Testing someone else's electrical work

[Dambo]

I had a call from someone earlier today asking me to test (and hopefully certify!) some electrical work they've recently had done in their house, obviously by an electrician who isn't registered to a competent persons scheme.

I believe i'm right in saying I can't certify the work in this type of instance but then how would they actually get the work certified?

 

[Andy™]

only LABC can sign off someone else's work

search and you will find a lot more info.

 

[M107]

Wasnt there a thread here a ages ago along the lines of, NICEIC cold calling as potential customers, registered NICEIC sparks to see if they would cert 3rd party works.

 

[danny7299]

You would have to do a periodic test ...

 

[ProDave]

I've said this before.

Use a 3 part EIC

Whoever did the install signs for design and construction.

YOU sign for inspection and test.

You obviously have to satisfy yourself that the install is okay.

 

[Dambo]

I've said this before.Use a 3 part EIC

Whoever did the install signs for design and construction.

YOU sign for inspection and test.

You obviously have to satisfy yourself that the install is okay.

Is this an acceptable way of doing it or will this potentially open up a can of worms?

 

[Andy™]

anyone can I&T someone elses work only signing the I&T section (others signing design & construction). there are companies out there who specialise in I&T

 

[spinlondon]

You can't self certificate through a part P scheme, but you can as Pro Dave states, issue a 3 part EIC.

Remember though, that any defects or omissions must be rectified before the certificate is issued.

 

[Dambo]

If the person has carried out their own electrical wiring will they then just sign the design and construction part? I don't think that is the case in this instance but it'd be good to know.

 

[Evans Electric]

Prodave's advice makes sense but is it acceptable under Part P which doesn't exist north of the border ( much more sensible up there )

A PIR is the only thing you can do IMHO .

 

[spinlondon]

Some LABCs won't accept PIRs instead of EICs.

 

[Andy™]

Prodave's advice makes sense but is it acceptable under Part P which doesn't exist north of the border ( much more sensible up there ) A PIR is the only thing you can do IMHO .

like i said, anyone can sign I&T part of EIC. but they cannot notify it

 

[Evans Electric]

Some LABCs won't accept PIRs instead of EICs.

I'm sure you'r right , Spinny, Birmingham LBC have accepted some from me . The jobs were finished then it came to light that whoever wired it wasn't registered ,I think they just wanted to get the work signed off and done with TBH.

I showed on the one that the main earth was still a clip on the STA and needed upgrading , so they phone me to say why have I not done it !! So I had to say I'm only being paid to do the inspection . "Well it needs doing"

"I agree, are you willing to pay me to get it sorted?" "No, we don't pay you " So the whole system collapses again !! :C

 

[spinlondon]

This is the problem with PIRs as opposed to EICs/MWCs.

An EIC/MWC will state that the work complies with BS7671, if it is discovered at any time that the work does not comply, then whoever has signed the certificate, can be brought to task about issuing a fraudulent certificate.

A PIR on the other hand does not neccessarily state that the work complies with BS7671, and can as you have indicated, list defects and non-compliances. As such there is no-one to bring to task, as no certificate has been issued stating the work complies with BS7671.

All the LABC would be able to do is issue a non-compliance order or whatever that particular LABC wishes to call it to the householder.

What some LABCs are now doing in these cases, is arranging for an inspection, and themselves issuing a 3 part EIC.

 

[SPECIAL LOCATION]

I had a call from someone earlier today asking me to test (and hopefully certify!) some electrical work they've recently had done in their house, obviously by an electrician who isn't registered to a competent persons scheme.I believe i'm right in saying I can't certify the work in this type of instance but then how would they actually get the work certified?

You just read the declaration you are signing...

IF you can satisfy ALL of the requirements of the declaration..

Then you can sign it..

IF not the YOU CANT!

Simples! :innocent

I can NEVER understand why people have difficulty with this concept!

whats so complicated?

 

[Manator]

Be aware that multiple signature EIC's were never meant to be used in most domestic situations.

The capabilities of the majority of electrical contractors are limited to an area of expertise.

Often on large projects a team of electrical engineers will do the initial design and calculations, this is the design, then the builder will contract a workforce to install according to the plans given, this is the installation, which will be verified by the designers, then the original designers would normally test and verify or contract specialists in this field.

It is never a way to circumvent the Part P notification process.

 

[Doc Hudson]

Quote so Manator, larger projects, industrial, commercial, new build housing estates etc, will frequently use split labour forces or sub-contracted workers for specific tasks. But in reality most domestic rewires or alterations will be designed, installed, and tested by a single company/person. This is the very reason to common single signature certificates were produced.

Doc H.

 

[jurassic spark]

I am a registered NIC approved contractor, mostly comercial/industrial stuff but on the odd occasion domestic (only one re-wire in the last 3 years).someone has asked me for a part p cert for work carried out on his house, (extension and cu change), the spark who did the work gave him a cert when the work was done only to tell him later not to send it to building control as he was no longer registered for whatever reason. dont want to issue a cert for other sparks work but may be prepared to do a PIR, will this be acceptable to building control under the circumstances? Advice appreciated.

 

[Andy™]

ask your LABC. each have different requirements

 

[batty]

I've said this before.Use a 3 part EIC

Whoever did the install signs for design and construction.

YOU sign for inspection and test.

You obviously have to satisfy yourself that the install is okay.

Doubt if they will sign anything as they probably work for cash thats why they are not in a scheme.