Why it’s important to hire a registered electrician: A compelling reminder

Introduction:

It is crucial to choose a competent and fully qualified electrician to ensure the safety of your home or commercial premises. In a recent news story, a rogue trader falsely claiming to be a NICEIC registered electrician was prosecuted for carrying out substandard electrical work. The work had to be completely redone due to its poor quality. The NICEIC, or National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting, is a regulatory board that oversees training and certification for electricians. As a NICEIC approved contractor, we undergo annual assessments to ensure that our company and employees meet the necessary standards. When selecting an electrician, look for the NICEIC logo on their website, check their social media presence for feedback, obtain multiple quotations, and ask for recommendations from trusted sources. Remember, electrical work done poorly can result in fire hazards and electric shocks.

Full Article: Why it’s important to hire a registered electrician: A compelling reminder

Cowboy Electrician Sentenced for Botched Jobs: Protecting Yourself from Rogue Traders

While this was not in our local area, we were shocked when we came across this news story about a rogue trader falsely claiming to be a NICEIC registered electrician and carrying out electrical work that was not done to an acceptable standard and could have put people at risk.

In this case, after some of the clients affected contacted the local trading standards office an investigation took place, and the perpetrator was prosecuted. It turned out that some of the work done was to such a poor standard that it had to be completely removed and started from the beginning again.

We’ve written before about making sure you choose a competent and fully qualified person for any electrical work whether it be at home or in a commercial premises. It really is no exaggeration to say that lives are at risk if electrical work is not carried out to a safe standard.

What is NICEIC and Why Does it Matter?

The NICEIC or National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting is a regulatory board that oversees training and certification for electricians. We are a NICEIC approved contractor, and as such are assessed on an annual basis to ensure that our company and employees are capable and competent to deliver work to the standards set out by the regulations. You can therefore be confident that when working with us you are in safe hands.

Tips for Selecting a Safe and Competent Electrician

Here are our tips to help you select a safe and competent electrician:

• When carrying out your initial research, look out for the NICEIC logo displayed on the website of a registered contractor.
• Many businesses have a social media presence these days, so it is worth looking at these too as profile pages will often list any accreditations and will give you a feel for the approach of the firm and the type of work they do. It’s also somewhere where previous customers are often happy to share feedback, particularly if they were either very happy or extremely unhappy with the service they received.
• Always get quotations for the work you need to have done from 2 or 3 firms so that you can compare them. If one firm quotes a price significantly lower than the others, you may want to make extra checks. It is not worth putting yourself or others at risk to save a few £s and is worth bearing in mind that you may need to pay even more to have any shoddy work corrected.
• Ask local family, friends, colleagues, or neighbours for recommendations if they have had electrical work carried out recently.
• You can search this website if you want to check whether your electrician is NICEIC registered

Importance of Choosing a NICEIC Approved Contractor

NICEIC approved contractors are regularly assessed to ensure that they meet the relevant safety and technical standards, adhere to codes of practice, and follow the rules of the scheme. If in doubt, or if something doesn’t feel right, don’t take any chances. Electrical work done badly carries a risk of fire as well as the risk of electric shock.

Summary: Why it’s important to hire a registered electrician: A compelling reminder

This article discusses a news story about a rogue trader posing as a NICEIC registered electrician and performing electrical work of poor quality in a different area. After affected clients reported the issue to the local trading standards office, an investigation took place, resulting in the prosecution of the perpetrator. The article emphasizes the importance of hiring qualified and competent electricians to ensure safety. It mentions that the NICEIC is a regulatory board that oversees electrician training and certification. The article provides tips for selecting a safe electrician, including checking for the NICEIC logo on their website and getting multiple quotations for comparison. It also suggests seeking recommendations from friends and family and verifying an electrician’s NICEIC registration on their website. The article concludes by highlighting that NICEIC approved contractors adhere to safety and technical standards, providing reassurance for customers.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Frequently Asked Questions: A Reminder Why Using a Registered Electrician Matters

1. Why is it important to use a registered electrician?

Using a registered electrician is important for several reasons:

• Registered electricians undergo rigorous training and are qualified to perform electrical work safely and efficiently.
• They follow national electrical standards and regulations, ensuring compliance and minimizing safety risks.
• Using a registered electrician provides peace of mind as they are backed by appropriate insurance and warranties.
• Registered electricians always strive to deliver high-quality workmanship, and they can handle various electrical tasks with expertise.

2. How can I verify if an electrician is registered?

Verifying if an electrician is registered is easy. You can:

• Check if the electrician is a member of a recognized electrical association or regulatory body.
• Visit the website of the electrical association or regulatory body and search for the electrician’s name in the registered members section.
• Contact the association or regulatory body directly and inquire about the electrician’s registration status.

3. What are the benefits of hiring a registered electrician?

Hiring a registered electrician offers various benefits:

• Assurance of compliance with safety standards and electrical regulations.
• Expertise in electrical troubleshooting, repairs, installations, and maintenance.
• Proper documentation, certification, and permits for electrical work.
• Access to the latest industry knowledge, technologies, and best practices.
• Possibility of insurance coverage and warranties for the work performed.

4. Can I save money by hiring an unregistered electrician?

While an unregistered electrician may offer cheaper rates, it can cost you more money in the long run. Here’s why:

• Unregistered electricians may lack proper training and may not be up-to-date with safety regulations, increasing the risk of accidents or electrical hazards.
• Non-compliance with electrical regulations may lead to fines and additional costs to rectify the work.
• Insurance providers may refuse claims related to electrical work performed by unregistered electricians.
• You may need to hire a registered electrician to fix any issues or redo the work, leading to additional expenses.

5. What should I look for in a registered electrician?

When choosing a registered electrician, consider the following:

• Verify their registration with an official electrical association or regulatory body.
• Review their credentials, certifications, and qualifications.
• Ask for references or check online reviews to gauge their reputation and customer satisfaction.
• Discuss your project requirements in detail and ensure they have relevant experience in handling similar tasks.
• Request a detailed quote and compare it with other electricians to ensure fair pricing.