accessory change certification

[R&M]

There is only two absolute situation:
1- The job is to be certified. (Addition, alteration, etc.)>>> You can not ask for extra charge to issue certificate, it is your duty to do.
2- The job is NOT required any certification.(Maintenance, Like for like replacement, etc.) >>> You do not issue any.

PS: Like for like change of accessories do not require certification but in GN3 it states under 2.2: "The certificate (MEIWC) may also be used for the replacement of equipment such as accessories or luminaries." It is your professional judgement, to issue one or not. If you think you have to, then there shouldn't be an extra charge for that.
Good luck mate.

Regards
Ramin

 

[richy3333]

Hi Malc.
Thanks for your input as I greatly appreciate your learned comments.

In my head it comes down to grammar and interpretation. I appreciate what a lot of electricians do and how they justify it, but purely looking at the wording, I interpret things differently.

I see even a like-forlike replacement as an alteration. It might be the same make, model of (for example) pendant light fitting, but it isn't the same one that was originally there, so a change has taken place or an as the BRB calls it an 'alteration'.

Thanks for your comments R&M. The clarification given in GN3 (2.2) I see (although I appreciate others see things differently) in no way obviates the need to complete a MWC. I still interpret the use of the word 'may' as telling you to use a MWC for accessory or luminaire changes rather than an EIC.

It's just my personal view that if BS7671 allowed situations where certs were not required for types of work completed, it would be explicitly stated/listed as other topics are (e.g. situations where RCD protection is not required).

I think an electrician could be criticised heavily by a judge if something went wrong - 'you did the work, did the testing, so why didn't you issue a certificate'?