Electricians making a choice

"Who should I use ?"

Finding an electrician or electricial contractor

About 9,300 fires a year are reported as having an electrical source, which includes faulty or inadequate wiring. Cables, switches, socket-outlets and other equipment deteriorate with prolonged use, so they all need to be checked and necessary replacements or repairs made in good time.

What you need to know

It is important that electrical work is carried out only by those with the necessary knowledge, skill and experience of the type of electrical work to be undertaken to enable them to avoid the dangers to themselves and others that electricity can create.

Safety for you in your home is paramount; therefore the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC) strongly recommends that you choose an approved contractor to carry out your electrical work.

There are more than 10,500 approved contractors on the roll, covering the whole of the UK, including Northern Ireland. This means that you're sure to have a choice of approved contractors operating in your area.

For example as a guarantee of good work, all NICEIC approved contractors must issue certificates for all work carried out in accordance with the national standard.

What to look for when finding an electrician.

There are currently five 'Full Competence' Schemes which have been approved and came into operation on 1 January 2005.

Competent Persons Self-certification Schemes

(a) Full competence schemes

NICEIC Certification Services Limited

This scheme, which is known as the Domestic Installer Scheme, is designed for those who wish to be able to self-certify all types of electrical work in dwellings either as an electrical contractor or as part of an ancillary trade activity. The scheme began formal operation on 1 January 2005.

For more information on this scheme see www.niceic.org.uk

BRE Certification Limited

This scheme, operated with the support of the Electrical Contractors Association and the Institution of Electrical Engineers, is primarily designed for those whose main business is electrical contracting and those who wish to be able to self-certify all types of electrical work in dwellings. The scheme began formal operation on 1 January 2005.

For more information on this scheme see www.partp.co.uk

British Standards Institution

This scheme, which will be known as the Kitemark Scheme for electrical installation work, is primarily designed for those whose main business is electrical contracting and those who wish to be able to self-certify all types of electrical work in dwellings. The scheme began formal operation on 1 January 2005.

For more information on this scheme see www.kitemarktoday.com

ELECSA Limited

This scheme, operated with the support of the British Board of Agrement, is primarily designed for those whose main business is electrical contracting and those who wish to be able to self-certify all types of electrical work in dwellings. The scheme began formal operation on 1 January 2005.

For more information on this scheme see www.elecsa.org.uk

NAPIT Certification Limited

This scheme is designed primarily for those whose main business is electrical contracting and will allow its members to self-certify all types of electrical installation work in dwellings. The scheme begain formal operation on 1 January 2005.

For more information on this scheme see www.napit.org.uk