Cooker circuit dilema

hwz1

OK, this is a bit "after the event" but I could do with some advice. A couple of months ago we bought a new cooker as old one went faulty. Old cooker was Gas hobs and electric oven using a 13A plug. New cooker is all electric and rated at 9.6kW so I guessed that I needed a new circuit as old cooker circuit was utilised before we moved in the house for shower circuit.
Looking in the local rag we find a small ads guy who came around and advised a new circuit which he gave me a price for. Now, I asked him was he a qualified spark and of course he said yes. I understand after the event that was very naiave and will take your critisism on the chin. Anyway, job was completed and new cooker working OK. A few weeks later talking to a work colleague, he asks me was the guy "Part P" compliant and did I have any paperwork ...... The guy doesnt seem very receptive when I have since asked him the question, I can pretty much say he is not qualified or at least, not Part P. Can anyone give me advice on just where I go from here and how much its likely to cost? I am getting scaremongered now looking at internet sites saying things like my house insurance will be invalid and I just want to get things in order with a harsh lesson learned. To be honest though there does not seem to be much in the line of advertisement on this Part P so how are non technical folk like me meant to know especially if we end up with a cowboy. Any help really appreciated.

macman

What documentation did he supply you with, if any?
Did you ask to see evidence that he could self-certify?
The work may be perfectly safe, (or it may not be), you could have a PIR report done to establish that.
'Qualified spark' is a completely meaningless term, it can mean anything or nothing.

hwz1

He didnt give me any paperwork at all. Sorry but I genuinly didnt know that "Part P" existed or that the local council needed to be involved or anything about self certification. I would have thought a genuine electrician would have advised me of such. I just bought a new cooker and needed somewhere to connect it to. I knew the shower was wired to the cooker point so brought in a so called "expert" The work he has done looks OK. He has used 10mm twin and earth cable and installed a new circuit breaker teeing off from where the service supply enters the building. He has also fitted a switched outlet behind the cooker that is directly connected again with twin and earth. I am looking at putting the house on the market shortly but want to ensure everything is above board. Where is best to go to for a PIR report ? is that the local council or another guy out of the paper ? Do you have an idea of cost please ? Many Thanks

macman

The new circuit should be taken from the CU, not from the service supply-I assume that is what you mean, as otherwise it would be bypassing the meter.
The description sounds OK in theory, but no-one can verify it without seeing it. Any qualified electrician can do you a PIR-just make sure he is qualified to self certify under Part P this time.
In practice the work is unlikely to cause you a problem, as it's not easy to establish on what date the work was done-it could predate Part P.

tartanterra

Demand certification for the work carried out.

If the person who carried out the work fails to supply this, then report them to building control as this is notifiable work.

You should then take them to court to recover the money that they have taken from you.

fluffpot

if he didn't give you a cert, I don't think you'll get one by asking. Did you notice if he tested any of the work?
Might be easier to pay a proper electrician for an hour to test and certify it's safe. You can't get an installation certificate but a Periodic Inspection Report (PIR) is the next best thing in your case - the tests are the same for both certs and would verify it's safe

see here to find a local registered electrician
https://www.competentperson.co.uk

macman

It would be interesting to know the contents of the small ad that the original 'qualified sparky' is placing-does it mention his qualifications?