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What work am I legally allowed to do

Former Community Member
Former Community Member
Hello,


I have been working in the electrical sector since 2013. I came into it late as a career change because I was interested in renewables, and I was too old to get an apprenticeship, so I've had to learn by doing the 2330 and 17th edition, and getting practical experience as an electrician's mate or improver on construction sites. I've gathered all the evidence for my NVQ Level 3, but I failed my AM2 last year and I am now preparing to re-take it. I have a JIB card, up to last year I was designated: "Experienced Worker", but for some reason when I had to update it, it was changed to: "Electrical Labourer".


I had a 5 month job on a site near to my home which I very much enjoyed, but I was laid off when no longer needed in early February, and I've now been out of work for five weeks. As there's no sign of a job, I'm now thinking of working for myself, but I'm being careful. I did a little bit of work for myself in 2016 to 2017, but I eventually gave up because I wasn't making enough money and I was limited to doing sockets and lights, I couldn't legally test, inspect or sign work off in accordance with Part P. I wouldn't be able to take out insurance right now.


Do any experienced members who've worked for themselves know what range of work, if any, I can legally do without insurance and with a JIB Electrical Labourer card? I'm asking because I have always found it very frustrating in the electrical trade to know exactly what you can and can't do, my college, my tutors, training websites and even the JIB always seem to tell you different things. 

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    I refering to NICEIC contractors etc as an example doing EICRs Geoff. I was not meaning you need to be registered such or with any scheme etc to do an EICR
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    No Jaymack you do not need o registered/approved to do an EICR
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    ebee:

    No Jaymack you do not need o registered/approved to do an EICR




    Yes that is correct, you may find some insurers will insist on NIC certs and County Councils sometimes do, but that is their own "house rules"

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    Unless perhaps the law is a bit different in Scotland or Northern Ireland
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    ebee:

    No Jaymack you do not need o registered/approved to do an EICR




    But you do if you are received a reward, and misleading the public as to your credentials.?


    Ben Dover.

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    No not even for a reward such as £££s.


    But you must do it diligently and properly though.


    In fact I am now free to do electrical installation work not to BS7671 if I choose to because I am no longer contractually obliged to do so as a scheme member. There is no law obliging me to do so
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    Back to the original question - 'What work am I legally allowed to do?'

    Quite simply, any work you wish to do.

    Just follow the rules and guidance.

    Work without any form of insurance? Not a great idea - forget the schemes for a moment - I get a 2 million public liability policy for £190 a year. Surely you can afford that? Try Trade Direct.

    No need to join a scheme at all, in fact I have never joined one myself - you must realise that the so-called schemes are just that, schemes to make money for those who run the schemes.

    It has absolutely nothing to do with your personal skill levels - nothing to do with supposed 'enhanced electrical safety and higher standards nor customer warranties. This is just mktg w--k and should be dismissed as such.

    They never dismiss anyone from the schemes unless the scheme itself is the target of fraud - never mind the customer or any other parties.

    As a minimum, you need to get an inspection and inspection and testing course/exam under your belt

    Having the skill to inspect and test, and to possess a valid insurance policy are the prerequisites before beginning to trade independently.

    Not only this, but it is morally the right thing to do. Cover yourself and cover your customers.

    Forget the schemes - they are all fur coat and no knickers who promise the world, yet only ever provide a handful of soil.
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    I would never consider doing work for anyone without PLI or indeed doing a EICR without PII or wiring to other than BS7671. But I could do so  if I chose to
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    But you do if you are received a reward, and misleading the public as to your credentials.



    Eh? Since when as buying insurance been a credential? Unless you specifically claim to have insurance when you don't then there's no misleading surely?


       - Andy.

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    I too have never been a member of a scheme, most of my work is commercial / industrial, no one apart from an letting agent has asked for proof of insurance, once I was knocked back for a PIR on factory by the insurer who wanted NIC but after faxing my certs 2391 etc they relented, as for PLI I have a tradesman policy from AXA, from memory less than £100 including a small life insurance, my agent has told me many times the PI insurance for a tradesman is a waste of money

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