Self employed Electrician set up query

Hi Dennis thank you for getting back to me, the good advice and directing the post, which has now had some very useful responces. I have just worked out how to find the posts and reply so starting from the top. Have looked for funding but nothing come up as of yet however i will look into the your suggestions. I have had a nightmare trying to speak to NIC due to COVID but there is plenty for me to get on with in the meantime and hopefully they will be taking calls again soon. Thank again for your reply :)

When I set up on my own - the NICEIC would not even consider me for approved contractor status or for enrolment for 2 years.........Any work I had carried out when employed were not to be considered even if I could prove I'd done the job entirely on my own. Some stuff I was very proud of too and still am, 15 years later. They'll still be there -some of them - as the best ones were Thames Water pump stations. Remote ones. 


In that two years as a limited company with insurance, I had to find a range of commercial and domestic works that did not require me to be a part of a governing body, do everything correctly with certificates and presented those jobs for consideration to join as an approved contractor. I'm sure there are plenty of jobs that don't need any governing body to be involved.

Just to add to AJs reply, whatever route you take I would think it prudent to hold on to and maintain your ECS card. It provides an added degree of flexibility should you have need to sub in a site where workforce competency measures are in operation. Personally I would avoid the domestic stuff but in the early days of self-employment the doors that open may not offer much in the way of choice. Regardless of direction just be the best you can be. Our industry needs good guys.

The very best of luck to you.

Legally, you don't need anything to go out and work as an electrician - it's not a protected title, unlike say an architect.


Sensibly you should be able to show that you're able to work to the wiring regs and have some insurance - but that's really to protect yourself or to meet customer's requirements rather than any legal obligation. Some customers like the reassurance of some big well known organisation being there to vouch for you - but others are less bothered.


When it comes to building regulations - some work is notifiable (under part P) - which of itself doesn't make a legal difference (anyone can still carry out any electrical work) but economically it makes a lot more sense to be a member of a Competent Persons Scheme and be able to self-notify (and self-certify) for building regs (it's usually a couple quid per job via the scheme) rather than having to notify via the local council (or perhaps a 3rd party building inspector) where the cost is likely to start at over £200 per job even for the smallest job.


Note that part P of the building regs (and all the notification that goes with it) only applies to domestic installations - not to commercial or industrial ones. Some of the Schemes operate differing types of membership as a result - some (predating the building regs) concentrate on a wide range of electrical work and have just tagged on the ability to self-certify for domestics as an extra, other are solely domestic memberships and don't cover you for say commercial or industrial installations.  Likewise support for performing periodic inspections and issuing EICRs may or may not be included, You pays your money and you takes your choice.


You correctly identify a snag in that it's tricky to do some notifiable work in order to show it to a scheme before you can become a member. In theory you could get around this by notifying (in advance) through your local building control dept and paying their fee (£200+++). Most recognise that that's a bit unreasonable and as scheme members have the privilege of notifying after the event (by several tens of days) the accepted practice is to go ahead and do the work and then notify retrospectively once you've been accepted as a member. Even if you fail the assessment the first time you should still have time to notify once you have passed (just try not to fail repeatedly...)


   - Andy.

Topic moved to the 'Wiring and the Regulations' category.

Hello, Mr Deep. I am sorry to see that you have had no response so far, so maybe I can help a little.


Yes, you will need liability insurance.


It is not essential for a contractor to be a member of a governing body. However, membership of the NICEIC would be a good career target, it would enhance your status as a contractor. Of course they will want to inspect your work. Have you enquired about whether they could inspect work you have already done for people?


Since you have been doing the work for many years, I presume you know the market, potential customers and how you could engage. Some towns have a small business support and start-up centre, which could give assistance, particularly on account keeping. Your Citizens' Advice Bureau or bank could give you some leads. Also look at on-line job sites. Job agencies can be useful too.


My discipline in later career migrated to electronics and IT.


I recommend that you re-post this in the "Wiring and Regulations" section, which is read by a large number of experienced electrical contractors, who, I expect, could give you far more advice than I can.