Certificate just to change switch

[sham]

I've been told at my new job that I need to conduct a minor cert if I replace Electric shower, light switch, and socket etc.
I always believed a cert was for addition to a circuit. It is my new job I have not debated this yet. It is just too much time consuming to do a cert just to replace a light switch. But my manager said it is a must. Is he right.

 

[Squid]

If you get paid per hour it doesn't matter if you get paid per job then it does, you need to go with the flow and chill out as long as the paperwork is cushty then the old and disabled can die but it won't be your fault.

Tell the boss you now wish to be called Maureen......

 

[Rpa07]

I understand how you feel about the testing part but as has been said a Zs will prove your CPC in the installation and at the same time testing the RCD for the cert. This will help you exit the job knowing that you've secured the safety of the client and will help you sleep at night. You'll save that time somewhere else and be a better QS because of it. Keep a time diary to show your boss.

 

[sham]

If you get paid per hour it doesn't matter if you get paid per job then it does, you need to go with the flow and chill out as long as the paperwork is cushty then the old and disabled can die but it won't be your fault.

Tell the boss you now wish to be called Maureen......

Your right, I need to chill.

 

[sham]

I understand how you feel about the testing part but as has been said a Zs will prove your CPC in the installation and at the same time testing the RCD for the cert. This will help you exit the job knowing that you've secured the safety of the client and will help you sleep at night. You'll save that time somewhere else and be a better QS because of it. Keep a time diary to show your boss.

Thanks for your input, very appreciated

 

[Strima]

Take a read of chapter 63.

 

[Dave OCD]

Unless they charge by the minute, I should think the cost would, be the same with, or without a MWC.

I doubt it Andy , don't get me wrong I always make sure what I do is safe and do essential tests but a minor works for say replacing a faulty one way plastic switch is overkill IMO,on the other hand if I changed an electric shower I'd do the cert, just applying common sense really.

 

[Outcast1964]

I work for a housing association also and we always complete a minor works for a shower change. For sockets and switches etc we have our own maintenance work cert' which just covers circuit details and a Zs and rcd test if fitted.It only takes a couple of minutes to fill in and send on an iPad, and as others have said if you test and keep your results it could keep you out of trouble in the future, it may also help you spot a problem. Unfortunately the name of the game is cover yourself and do the tests.

 

[andyb]

It taked a minute to change light switch.
Cert does not take a minute.

That's my point, you say it takes a minute to change a light switch. If you charge for a minute then the cost would be more for the MWC, 50p or so labour plus parts plus the cost of the MWC.
However I'm guessing you charge for the hour or even a call out fee, in which case it would cost no more to fill out the MWC if needed.

I doubt it Andy , don't get me wrong I always make sure what I do is safe and do essential tests but a minor works for say replacing a faulty one way plastic switch is overkill IMO,on the other hand if I changed an electric shower I'd do the cert, just applying common sense really.

I mainly agree with this Dave and I'd be the same with just a switch. However a metal switch I'd want to record the Zs, that's all. I wouldn't do a complete test but I'd test for an earth as I'm sure you do, and note it on a MWC. The same if I change a socket, Zs and RCD times.

 

[Octopus]

Disagree on like for like tests .......... just put the Zs on the invoice ......... doing MWC's for clients is a waste of our time ..............when they are for simple like for like changes