will work to British Standards BS 7671: Requirements for Electrical Installations. David Pollock, CEO of the ECA says that: “ECA members conform to the highest standards of workmanship, compliance and customer relationships.” Using a certified electrician will ensure that your electrics are safe and long lasting.
- For insurance purposes – a qualified electrician should have up to date public liability insurance or personal indemnity insurance. This means that you can claim compensation if any damage or accidents occur due to the electrical work they have carried out. Trade associations like the NICEIC, NAPIT and the ECA will check that contractors are qualified upon registration. However, you should still ask to see proof of insurance credentials before hiring an electrician.
- To help sell your home – an electrician will provide you with certificates to prove that the work they carry out meets legal and best practice guidelines. These certificates are useful for insurance purposes and when selling your home. You should receive an Electrical Installation Certificate to prove work meets BS 7671 and a Buildings Regulation Compliance Certificate to say the work satisfies section P of the building regulations.
Are there any electrical jobs you can do yourself?
There are some minor electrical jobs you can carry out yourself provided you comply with BS 7671 and inform the local building control of the work beforehand. These jobs include:
- Adding a socket or light to an existing circuit in the garden or garden outbuildings
- Replacing an immersion heater or connecting a cooker to an existing connection
- Replacing a damaged cable for a single circuit
- Replacing a light fitting or damaged accessory like a socket
- Adding a light switch to an existing connection or installing telephone or IT wiring in areas other than the kitchen, bathroom or garden
If you are in any doubt about your ability to carry out electrical work it is essential that you hire a qualified electrician.
Cost of hiring an electrician
The cost of hiring an electrician will vary depending on the type of job you need to be carried out and the area you live in. Electricians usually charge an hourly rate but check prices/get quotes from at least three qualified electricians before hiring.
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