Want to hear a scary fact? A quarter of UK adults do not use registered electricians. Here’s another: one third of people have hired an electrician based on a recommendation, without checking their credentials.
It can be difficult to tell whether your electrician is legitimate without the right questions. That’s why we’re here! Our handy cheat sheet will help you navigate potentially awkward conversations and save you a lot of time, money and hassle. Finding a registered electrician doesn’t have to be stressful!
Why Choose A Registered Electrician?
A properly installed and well-maintained installation can significantly reduce the possibility of accident or injury. So, it is important that any electrical installation work is carried out by people who have the knowledge, skills and experience needed to avoid the dangers that electricity can create.
Not convinced? See below for some more great reasons to always choose a registered electrician!
- They’re regulated by the UK Government
- They work to the BS7671 safety standard
- Their work is regularly assessed
- They’re insured, so you’re protected
- It’s a legal requirement for certain electrical work
Five Questions To Ask Your Electrician
Are you a registered member of one of the Government approved schemes?
Start by checking that the individual is a registered member of one of the Government approved schemes.
Choosing a registered electrician means you will get additional protections should something go wrong. Contact the scheme directly if you want to check the individual’s registration.
Could I see your paperwork?
Some people feel embarrassed about checking qualifications of the person they are employing, but if you are working with a tradesperson who is unwilling to show you evidence of their qualification and registration status then this could be a warning sign.
Do you have any references from previous customers?
If you are uncertain about an individual, ask them to provide references of previous happy customers. Ask these referees to explain the work they had done and how satisfied they were with the job done.
Who else will be working in my home?
When you employ a builder or a kitchen fitter to do some work in your home, they will often need to bring in an electrician for certain work. But do you know if the electrician they have hired is up to the job? It’s easy to assume the tradesman in charge will check qualifications and registration. But don’t leave it to chance – ask to see proof of everyone’s ability yourself.
I’d like to get a second opinion – can I get back to you?
Don’t feel pressured to make a decision quickly. If an electrician makes you feel uncomfortable for any reason, then seek advice before you contract them to do work for you. Also, get a few quotes so that you can compare options. The cheapest quote may not be the best deal – if it seems too good to be true, it probably is!
Where To Find A Registered Electrician
If you need electrical installation work done in your home, we recommend that you use an electrician registered with one of the government-approved schemes. We’ve made it easy – click here to find a list of registered electricians in your area whether you live in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
Remember, the Citizen’s Advice Bureau and Trading Standards will be able to give advice if you want to dispute any electrical work. Happy electrician-hunting!
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