An electrician specialises in electrical wiring and the repair of electrical systems and appliances. Electricians are needed for construction where they set up wiring for electricity and install electrical outlets and lighting. Choosing a competent electrician is very important because working with electricity can be dangerous. An incompetent electrician can cause safety hazards in a home, such as electrical shock or fire. It�s never a good idea to complete complex electrical work on a DIY basis or have a friend do it. If following a DIY route then, in some cases, the work must legally be checked and certified by a qualified electrician.

How to Choose an Electrician
Before choosing an electrician, determine the work that is needed in as much detail as possible. Minor repair work can be completed by a less expensive general electrician. Major repairs, remodels and new construction require a skilled and experienced tradesman with the correct levels of experience. Improper wiring done by a friend or an inexperienced electrician can lead to fires.

Get recommendations from friends and family next. Choose at least three electricians to provide estimates on the project and compare them. Talk with each electrician to evaluate his experience and expertise. Make sure to understand what needs to be done, how it will be done, how long it will take and how much it will cost. An electrician that has been in business locally for 20 years is often a good choice -- bad electricians will not stay in business this long. Make sure that each electrician has relevant licenses, insurance and is affiliated to an industry association/body -- get copies of the certificates if necessary. Check out the references the electricians give and then verify that the one to be chosen for the project is in good standing with his/her professional association/body.

Choose the electrician who has the best mix of cost and experience and who gives the best feeling of professionalism and aptitude. Get the project specifications in writing, including: scope of the job, the costs and time for completion.

When to Call an Electrician
Call an electrician if:
  • The lights or sockets at home are not working -- an electrician is necessary here to diagnose the cause of the problem. Common problems are poor installation, faulty fuses, old light fittings, water getting into lights and sockets or wiring faults. It�s also possible that a rodent has gnawed on wiring.
  • Fuses trip or lights dim when other appliances come on.
  • The phone stops working and the handset/system seem to be in working order.
  • An intercom, door bell, or burglar alarm is not working.
  • When buying or selling a home and needing an electrical survey or full inspection/test to ensure that the house is safe.
Finding a Qualified Electrician
Qualified, registered electricians work to the UK national standard, BS 7671, and issue safety certificates for their electrical work. The safety certificates confirm that an installation has been designed, constructed, inspected and tested in accordance with the National Electrical Safety Standard, BS 7671 -- Requirements for Electrical Installations.

The following organisations have registers of competent electricians, check out their qualifications and have set up complaints procedures in case of problems.

  • BRE Certification
  • British Standards Institution (BSI)
  • National Association of Professional Inspectors and Testers (NAPIT)
  • National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC)
  • ELECSA
Electrical Trade Associations
There are trade associations and regulatory bodies in the UK which support individual electricians and electrical contracting firms to ensure their rights and to encourage ethical, high-quality practice within the industry.

The industry�s main trade association and regulatory body is the Electrical Contractors' Association (ECA). The association assists and encourages its hundreds of members to provide high quality work, good value and safe electrical installation. One of its purposes is to protect consumers from unsafe and poor quality electrical work.

The National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC) is not a trade association and does not represent the interests of electrical contractors, but it maintains a Roll of Approved Contractors that are assessed every year to ensure that their work meets the national safety standard and other technical standards. This organisation has huge support from the electrical industry, professional bodies and consumer groups.

Electrical Safety
  • Electrical sockets should be not overloaded.
  • Electrical appliances should not be run off a light socket.
  • Electrical cables should not run under carpets or near hazards, such as a heat source.
  • Watch for signs of dangerous wiring such as: hot plugs and sockets, fuses blowing, lights flickering or scorch marks on sockets or plugs. If any of these warning signs occur then call the electricity company or a qualified electrician.
  • Always use appliances and plugs that conform to the British Standard and have the 'kitemark' logo.
  • Appliances should be switched off or unplugged when not in use, unless designed for continuous use.
  • Don't take plugs out by pulling the cord.
  • Never extend an extension lead.
  • Never repair or rejoin cables with insulating tape. Always replace the entire cable.
  • Leave all electrical repairs and alterations to qualified electricians.
PAT
PAT testing (portable appliance testing) is an important part of health and safety. Since 25% of all electrical accidents involve portable appliances, the Electricity at Work Regulations place a legal responsibility on employers, employees and the self-employed to comply with the regulations and to ensure that no danger results from the use of portable appliances. This requires a systematic and regular programme of maintenance, inspection and testing. The Health & Safety at Work Act (1974) requires this programme when:

  • Appliances are used by employees.
  • The public is in places where appliances may be used, such as hospitals, schools, hotels and shops.
  • Appliances are supplied or hired.
  • Appliances are repaired or serviced.
Do It Yourself? No!
Since January 1, 2005, all domestic electrical work, including �do it yourself�, must be done by a registered electrician or be checked by local government surveyors. Homeowners must ensure that work on homes is carried out by an electrician registered under one of the 'competent persons' schemes, or they must apply for approval.

However, certain jobs can be done without the need for these checks -- these include adding lighting points to an existing circuit or socket outlets and fusing spurs to an existing ring or radial circuit.

Mobile Electrical Equipment
Portable electrical equipment requires a visual examination for signs of damage every 6-12 months. Such equipment also needs a combined inspection and test every 1-2 years. For equipment transported from place to place, a visual examination should take place before its issue and after its return. Non-portable equipment should be inspected and tested frequently.
By following legal requirements, choosing a certified, registered electrician to do work and stressing safety at all times, electrical projects will be completed safely and will work well.
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