new spark

sparky114 · Jul 8, 2015

Hello people,iv been doing so much research, got quiet a few different answers. My question is:

i want to start trading as an electrician on my own, i have my 2365 c&g qualification but didn't do my level 3 due to money. i done a degree previously so was not entitled to a student loan!! Anyway i have a bit of experience from working with 2 other sparks who were not registered or anything just put their number out there built themselves up.

now if i do the same can i give electrical installation certificates? i know i cant do eicrs but i got a call from a guy who wanted to know if i can guarntee my work.. i wanted to say yes but i wasnt sure because i know that i need to contact building control ect

Richard Burns · Jul 8, 2015

Welcome to the forum.

You do not say how much experience you have had in the field and because those with whom you were working were not keeping to the rules and regulations, your experience may not be very accurate.

From the point of view of working on commercial and industrial sites you would normally be expected to have an ECS card for an electrician (gold card). In order to get this you would need to have completed the NVQ level 3.

If you are working on your own jobs as self employed then the wiring regulations requirement is that you need to be competent, in order to comply with the building regulations you would also need to be competent, the actual wording being in a workmanlike manner.

If you are intending to undertake work that is notifiable to building control then you would need to take steps to ensure that notification takes place. This can be by direct notification or by notification through a self certification scheme.

If you are competent to complete the work, the inspection and the testing required by the wiring regulations then you can issue electrical installation certificates for work that you have done.

I would not attempt to take on EICRs until you have considerably more experience.

Guarantees can be offered by you and the level to which these are taken is up to you. You may just offer a no quibble rectification of your installed faults policy at your own cost or you may get suitable insurance and professionally backed guarantees that will cover your costs (but obviously cost you overall).

sparky114 · Jul 9, 2015

thanks for your reply. so basically i can trade unregistered and offer electrical installation certificates? furthermore also with regards to insurance do i not to be part of a scheme eg niceic ect before getting insurance?

telectrix · Jul 9, 2015

sparky114 said:
thanks for your reply. so basically i can trade unregistered and offer electrical installation certificates? furthermore also with regards to insurance do i not to be part of a scheme eg niceic ect before getting insurance?

no. joining the likes of niceic is purely in order to reduce the cost of notifying building control of notifiable works.

Midwest · Jul 16, 2015

Did the 2365 course you did cover initial verification, testing & certification? Seems there is a level 2 & 3. As said, you will need to consider the issue of notification to lbc, if you are not in a scheme.