Reasons an electrician would not be in a Competent Person Scheme?

Hennymore

Getting quotes for an electrical job. It’s not a notifiable type of job. But I’ve still checked if electricians who applied on a quotes site were in a Competent Person Scheme, and the ones who have applied so far are not. They do have good reviews on that site and list various other qualifications (e.g. Gold ECS Card, City & Guilds Level 3 2391 Inspection and testing).

I’m mostly curious about what reasons a supposedly competent and serious electrician would have for not being part of such a scheme. (Perhaps I’ll ask directly, but figured I’d start here to get a general idea.)

Is it expensive to get/remain registered? Less of a paper trail to avoid the tax man? Not wanting to be on a government list? Any other reasons?

Mostly trying to figure out whether there are legitimate reasons for a good electrician not to be registered, or if it’s best to stay well clear.

tacpot12

There is a cost to be registered and remain registered. There are also some expectations that the schemes have of you if are a member, like having liability insurance, having a Health & Safety policy, keeping reference books up to date, and having measurement equipment calibrated annually. Most of these have a direct result on the service that is delivered to clients, so someone who is not registered may not be insured, may not be using a calibrated measurement device (which may result in measurement that are outside of tolerance when the installation is ok), or have not idea what the current regs say. 
All this is particularly relevant if you are a landlord and need an EICR doing. If you are a home owner, it is less relevant. 

Some electricians don't register because they don't do enough notifiable work to make the cost overhead worthwhile; they just engage building control on the odd occasion the do notifiable work. You might ask any candidates when was the last time they contacted building control to notify work. If they haven't done so within the last 24 months, I would be worried about their competence - would you want someone to service your car who only did it every couple of years? 

Risteard

These are as important for homeowners as landlords. Calibrated test equipment is essential for verification of electrical installations. Public liability insurance is essential to protect the customer. Knowledge of current Regulations is essential to ensure safe and compliant electrical installations.

Visit niceic.com or eca.co.uk for Electricians - or http://www.electricalsafetyregister.com/index-esr.html for a list of both.

snowcat75

Hennymore said:

Getting quotes for an electrical job. It’s not a notifiable type of job. But I’ve still checked if electricians who applied on a quotes site were in a Competent Person Scheme, and the ones who have applied so far are not. They do have good reviews on that site and list various other qualifications (e.g. Gold ECS Card, City & Guilds Level 3 2391 Inspection and testing).

I’m mostly curious about what reasons a supposedly competent and serious electrician would have for not being part of such a scheme. (Perhaps I’ll ask directly, but figured I’d start here to get a general idea.)

Is it expensive to get/remain registered? Less of a paper trail to avoid the tax man? Not wanting to be on a government list? Any other reasons?

Mostly trying to figure out whether there are legitimate reasons for a good electrician not to be registered, or if it’s best to stay well clear.

I know several decent sparks that are not registered (my nephew being one) , In my nephews case he works mostly doing MOD work (switch gear etc)  and only does the odd bits of domestic, It is simply not worth him paying out to belong to the scheme which is a £1000+ Per anuum when his business partner can sign off any odds of work he does. 

Mostly its not because anything dodgy is going on, its often as simple as the reason iv given.

I'm always somewhat cynical over competence schemes, Iv seen as much shody work tested and signed off done by competent persons as I have by those who are not. 

Hennymore

Fantastic and helpful answers. Thank you!

bris

Anyone who pays the fee can join a scheme, doesn't make them competent.

Risteard

bris said:

Anyone who pays the fee can join a scheme

That isn't actually true. The long-standing NICEIC Approved Contractors scheme and the ECA Contractors scheme are very thorough vetting those who apply (and many are rejected). These schemes have been running for decades and include industrial and commercial works.