What qualification? Home work only.

[Dan Blackman]

Hi All,

This has probably been answered on here at some point but I cannot see anything. I was just wondering what qualification is needed to be able to do any electrical work at home only? Is it a domestic installer qualification or something less? I don't want to get paid or work on anything other than my own home.

Thanks in advance.

 

[telectrix]

you don't need any qualifications to carry out work in your own home. however, you must be competent, and possess the right test equipment (and the knowledge to use it) to test your work. ideally you should complete a certificate ( EIC or MWC ) for any work done :and any work must be done safely. serious injury, death or fire could be the result of sub-standard electrical work.

 

[Midwest]

Hi Dan welcome to the forum.

Some works are notifiable to your local building control. What electrical work, are you intending to do?

 

[casperLennon]

Seems a big expensive and waste of time to just work on your own house

 

[Tes369]

Yes but it keeps alot of housbashers in work putting Mr Diyers installs right.

 

[Dan Blackman]

Seems a big expensive and waste of time to just work on your own house

Yes, maybe expensive but I'm interested in it and would like to be able to be competent and have the work be legal. Each to their own eh?

 

[Dan Blackman]

Hi Dan welcome to the forum.

Some works are notifiable to your local building control. What electrical work, are you intending to do?

Thanks Midwest. In terms of the work I have nothing in particular in mind. Just new fittings and socket installs in the future as required. Nothing complex or out of the ordinary. I just want it to be legal.

 

[Midwest]

Hi Dan welcome to the forum.

Some works are notifiable to your local building control. What electrical work, are you intending to do?

You'll get some ribbing, but we are willing to offer advice.

 

[Midwest]

Thanks Midwest. In terms of the work I have nothing in particular in mind. Just new fittings and socket installs in the future as required. Nothing complex or out of the ordinary. I just want it to be legal.

I think #2 answers your question. New circuits, work with zones in a special location (bathroom etc) & replacement consumer units, will need notification to LBC. Qualifications are not required per say, but its a way of showing competency. If you chose that route, you could enquire with one of the forums sponsors, but even those short courses are expensive. Then you'll need some test equipment, which you could purchase second hand & have calibrated. All this adds up.

But you could just surf the net & do what you want in your own home. Personally, these days, I pay to have any work carried out in my house by the appropriate trades person. Apart from painting.

 

[littlespark]

Get a decorator in, Midwest.

I bet you do your own cooking as well, rather than getting a qualified chef.

 

[Midwest]

Get a decorator in, Midwest.

I bet you do your own cooking as well, rather than getting a qualified chef.

Yep course I do. Haven't got a barman to pour my wine or mix me cocktails neither.

 

[Andy78]

Thanks Midwest. In terms of the work I have nothing in particular in mind. Just new fittings and socket installs in the future as required. Nothing complex or out of the ordinary. I just want it to be legal.

For the amount of work you would be better off getting an electrician in for these small jobs.
The amount of time and money you would spend would be amazingly disproportionate to the cost of hiring someone.

There will be electrical diy jobs you can do however, such as changing light fittings, without too much knowledge. The key knowledge is safety based first and foremost.

 

[Dan Blackman]

I think #2 answers your question. New circuits, work with zones in a special location (bathroom etc) & replacement consumer units, will need notification to LBC. Qualifications are not required per say, but its a way of showing competency. If you chose that route, you could enquire with one of the forums sponsors, but even those short courses are expensive. Then you'll need some test equipment, which you could purchase second hand & have calibrated. All this adds up.

But you could just surf the net & do what you want in your own home. Personally, these days, I pay to have any work carried out in my house by the appropriate trades person. Apart from painting.

From what I have seen online the majority of work that is completed by a non-qualified individual can be an issue when it comes to insurance.

 

[Dan Blackman]

For the amount of work you would be better off getting an electrician in for these small jobs.
The amount of time and money you would spend would be amazingly disproportionate to the cost of hiring someone.

There will be electrical diy jobs you can do however, such as changing light fittings, without too much knowledge. The key knowledge is safety based first and foremost.

Andy this isn't a cost issue - I'd like to do it as I'm interested in it. I can already do various bits and pieces but 1, I'd like to learn more and 2, I'd like it to be legal and certified as needed. I'm happy to do the training involved. No one will actually give that info though!

I think most peoples thoughts of not having to be qualified as its your home are incorrect (unless fitting like for like). Insurance is void in many cases for a start.

 

[Andy78]

Andy this isn't a cost issue - I'd like to do it as I'm interested in it. I can already do various bits and pieces but 1, I'd like to learn more and 2, I'd like it to be legal and certified as needed. I'm happy to do the training involved. No one will actually give that info though!

I think most peoples thoughts of not having to be qualified as its your home are incorrect (unless fitting like for like). Insurance is void in many cases for a start.

Your best first point of research might be the requirements stipulated by your home insurer for electrical work carried out in your house then.

If I told you it could easily cost you £5k and upwards for the training, insurances, equipment, memberships etc to be competent do the work you are talking of, that might help with where my last comment was coming from.