Minor Works Certificate = Proof of Inspection?

rugbyleaguefan

Hi everyone,

Thanks for taking the time to look at my query, I would greatly appreciate any advice.

We are currently in the house buying process and are stumbling on the issue of the electricals in the property.

I understand from my research that it is recommended (but not a legal requirement) to have the electrical installation in an owner-occupied property inspected every 10 years, and therefore a NICEIC certificate should be requested from the vendor during the house buying process to act as proof that major work to the electrics should not be needed imminently. In fact our surveyor recommended we request this in our building survey, as it was not provided to him at the time.

For the property in question, I have since been provided with a "Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate" relating to some recent works in the property. My limited knowledge of this form suggests to me that this covers the specific works detailed in the form, but not the property as a whole - am I correct, or am I misinterpreting the wording in the form? Unfortunately I cannot post a link to a similar form but can provide specific wording if that helps.

Thank you again for any advice.

anselld

You are correct. Minor works covers the specific work done at that time only.

However, there is absolutely no requirement for the vendor to provide a periodic inspection report. The majority of properties won't have one unless they have had major work done. That does not make them unsafe. If you want one you may well have to have it done yourself.

Justicia

rugbyleaguefan wrote: »

...and therefore a NICEIC certificate should be requested from the vendor during the house buying process to act as proof that major work to the electrics should not be needed imminently.

No. As the other poster has commented and just to expand; an Electrical Installation Condition Report (or if from a few years ago; a Periodic Inspection Report, which was recently formally replaced by the EICR) would be requested.

The document does not need to be an "NICEIC" certificate; they are just an organisation that manage ONE of the Competent Persons Schemes. the document could take many forms in its format; it could be produced by an individual on any of the schemes (including NAPIT and ELECSA/ECA), made on MS Word, or even just copied from the Wiring Regulations BS 7671 itself.

It's the content of the document that is important, and not who it was potentially purchased from.

Just more information for you to consider as you investrigate your options and requirements, rugbyleaguefan.

rugbyleaguefan

Thank you both for clarifying!

Justicia

You are very welcome!

I do just want to clarify this sentence after skimming it again:

Justicia wrote: »

It's the content of the document that is important, and not who it was potentially purchased from.

Reading it again, it could appear to mean something very different to my intended comment. Let me try again:

It's the content of the document that is important, and not who or where the electrical inspector potentially purchased it from.