WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW !

When you have electrical works done in your home some of the works are notifiable to local authority building control and by using a registered & approved Electrican such as ourselfs we can sign off the works and provide the building control notification 

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What electrical works are notifiable?

Notifiable works

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• The installation of any new circuit.

• The replacement of a consumer unit ( Fuse board )

• Any addition or alteration to an existing circuit in a special location such as a bathroom 

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Certificates for minor works

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What is the minor electrical installation works certificate and when do you need to have one issued?

The minor electrical installation works certificate is issued to confirm that any minor electrical work that has been carried out has been subject to the proper design and construction and has been tested according to the IEE Wiring Regulation BS 7671 You might also see this certificate referred to as 'The Minor Works Certificate'.

The issue of this certificate, where it is needed, is a legal requirement and must be complied with by everybody undertaking minor electrical works.

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Here is an example:

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A couple recently had work done in their new extension. They wanted to have some extra sockets run off existing sockets /wiring and also a strip light to be fitted so that the extension could then be used as a home workshop. They needed to know whether or not they needed this work to be certified as a whole or if only part of it would be subject to certification.

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The answer:

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As far as the strip light is concerned, regulations say if it replaced an existing fitting with no wire modifications or alterations then there would be no need for a certificate. With regard to the extra sockets, part p regulations stipulate that any alteration, and that includes adding to existing wiring, does need to be certified. It will be the responsibility of the homeowner, in this case, to make sure that the work is completed and that the right certificate is given. On the certificate should be the registration number of the electrician as well as part p organisation should be on this.

There is a wealth of advice available on the sometimes-bewildering world of electrical rules, regulations and certification. We hope that this explanation has made this particular certification clear.

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EICR         -      Electrical Inspection & Condition Report 

( not just for landlords renting out houses )

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What is the meaning of an EICR?

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An EICR is when your electrical installations are tested by a ‘skilled’ person to ensure they are safe and they will not cause any fire risks or electric shocks.

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EICR inspections are known by a variety of different names, including hard wire testing, periodic inspection and electrical safety certificate.

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EICR inspections are often referred to as 'hard wire testing' because installation components like light fittings, fuse boxes and plug sockets are ‘hard wired’ into the building and cannot be easily moved.

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What do you mean by ‘electrical installations’?

An electrical installation comprises all the fixed electrical equipment that is supplied through the electricity meter.

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An electric installation consists of:

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• Consumer unit (fusebox or distribution boards) that contains all the fuses, circuit-breakers and preferably residual current devices (RCDs)

• Cabling including those hidden in the walls and ceilings

• Accessories (such as sockets, switches and light fittings)

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Is an EICR mandatory?

It depends on what the EICR inspection is for. EICRs are mandatory for some buildings, but not all of them.

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EICR for residential landlords

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EICR inspections are required by law for rental properties and HMOs in England, Scotland, and Wales in order to protect tenants and their possessions.

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Why do I need to get an EICR done?

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If you own a business, office or rental property, you have a legal responsibility to ensure employees, customers and tenants are kept safe.

Old, faulty and malfunctioning electrical installations not only cause electric shocks but also pose a fire risk.

18% of domestic fires in England are caused by faulty wiring and cabling, so it is vital to make sure all electrical installations are safe to use.

An EICR is the most comprehensive way of keeping your installations safe.

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