really need some advice!

[dexstar]

Hi all
So this is my problem or question, i have completed my C&G 2330 part 2 and 3 and i have a 17th edition qualification. I am about to start on my NVQ but i can't find a firm to work for locally, so can i subcontract and do work myself, then get a firm in to do the test and inspect? If so what sort of work can i undertake as i have taken on a full house rewire on a refurb build (they have basically gutted it so new electrics thoughout.)

Is this ok? Or who should i speak to to find out

THANKS

Just spoke to a electrician friend who lives miles away but he said i would be classified as a competent person so i could do the rewire but need to find someone who would be willing to come in and have a look at my work during the rewire to test and sign off after completion.

is this correct?

 

[acat]

Thats correct if you are not part P the person who will sign your work off is building control and they will charge an arm and a leg.

Chris

 

[jjjinx]

Helllo dexstar,

for you NVQ you will need to be working for someone, its not impossible to do it yourself but you need to get varied work from commercial, industrial & domestic to complete the NVQ, this means satisfying your tutors who will come out and inspect your work. You need at least 30hrs per week work to build your portfolio within the given time period & you really need to learn techniques from an experienced electrician.

If your not part P (not with Elexca or NIC etc...) registered competent person scheme then you need to contact building control to check your work, this means calling them before you start work & paying them money to check your work. No other electrician can sign off your EIC for work you've done.

Useful info below:

From 1st January 2005 most electrical work in houses, some of which is quite routine such as changing a socket in a kitchen, must, by law, be notified to the local authority building control department; this includes DIY as well as tradesmen who undertake electrical work as a part of their normal activities (such as kitchen and bathroom fitters). The only exception is where the work is undertaken by a competent person who is a member of a government authorised scheme. The notification to the local authority is then handled by the organisation running the scheme.


The BS7671 definitions of minor (e.g. the additions or modifications to circuits) and major works (e.g. installation of a new circuit) have not been mirrored in the new legislation and there are minor works such as the fitting of a new socket in a kitchen that require notification.


ELECSA - Frequently Asked Questions


Hope this helps, I no works hard to come by but you don't wana rewire a house and find out u screwed up big time, cos it can cost lives.

 

[dexstar]

what sort of price do building control cost to come and check work?

 

[jjjinx]

i've got no idea mate I cert myself so not had to use em, prob around £150

 

[dexstar]

thanks for the advice, i have contacted exeter building control and have the paper work on its way, i explained that i had already started some of the work for first fix and was assured this would be ok as long as i took a record including photos and cable calcs of the work done. They say they will get there local electrical contractor they use to come round and check intially what i have done, then sign it off when work is completed.

So from that i gather i can carry on.

Is that correct? And does it mean anyone can basically wire a house as long as someone checks during and after install?

 

[jjjinx]

yes you can carry on.

No disrespect intended but few people without having experience & trainning would be able to wire a property correctly. What will happen is that mistakes that are made may well be expensive to fix and it will come outa your pocket.

You have had resonable schooling doing the 2330 2&3 & 2383 but i'd say its a big ask to go straight into a hse rewire bud.

There's things that you might not remember like how far along a beams length you can make holes & how deep, the grouping & thermal factors, bonding etc... Once someone puts up the plasterboard and skims it your screwed!

If the guys coming at 1st fix then at least he can point out what he finds, gives you a chance to get it sorted.