Electrician doesn't want to come back and complete notifiable works - help!

Lchscot

Hi,

I was hoping for some advice please! We started a large project a few months ago and our electrician who is NAPIT has been difficult since day one. I think he is now making every excuse possible not to come back and complete the works. Due to some horrid footage I have on a camera I don't really want him back in the property anyway.

We are first fixed and the project is notifiable. We now have circuits we are using (plugs and lights) and wires hanging out. We are a few months away from being fully plastered and he is suggesting he will only come back then to second fix. I have asked him to return and sign off within 2 weeks but he has refused. He has left plug sockets on some of the boxes and lights on the circuits so they are clearly live.

I know I can get an EICR at second fix but this wont cover the installation. My question is can he certify the installation without coming back as he must have tested the circuits before leaving at first fix only. Is there anything I can do? We have paid up at every invoice and I don't think we have been bad customers. I am aware I could report him but this feels like pressing the nuclear button.

Thanks!!

born_again

You say you do not want him back.

Then do not want to report him?

What exactly do you want.

Has he been paid for the work you are waiting done?

Yes, letter before action. To claim money back.

No, get another electrician to sort the mess out.

Lchscot

Yes he's been paid every invoice he has requested. What I am looking for is the answer to this more than anything.

My question is can he certify the installation without coming back as he must have tested the circuits before leaving at first fix only. Is there anything I can do?

Sorry I thought this was a place to get advise and help…

Vitor

If you do not trust him and you have evidence that concerns you, there is little upside in getting him back. He cannot certify without a full re-inspection anyway, and if relations have broken down he is unlikely to engage constructively. Worse, a reluctant electrician may rush or refuse responsibility later.

The sensible route is to appoint a new electrician who is willing to take ownership of the installation, inspect, test, and certify it properly, even if that means some duplication of cost.

An Electrical Installation Certificate can only be issued for a completed installation. Although some testing is possible at first fix, such as continuity and basic insulation resistance, this does not cover all the inspections and tests required under BS 7671

ComicGeek

He's not refusing to return. He's refusing to make multiple trips to site as you aren't ready for him to complete the installation.

He's also not refusing to test and certify his work so far, as there is nothing to test yet and he can only certify at completion.

So either you get another electrician to take over (and who will potentially want to make changes to the first fix installation), or carry on with the existing electrician.

Not sure what you would report him for, unless it's a criminal act that you caught on camera.

Ergates

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81873221#Comment_81873221

This is a consumer rights forum - so unless one of the users here happens to be a qualified electrician, your first question "can he certify the installation without coming back" is unlikely to get answered. (EDIT: And it appears you were in luck)

In terms of "Is there anything I can do" - from an electrical certification point of view, no idea. From a consumer rights point of view - this depends on what was in any contracts you entered into with him, and what he has been paid for. As born_again says - if he has been paid up-front for work he is now refusing to complete, then you can issue an LBA to retrieve this money. If the invoices he's submitted and you've paid were for work already completed then you're not owed anything there so that's cleaner.

Regarding the remaining work: If you don't want him back and he refuses to come back then your best option is to find someone else. IF he has entered a contract to do this work (i.e he is in breach of contract by refusing) AND it costs you more to get someone else in, then you could sue him for the difference. Others on here could give a better idea about this.

Lchscot

thanks Vitor. Appreciate the help.

Metrocammell

Coming back after board and plaster to second fix is a normal thing to do. After which they can do live testing and issue a certificate for the works undertaken.

With the mention of sockets or switches hanging etc. it may be helpful to see photos of this. It could be justified, ie if you’re adding to circuits disconnecting or isolating them could mean you don’t have power elsewhere in your property until the other works are finished, like the plaster and then second fix.

HHarry

Just be careful if you get a second electrician - they can’t ‘sign off’ the design and installation of the first fix because they didn’t do it, and as this is notifiable you need to make sure that you have the right paperwork to satisfy Building Control.

I’m sure it’s fixable - companies go bust, tradesmen have accidents - but just do it in the right way, so have a chat with your Building Inspector

Ectophile

I think ComicGeek is right. You first fix all the wiring, and fix back boxes to the brick walls. Then the plasterers come and plaster the walls. Then you do the second fix, putting all the switches and sockets neatly on the wall.

The electrician can't sign it off after first fix as it's not complete and there are bare wires everywhere. At the end of the second fix, they can go around and test everything properly.

You shouldn't even be using the electrics with wires hanging out of the walls. Normally, you would have a site board with a load of sockets next to the incoming supply, and use extension leads to power everything.

If you want the electrician to sign it off and issue an EIC then that needs to be done when all the electrics are finished. If the plastering hasn't even been done yet, then you should be able to get another electrician in to trace where all the wires go and then "take over" the installation.

Vitor

+they can’t ‘sign off’ the design and installation of the first fix because they didn’t do it,+

That's not correct. Certification follows responsibility and verification, not personal installation.