Changing light fittings in a new build

chrislee_88

Hi. Recently moved into a new build and we've been warned at some point during the build process, can't remember by who, that if we needed to put our own lights up (change from pendant to something a bit fancier) that we'll have to get a certificate to prove its safe or it'll void the warranty of the house. Anybody else been told this?

flashg67

Not saying it's not true, but it's too late for me - I changed all the fittings within 6 months! Is this the developer or the NHBC warranty - there might be something on their website?

It is possible to pay an electrician to do a check at any point in time. £80-£100 where I am

Silvertabby

If that were the case, the light fittings would only be sold on the condition that they are fitted by a certified electrician. They aren't.

However, Mr S says that these lights should only be fitted by someone who knows what they are doing, (hint: he's more than capable, I wouldn't attempt it ) so perhaps your house builder is just covering their six?

chrislee_88

Silver you may be right, The lights I'm putting up are pretty standard and won't need to move the sockets etc. But I think you're right about them covering their backs.

Not sure which warranty this was, I'm going to double check with the developer after the weekend.

Thanks flash, might do that and get an electrician to certify it.

newbie1980

Silvertabby wrote: »

If that were the case, the light fittings would only be sold on the condition that they are fitted by a certified electrician. They aren't.

However, Mr S says that these lights should only be fitted by someone who knows what they are doing, (hint: he's more than capable, I wouldn't attempt it ) so perhaps your house builder is just covering their six?

light fittings if you read the leaflet that comes with them does state that they are to be fitted by a part p electrician
as do showers etc that the shops sell

on the other hand in a new build some lights will be really easy to change and the odd one awquard

if anything was to happen you would have no warrenty and house insurance wouldnt pay out

im a electrician and being honest i would possibly do some myself if it came to it but its all down to how you want to play it

i charge just £10 a light minimum of 4 lights in telford and most will charge you not much more for them than that so depends how much you value the insurance and warrenty .

also a factor is how much the lights cost you. If i was to break one i would be insured. Some lights ive fitted are in excess of £500

Grenage

Part P relates to notifiable modifications, like new circuits, external, and zone 0-2.

A fitting should at best generally just require one to be competent. Not sure what the NHBC paperwork says, mind you.

brightontraveller

Seller can add whatever restrictions, limitations etc they choose (you can attempt variation legally but expensive)
The “certificate” isn’t truly about warranty but passing liability the installer taking over this from the sellers, e.g. at present should fire, fault etc occur warranty provider (seller) is liable , But replace/remove etc removes there liability/warranty obligations become yours/ last installers? (Insurance companies arguing the toss if a claim is made) Check T + C,s of sellers warranty then make decision ?

chrislee_88

Thanks guys. I think I'm going the safe route and getting an electrician to fit them. If you're right and it'll just be around £60 for the whole lot I'm not going to lose sleep about that. The first quote I got was for £200 which was way off the mark.

TheCyclingProgrammer

Grenage wrote: »

Part P relates to notifiable modifications, like new circuits, external, and zone 0-2.

A fitting should at best generally just require one to be competent. Not sure what the NHBC paperwork says, mind you.

Part P covers all domestic electrical work, it's not just about notifiable work.

Risteard

flashg67 wrote: »

It is possible to pay an electrician to do a check at any point in time. £80-£100 where I am

The "check" is an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) - it is important to note that this simply assesses the safety of the installation within the limitations imposed upon the inspection, i.e. concealed wiring etc. cannot be seen. It is simply a judgement on the condition of the installation and not any guarantee. New work must be certified - an EICR does not and cannot certify work which has been done. It is simply intended to confirm that an electrical installation has not deteriorated to an unsatisfactory condition whilst it is in service - it must be inspected periodically throughout the life of the installation.

Also, for an electrical installation in a dwelling no good Electrician will carry out periodic inspection and testing and compile an EICR for anything like £80-£100.

Risteard

chrislee_88 wrote: »

The first quote I got was for £200 which was way off the mark.

No, it wasn't way off the mark. There could easily be the best part of a day's work in replacing luminaires. You are hiring a business (which has large overheads), not paying an employee.