Choosing an electrician

Are you a householder looking for an electrician that is able to work safely in your home to legally required standards?

The Registered Competent Person Electrical search facility lists all electricians registered for full scope domestic work in England and Wales, making finding the right person for the job easier than ever before.

All electricians listed and permitted to display the mark are registered with an electrical Competent Person Scheme Operator, and have been authorised by Government to self-certify that their work is compliant with Building Regulations. This means they meet strict entry requirements, and their work is regularly assessed, to ensure their ongoing competence and that their work meets the correct standards.

To start using the Registered Competent Person Electrical search facility, simply enter your postcode to find a registered electrician near you. Alternatively, search by company name to see whether an electrician you may be considering is listed as registered.

Terminology

The generic term ‘Electrician’ has been used in this website for ease of use and to facilitate internet searches. ‘Electrician’ in the context of this website means a firm or individual, who is competent to install electrical equipment and wiring within a domestic premises.

Ordering work

Once you have found an electrician, it’s a good idea to follow these simple suggestions before they begin the work:

• Before they start, agree a timetable of work and get confirmation of their expected completion date in writing. This should cover all aspects of any agreed work and be signed by both parties. For larger jobs, ask for regular updates on their progress. You should also ask that they tell you immediately if they are not going to meet the completion date given.
• Agree payment terms so you can ensure that you have the funds available. Some electricians may ask for material costs up-front and also request staged payments for a larger job. If you do need to make changes, confirm them in writing with the electrician and make sure you get a revised quote before the modified work starts.
• Avoid dealing in cash as it is easy to lose track of what you have paid. Always ask for a receipt or statement of account.
• Try to avoid making changes or adding to the job halfway through. This will usually cost more and cause delays. If you do need to make changes, confirm them in writing with the electrician.
• If you have any concerns or questions, talk to the electrician straight away. If you are dealing with a larger company, speak to the person in charge. This will usually be a supervisor or manager. Make it clear exactly what you are concerned or unhappy about, explain what you want done and give the electrician a chance to put things right.
• If you are unable to resolve any issues with the electrician or the company who employs them, contact the Competent Person Scheme Operator they are certified by. They will be able to advise you and will work with both parties to try and reach a solution. You can find out whether they are certified and who they are certified by via the search facility on this website..
• If the person you employ is not certified by a DCLG authorised Competent Person Scheme, contact Citizens Advice via their consumer helpline on 0854 04 05 06 or visit www.adviceguide.org.uk

After the work is completed:

• No matter how big or small the job, the electrician should provide you with an electrical installation certificate which will confirm that the work carried out meets the British Standard for electrical safety, BS7671.
• All electrical work in dwellings is covered under Building Regulations. For any work that is notifiable, you should always receive a certificate to confirm that the work meets the applicable Building Regulations.
• Once you have received certificate(s) relating to the electrical work, put them in a safe place. You may need to provide them as proof that you have had the work carried out safely, especially if you decide to sell your property.

Work carried out	Certificates issued	England - Building Control Notification required	Wales - Building Control Notification required
A new circuit has been installed.	Electrical Installation Certificate Building Regulations Compliance Certificate (also known as a Part P Certificate)	Yes	Yes
A fuse box/ consumer unit has been replaced.	Electrical Installation Certificate Building Regulations Compliance Certificate (also known as a Part P Certificate)	Yes	Yes
An existing circuit has been added to or altered in a room containing a bath, shower, swimming pool or sauna heater.	Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate In many cases you will need a Building Regulations Compliance Certificate (also known as a Part P Certificate).	Yes	Yes
An existing circuit has been added to or altered. For example, in a kitchen or outdoors.	Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate In some cases you will need a Building Regulations Compliance Certificate (also known as a Part P Certificate).	No	Yes
Electrical circuits are checked for deterioration or damage caused over time.	Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)	No	No

The above table provides an overview only. For a more detailed and definitive list please visit the following links:

For Approved Document P (Electrical Safety) in England follow this link - http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/buildingregulations/approveddocuments/partp/

For Approved Document P (Electrical Safety in Wales) follow this link - http://wales.gov.uk/topics/planning/buildingregs/publications/part-p-electrical/?lang=e