Do I need to be ECA/NIC approved contractor to do work?

[jstephens251]

Hi all,

Wondered if anyone could possibly guide me on the right track.

Ok, been in the trade for over 5 years now, got levels 2, 3, 2391, regs

My own business is registered with Elecsa as domestic is my main work load. My old employer carried out work mainly on commercial and some industrial so i have a bit of background there.

I have the 2M liability and until now thought was enough.

Until this week where I have been asked to work in a shop to replace a faulty hand wash unit, then to run some outside lights from existing db which is a 3 phase board. I have no problems completing the work but how does this get signed off? Do i use the Elecsa certs i have to complete this job?

getting a bit lost :-(


cheers Jon

 

[SPARTYKUS]

Short answer, yes, use. Those certs they are not different ones required!

 

[jstephens251]

yeah i know what you mean they are the same as any. I'm just a bit confused as like my partner said " you can't work there you are only insured for domestic" i understand i need to be covered for commercial on my liability (at least i think i do) but its the whole approved contractor thing im also lost with. if nothing needs signing off why do contractors need the nic approved contractor membership? (as its blinkin pricey lol)

 

[micknew]

It is dearer to be approved for commercial and industrial work with the ECA.

 

[jstephens251]

wow thought NIC were the highest

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so, my main question really is can i work on commercial (providing i have the correct liability) with only being registered with Elecsa?

 

[SPARTYKUS]

wow thought NIC were the highest

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so, my main question really is can i work on commercial (providing i have the correct liability) with only being registered with Elecsa?

You dont need to be registered. Just competant

...or even competent (at spelling even... Gosh so embarresed)

 

[jstephens251]

Ok thanks for help

 

[Engineer54]

Do I need to be ECA/NIC approved contractor to do work?

Both would love you to believe that to be the case, but NO you don't need membership with any of these organisations.


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[robsparky1975]

If the work requires it then all you need do is provide a BS7671 certificate,you can get a disc and make your own logos to add on them(trading name etc),available for about £5 off fleabay and looks the part.Personally i cant get enough commercial work as all the big firms take it all locally so no point me bothering with approved status,any scraps i do get hold of i print out my own BS7671 certs! PL insurance wont cost that much more just phone them and alter the policy,mine went up about £40 a year to up it from £2m to £5m.

 

[telectrix]

one thing that has not, as yet, been mentioned is..... make sure your PL insurancecovers you for 3 phase. a lot of policies exclude this.

 

[jstephens251]

Thanks for help guys I'm going to just alter PL

cheers