Choosing a registered electrician

Many of us consider the visible things in our homes to be the most important, yet some of the most important and vital components that make up a home aren’t immediately visible.

The wiring behind your walls is a complex lifeline and one which should only ever be tackled by a registered and fully qualified electrician.

The consequences of not doing so could very well mean that everything else goes up in smoke.

Electrical work is amongst the most dangerous jobs to undertake in the home. Using someone who isn’t up to the job can be catastrophic.

Our handy find a registered electician tool will find you a registered electrician anywhere in the UK.

A properly installed and well-maintained installation can significantly reduce the possibility of accident or injury. 

Any electrical installation work must be carried out by a professional with the knowledge, skills and experience needed to avoid the dangers that electricity can create.

An electrician who is registered will:

• be regulated by the UK (and Scottish) Governments.
• work to the BS7671 safety standard.
• have their work regularly assessed.
• be insured so you’re protected.

It’s also a legal requirement for certain electrical work to use a registered electrician.

• Be clear about the work you want done and, unless it is minor, obtain at least three written quotes.
• Check the electrician is registered with a government-approved scheme.
• Ask for references and check the electrician has public liability insurance of at least £2 million.

If you give your electrician a written summary of work required, it will simplify the quotation process and give you and your electrician a clear record of what has been agreed.

A written summary means:

• You can easily compare quotes.
• The electrician will know exactly what work is required.
• The electrician will be aware of any special instructions in advance.
• The electrician can give you options if there is more of one way of providing the work.
• You can ask the electrician to sign the bottom of the summary as confirmation of what has been agreed.
• A dispute is more easily avoided as all parties are clear as to what has been ordered.

Are you a registered member of one of the Government approved schemes?
Check 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.

Can 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 references from previous customers?
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, seek advice before you contract them. And get a few quotes so that can compare options. The cheapest quote may not be the best deal – if it seems too good to be true, it probably is!