Whether it’s having an EV charger installed or a property rewired, it’s vital you hire an electrical contractor who knows what they’re doing. This covers multiple areas, from performing safe practices to ensuring you have reliable electrics that won’t fail on you.
One of the best ways you can ensure you have safe working electrics is to choose a NICEIC approved contractor. Here’s why it’s so important to check your electrician’s accreditations.
What is NICEIC?
NICEIC is the National Inspection Council for Electrical Contracting. They’re one of the UK’s main regulators for both training and work completed by those offering electrical services. They’re approved by the Government to provide competent person schemes in the electrical industry.
NICEIC expect a high standard of work from all of their members, whether it’s meeting the right codes of practice or building regulation compliance. They also provide extra reassurance that if there was an issue with an electrical installer that wasn’t resolved, they could provide you with assistance and advice if you needed it.
You can find a NICEIC contractor near you through the search function on their website.
Why choose a NICEIC approved contractor?
There are lots of reasons to choose a NICEIC approved electrical contractor to give you peace of mind you’re dealing with a competent expert in their field.
Firstly, contractors are regularly assessed to ensure they meet the latest quality and safety standards based on their technical knowledge and competencies. This means you don’t have to worry their knowledge is out of date.
Secondly, NICEIC registered contractors are often part of building regulation schemes, which means they’re authorised to self-certify their work. This results in more efficient, easier project planning if you need building regulation approval for any electrical work required. This can save you both time and money, as well as helping you fulfil any legal obligations to ensure work completed at your property is compliant.
Thirdly, NICEIC provides a ‘Platinum Promise’, which means they rectify non-compliant work if the installer has ceased trading since job completion.
How to avoid rogue contractors
As well as checking your chosen electrical contractor is part of an official regulatory body in the UK, there are lots of other ways to check their credentials. This includes excellent sites like Checkatrade, which lets customers submit reviews about the service they've received. You can even see average scores for aspects such as tidiness, workmanship, courtesy, reliability and quote accuracy.
Every year, households across the UK get scammed by rogue traders, who often leave families out of pocket and with dangerous electrics. If a quote or price is surprisingly low, then you may want to get some other quotes to compare as if something seems too good to be true, it often is.
While you may be worried about the price of electrical installations and repairs, never attempt DIY fixes. This is highly dangerous and can lead to fires, electric shocks and system failures.
Speak to an electrical contractor now
At DTEEC, as a NICEIC approved electrical contractor, we work across areas of London and Surrey, such as Clapham, Wandsworth and Wimbledon. If you'd like a free estimate, call now on 07957 964 088.
