New build query for Scottish based electricians

[SSE]

Been asked to carry out the electrics in a new build for someone I know. Although I’m a qualified electrician I’m not registered with Select or a similar body, I know it is advised to use someone from one of these bodies to carry out work & sign it off but where would I stand legally if I just sign it off myself? I done a new build a few years back as someone told me local council would accept a test sheet as long as they know you’re an electrician, which they did, no problem. Now I’m a bit older & wiser (possibly) I seem to be a bit more cautious about taking this on!! Would it be allowable for someone from one of these bodies to sign the test certificate off but for me to also sign to say I carried the work out?

 

[Julie.]

The build must have a building warrant, in this the builder can specify that it's done by a person through a notifiable body , or that it will be done via a qualified person outwith a scheme, the local authority would then specify what they would need to see or completed before they issue it as fit to occupy etc.

The idea of a scheme is that the person can notify the authority via the scheme after the work is done, otherwise they have to apply for a building warrant before anyone can start the electrical work - which is what you have to do with a new build anyway.

 

[R-fur]

I am an electrician in Scotland but am not a member of SELECT as they don't cover the sort of work I normally do. I keep myself up to date with the regs, testing and inspection and the Scottish building standards electrical certification. This is all shown on my ECS card. When I issue test certs that are going to be seen by building control I attach a copy of the ECS card. Some councils say that you must be a member of SELEC, this is wrong, call their bluff. The onus is on the council to determine if the electrician is suitable, ONE way of doing this is membership of SELECT but that is not the only way.