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How important is it that an electrician is registered?
It is crucial that an electrician is registered with a CPS scheme because it ensures they are qualified, competent, and able to self-certify their work to meet building regulations standards, providing assurance of safety and quality in electrical installations.
How can I check your registration with a CPS (competent person scheme)?
To check if an electrician is registered with a CPS, you can visit the NAPIT website or go to www.electricalcompetentperson.co.uk for verification.
What electrical work requires building control notification?
Building control notification is required for:
- Additions or alterations to special locations. (your bathroom)
- A consumer unit upgrade
- A new circuit
I recently had a new consumer unit installed, but I haven’t received a certificate or a building control notification. What steps should I take?
If you haven’t received a certificate or building control notification for your new consumer unit installation, you should contact the electrician who performed the work to obtain the necessary documentation.
What is a building control notification?
A building notification certificate for electrical work is a document that confirms that electrical work has been completed in compliance with building regulations, typically issued by a registered competent person scheme (CPS) member.
My fuse box is only 5 years old, do the RDC’s really need changing to type A?
Even if your fusebox is relatively new, upgrading RCDs to Type A can provide enhanced protection, especially for certain circuits like those supplying sockets outdoors or in bathrooms. It is worth considering the upgrade for improved safety and compliance with current standards.
BS7671, the UK wiring regulations, now recommend the use of Type A RCDs (Residual Current Devices) over Type AC RCDs due to their increased sensitivity to alternating currents, including pulsating DC components. This change ensures better protection against various electrical faults, including those involving electronic and variable speed drives that may not be adequately detected by Type AC RCDs.
Even if your fusebox is relatively new, upgrading RCDs to Type A can provide enhanced protection, especially for certain circuits like those supplying sockets outdoors or in bathrooms. It is worth considering the upgrade for improved safety and compliance with current standards.
Do you offer a warranty?
Yes, we offer a 3 year warrant on all our work.
Are you insured and registered?
Yes we are insured with £2m public liability and £250k professional indemnity insurance. And registered with NAPIT.
How often should my electrical installation by checked?
Electrical installations should be checked periodically to ensure safety and compliance with regulations. It is generally recommended to have an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) conducted every 5 to 10 years. In a rental property an EICR will need to be conducted at each change of tenancy.
What is earthing and bonding?
Earthing and bonding are crucial for electrical safety. Earthing provides a path for fault currents to safely dissipate, while bonding connects all metal parts of an electrical installation to prevent electric shocks in case of a fault.
What is surge protection and do I need it?
Surge protection safeguards your electrical devices and appliances from voltage spikes or surges in the electrical system, preventing damage and potential hazards.
While surge protection is not mandatory, it can significantly reduce the risk of damage to sensitive electronic equipment. Consider installing surge protection, especially if you have valuable electronics or live in an area prone to electrical surges. Most home insurance policies also now require it in order to protect your electronics.
The electrical wiring regulations state:
Protection against transient overvoltages shall be provided where the consequence caused by overvoltage effects results in: Serious injury to, or loss of, human life. Interruption of public services and/or damage to cultural heritage.
Do I need an EICR before upgrading my fuseboard?
It’s advisable to have an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) conducted before upgrading your fuse box to assess the overall safety and condition of your electrical installation, this also identifies any potential problems that could arise when installing new RCBOs onto the existing circuits that may have neutral – earth faults. It also outlines what needs to be done to make sure the installation is fully compliant.
What is an RCD?
An RCD (Residual Current Device) is a safety device designed to quickly disconnect the power supply when it detects a fault to prevent electric shocks or fires. Pretty much every circuit in your home should have RCD protection now.