What to look for when hiring an electrician

hiring-an-electrician

Hiring an electrician isn’t a decision to be taken lightly. A recent survey found that when hiring an electrician just 87% of customers look for an ID badge linking the tradesperson to a government-approved Part P scheme. This infographic looks at some of the things consumers should look for when hiring an electrician.

  1. References – Although 67% of people rely on word of mouth when hiring an electrician, it doesn’t mean that they’re getting an accredited or qualified tradesperson. Be careful and don’t be afraid to ask for letters of satisfaction from previous customers, or even pictures to demonstrate the quality of their workmanship.
  2. Registration – If you are having notifiable electrical work carried out in your home, then you should make sure you find an electrician who is registered with a Registered Competent Person Electrical, which will show they have passed an independent assessment process to prove they are competent.
  3. Quotations – Electrical Safety First recommends obtaining quotations from at least 3 electricians to gain a competitive price.
  4. Qualifications – When hiring an electrician in England and Wales, look for someone with a formal qualification from EAL or City & Guilds, such as an NVQ Level 3 Electrical Qualification. They must also comply with Part P Building Regulations. Always ask to see proof of qualifications before hiring.
  5. Accreditation – Beyond qualifications, consumers can also use competent person schemes provided by NAPIT, NICEIC and ELECSA to find proficient electricians.
  6. Insurance – Ask to see paperwork confirming that the electrician has public liability insurance to protect you and your home should anything go wrong. Consumers can also enquire as to whether electricians can offer a warranty on their work.
  7. Certification – Once work is completed an electrician should provide a certificate confirming that the work meets UK Safety Standards.

If you’re looking for an electrician, ensuring they have the right qualifications, experience, insurance, and accreditation helps you hire a skilled and compliant professional. And if you’re an electrician looking to qualify, courses like the Domestic Electrician Course (which includes our Electrical Course for Beginners, Level 2 Inspection & Testing Course, Part P online course & 18th Edition online course), C&G 2357 NVQ Level 3, and the L3 Inspection & Testing Course provide essential training to meet industry requirements, including eligibility for an ECS Gold Card.