Finding an electrician
About 6700 fires a year are reported as having an electrical source, which includes faulty or inadequate wiring. These fires, along with electric shock accidents cause around 43 fatalities and 2900 serious injuries every year. Cables, switches, socket-outlets and other equipment can get worn over time and so it is important to get them checked and replaced by a qualified electrician.
What you need to know
It is important that electrical work is carried out only by those with the necessary knowledge, skill and experience of the type of electrical work to be undertaken.
The following organisations run registration schemes for competent electricians (these are sometimes called 'competent person' schemes):
- BRE Certification
- British Standards Institution (BSI)
- ELECSA
- The National Association of Professional
Inspectors and Testers (NAPIT)
- NICEIC Certification Services
This scheme ensures that traders who sign up are fully
qualified to do electrical work and provides a complaints procedure.
You may also need to use a competent person to comply with Building
Regulations.