Self employed Electrician set up query

Mr_deep_:

1. If some1 has already laid the cables and I'm just connecting up the sockets - Can this be classed as non notifiable? Would I be OK doing a minor works certificate for it?

Regardless of the division of labour, if it's a new circuit or a modification in a bathroom etc, then in theory its notifiable; if not, then its not.

wallywombat:

Mr_deep_:

1. If some1 has already laid the cables and I'm just connecting up the sockets - Can this be classed as non notifiable? Would I be OK doing a minor works certificate for it?

Regardless of the division of labour, if it's a new circuit or a modification in a bathroom etc, then in theory its notifiable; if not, then its not.

Cheers mate - that makes sense. Can only hope the works have already been registered - otherwise from what I understand, i would need to charge for labc inspection.. Which he won't want to pay for im sure.. 

Legh Richardson:

New cables installed but not connected and operational are still part of the first fix. When you make the connections then it becomes part of the second fix and it becomes your responsibility to inspect, test, commission and complete the electrical Insatallation certification. It cannot be a minor works because its not a direct replacement for an existing circuit as it didn't exist in the first place.

If you feel that you have to pay the notification fee to the LBC as part of your initial assessment then I suggest you find another self assessment scheme.

Legh

Thanks Legh for your response - you did lose me at " if you feel you have to pay the fee...... find another self assessment scheme"


I've always worked for other companies and never dealt with building control, this will be my first job under my new company working legit in someone else's home (rather than for myself or a mate)


the installation, test n certification isn't a problem - its the notification side of things that is throwing me off.. 


I thought it was my responsibility as the electrician to notify the council of the works im doing on said dwelling, in order for them to inspect at 1st and then 2nd fix...

 

the installation, test n certification isn't a problem - its the notification side of things that is throwing me off.. 


I thought it was my responsibility as the electrician to notify the council of the works im doing on said dwelling, in order for them to inspect at 1st and then 2nd fix...

 

You don't say who you are working for i.e the home owner or you are sub contracting to a Builder carrying out work on a property and you are just doing the electrical work.


Assuming you are directly employed by the home owner, as the installer, it is your responsibility to notify the LABC (assuming the work is notifiable) and when completed certify that the installation complys with the regs. What happens when LABC receive the notification depends on your competency. If you have appropriate training and qualification for the work (say C&G 2382, 2392-10 etc) then the LABC may accept your Certification (EIC or MEIWC as appropriate) and provide the homeowner with a Building Control Certificate. If you're not qualified to do installation, inspection, testing etc then the LABC may require an independent Inspector to carry out EICR; that's when it gets expensive!


If you're working for a builder, just issue your EIC to them; they will be dealing with LABC, although they may come back to you for evidence of your competency to carry out the work. As before, if LABC aren't satisfied that the installer is competent to issue the EIC, they may request independant EICR and Bob the Builder may not be very happy with getting hit with a bill from building control. If Bob is a close friend or a large angry type, you may want to clarify with LABC what you need to do to prove competancy first, then Bob won't get any shocks later (or you won't f Bob tries to hit you with something large and heavy when he gets the EICR bill!)


Once your a part of a Registered Person scheme (such as NICEIC Domestic Installer) things will be much more straight forward. You will already have proved your competency, as the Scheme will check out your training, qual's, experience, insurance etc. When you carry out work, you just send details to your Scheme (and usually a small fee for admin). Worth noting that you don't have to be a member of a Registered Persons Scheme; makes life a bit easier on the paperwork side and you get to stick another fancy name on your van which may make you more marketable. Downside is fees to join the scheme, hoops to jump through to join and you will get a yearly visit from the scheme to check you're doing things correctly (but then of course you are!)


Hope this helps and yes, the whole process is way more complicated then it really should be. 

Andy Mounsey:

the installation, test n certification isn't a problem - its the notification side of things that is throwing me off.. 


I thought it was my responsibility as the electrician to notify the council of the works im doing on said dwelling, in order for them to inspect at 1st and then 2nd fix...

 

You don't say who you are working for i.e the home owner or you are sub contracting to a Builder carrying out work on a property and you are just doing the electrical work.


Assuming you are directly employed by the home owner, as the installer, it is your responsibility to notify the LABC (assuming the work is notifiable) and when completed certify that the installation complys with the regs. What happens when LABC receive the notification depends on your competency. If you have appropriate training and qualification for the work (say C&G 2382, 2392-10 etc) then the LABC may accept your Certification (EIC or MEIWC as appropriate) and provide the homeowner with a Building Control Certificate. If you're not qualified to do installation, inspection, testing etc then the LABC may require an independent Inspector to carry out EICR; that's when it gets expensive!


If you're working for a builder, just issue your EIC to them; they will be dealing with LABC, although they may come back to you for evidence of your competency to carry out the work. As before, if LABC aren't satisfied that the installer is competent to issue the EIC, they may request independant EICR and Bob the Builder may not be very happy with getting hit with a bill from building control. If Bob is a close friend or a large angry type, you may want to clarify with LABC what you need to do to prove competancy first, then Bob won't get any shocks later (or you won't f Bob tries to hit you with something large and heavy when he gets the EICR bill!)


Once your a part of a Registered Person scheme (such as NICEIC Domestic Installer) things will be much more straight forward. You will already have proved your competency, as the Scheme will check out your training, qual's, experience, insurance etc. When you carry out work, you just send details to your Scheme (and usually a small fee for admin). Worth noting that you don't have to be a member of a Registered Persons Scheme; makes life a bit easier on the paperwork side and you get to stick another fancy name on your van which may make you more marketable. Downside is fees to join the scheme, hoops to jump through to join and you will get a yearly visit from the scheme to check you're doing things correctly (but then of course you are!)


Hope this helps and yes, the whole process is way more complicated then it really should be. 

Awesome! Thanks Andy, this is a big help. 


I am working directly for the home owner but he has a builder on site so will check to see if he is in communication with the LABC and if whether i can leave the EIC with him -  I will also double check with the LACB if they are happy with my qualifications and experience to sign off the certificates without additional testing on their part, in order to reduce the chances of getting hit with a bill / boulder lol

Mr_deep_:

. . . If some1 has already laid the cables and I'm just connecting up the sockets - Can this be classed as non notifiable? Would I be OK doing a minor works certificate for it? . . . 

This is actually needs more thought. If the cables have already been put in the walls, what you are talking about is adopting someone else’s part installation as your own. Do you know the routes, do you know they have been installed underaged? Will you risk your reputation / insurance on it? This all needs thinking about. 


Regards,


Alan. 

Alan Capon:

Mr_deep_:

. . . If some1 has already laid the cables and I'm just connecting up the sockets - Can this be classed as non notifiable? Would I be OK doing a minor works certificate for it? . . . 

This is actually needs more thought. If the cables have already been put in the walls, what you are talking about is adopting someone else’s part installation as your own. Do you know the routes, do you know they have been installed underaged? Will you risk your reputation / insurance on it? This all needs thinking about. 


Regards,


Alan. 

This is a very good point Alan thank you - im meeting the client on Wednesday so will definately find out some more information then - routes and installation methods etc..