Using a non-registered electrician?

edinburgher

We're currently getting quotes for electrical work in our home and we've asked for registered electricians as some of the work will probably come under Part P.

One of the guys quoting has said that he isn't registered, but that he uses someone registered with Select to check his work.

Appreciating that getting things done right is my responsibility:

• Is this above board?
• Is the work likely to be to the same standard as an electrician who is registered with NICEIC/Select himself?
• Would you hire them?

We already have two NICEIC-registered electricians quoting and I don't want to unfairly discount this guy if this is common practice.

Thoughts?

System

Are you in Edinburgh?

orionmoo

My father in law has a BSc and two MScs in electrical engineering and deals regularly in significant electrical high voltage cables as his job as chief engineer at a university. He is not Part P registered as he does not like the idea of his name being on a council list somewhere open for the taking, and instead he gets a Part P registered colleague to sign off all work.

We'll be electrifying a garden shed in the new year in our back garden and I'd certainly trust him to do the work to a much higher standard than some local lecyy out to make a quick quid. I'm sure I read on one of the planning portal building regs docs that if it isn't a Part P registered person doing the electrical work, the person simply needs to prove they are a "competent person". If they don't accept three degrees as a measure of competence then it's gotta be all about the $$ with them...

macman

No competent electrician will certify work done by someone else, because it is not possible to see 100% of what has been done or not done, since so much of the install is not visible. The person who signs the work off will be legally responsible for any deficiencies.
This has no bearing on the competence or otherwise of the person carrying out the work.

ThePubLandlord

orionmoo wrote: »

My father in law has a BSc and two MScs in electrical engineering and deals regularly in significant electrical high voltage cables as his job as chief engineer at a university. He is not Part P registered as he does not like the idea of his name being on a council list somewhere open for the taking, and instead he gets a Part P registered colleague to sign off all work.

We'll be electrifying a garden shed in the new year in our back garden and I'd certainly trust him to do the work to a much higher standard than some local lecyy out to make a quick quid. I'm sure I read on one of the planning portal building regs docs that if it isn't a Part P registered person doing the electrical work, the person simply needs to prove they are a "competent person". If they don't accept three degrees as a measure of competence then it's gotta be all about the $$ with them...

Thing is, while I agree with you. You'll have to get the council in to inspect it and that'll cost £hundreds. The regs are changing in the new year so if you use a consumer unit in the shed make sure it complies with the new regs. I think it'll need to be non combustible.

Risteard

Part P applies only in England and Wales. The system in Scotland is completely different.

MisterBaxter

This approach certainly isn't unheard of and if he can get someone to check his work and certify so be it. Alternatively you can get Building Control to sign off anything than needs Part P approval but it is likely to cost more (statutory duty). They don't do many because most electricians are certified under the competent persons scheme.

TheCyclingProgrammer

What work are you having done? All electrical work falls under Part P of the building regs, but very little is actually notifiable to building control these days. The stuff that is notifiable is:

the installation of a new consumer unit or fuse box
the installation of a complete new circuit – for example a ring or lighting circuit, or a new circuit for a cooker, shower or immersion heater
alterations to existing circuits – such as adding an extra power point or lighting point – but only in ‘special locations’. In England, special locations are the spaces around baths and showers. In Wales, special locations include also kitchens and outdoors

Note that in England special locations no longer includes kitchens but the key thing is regardless of the work being notifiable, the work should be undertaken by a competent person. Depending on the work, this could be a competent DIYer or it could be a qualified electrician. A "Part P registered" electrician just means they can certify work and notify building control for you without you having to involve building control directly.

I'm guessing that you need work doing in a bathroom/shower room? Even work in these locations are necessarily notifiable if they fall outside the special zones.

zax47

TheCyclingProgrammer wrote: »

What work are you having done? All electrical work falls under Part P of the building regs, but very little is actually notifiable to building control these days. The stuff that is notifiable is:



Note that in England special locations no longer includes kitchens but the key thing is regardless of the work being notifiable, the work should be undertaken by a competent person. Depending on the work, this could be a competent DIYer or it could be a qualified electrician. A "Part P registered" electrician just means they can certify work and notify building control for you without you having to involve building control directly.

I'm guessing that you need work doing in a bathroom/shower room? Even work in these locations are necessarily notifiable if they fall outside the special zones.

You appreciate Part P applies to England and Wales only, yes? <apparently not>

Scotland requires the work be done by a person/company registered with SELECT.

southcoastrgi

orionmoo wrote: »

much higher standard than some local lecyy out to make a quick quid. If they don't accept three degrees as a measure of competence then it's gotta be all about the $$ with them...

Once again someone that thinks all trades are cowboys & out to rip everyone off, shame we aren't all illegal workers like your fil & his mate

zax47

southcoastrgi wrote: »

Once again someone that thinks all trades are cowboys & out to rip everyone off, shame we aren't all illegal workers like your fil & his mate

Indeed, there's a saying in the trades - "Academically skilled, practically useless..." Interpret how you will but having 50 degrees does not mean you know one wire from another on site. :rotfl: