What is the NICEIC?

The National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC) is the independent consumer safety regulatory body for the electrical contracting industry. Its sole purpose is to protect users of electricity against unsafe and unsound electrical installations.

How does it do this?

The Niceic maintains a register (Roll) of electrical contractors it has approved. NICEIC Approved Contractors are inspected annually to check that they meet the Council's safety standards. By using an Approved Contractor you are assured that the work carried out is safe.

Should I receive a certificate or report for electrical work carried out by an Approved Contractor?

Yes. The National Electrical Safety Standard (British Standard 7671 - the IEE Wiring Regulations) requires that an appropriate certificate or report be issued on completion of all electrical work, including the inspection of existing installations.

Is there an NICEIC complaints procedure?

Yes. If a customer and an Approved Contractor are unable to resolve a dispute about an alleged deficiency in the technical standard of electrical work, a complaint may be registered with the NICEIC by the customer. Where a complaint is substantiated, the deficiency is rectified at no additional cost to the customer.

How do I find an NICEIC Approved Contractor?

Approved Contractors display the NICEIC Certification Mark in their web sites, advertisements, and on their stationery and vehicles. A list of Approved Contractors may be obtained from the NICEIC, or by visiting the NICEIC website at: www.niceic.org.uk, which includes further information about electrical safety and how the NICEIC can help you.

TrustMark approved tradesmen : key benefits

What is TrustMark?

TrustMark is a quality mark which operates a framework under which 30 plus scheme operators work in the RMI (repair, maintenance and improvement) sector, including trade associations, local government trading standards teams, and independent scheme operators. These schemes are approved to carry the TrustMark logo and recruit reputable and trustworthy tradesmen. This enables the TrustMark scheme operators to promote improved RMI sector standards, and tackle related issues such as better enforcement. All of these scheme operators are audited annually by TrustMark, to ensure processes, standards and complaint procedures are being maintained.

What makes selecting TrustMark tradesmen so worthwhile?

• A firm's technical skills have been independently checked through regular on-site inspections, as well as checks on their trading record and financial status;

• Firms have signed up to a code of practice that includes insurance, good health and safety practices and customer care;

• The approved scheme operator has checked and will continue to monitor the firm's quality of work, trading practices and customer satisfaction;

• Firms are able to offer an Insurance Backed Warranty;

• Deposit Protection Insurance is available for consumers in the event a firm should cease trading;

• Firms will be able to tell you about any building regulations you must comply with and may also be able to provide appropriate certificates;

• If you have a problem or disagreement with the firm, there will be a clear and user-friendly complaints procedure to help resolve the issue;

8. The scheme is fully supported by Government, the building industry and consumer protection groups.

• All of these checks will give you - Peace of Mind

If a firm displays our TrustMark logo you know that we have approved and inspected the firm through one of our scheme operators and found that the firm meets the required Government endorsed criteria as described above.
Important Note: When employing a TrustMark tradesman always check they are 'licensed' for all the trades / work you are asking them to carry out. This can be done by looking on our website by searching under the 'trade' then 'their company name' and finally 'more information' - you will then see a list of the 'only' trades that the firm is licensed for under the protection and standards offered by TrustMark..

The ESC are an independent charity that’s dedicated to keeping people safe by reducing the risk of electrical accidents around the home and in the work place.

Visit their site at: www.esc.org.uk

Below are a selection of videos that may be of interest to you.

 

Since 1 Jan 2005 electrical work in domestic dwellings comes under the control of Local authority building control. Under the building act building work must comply with building standards. Each section comes under a set of regulations and each set is given a letter. A = structural B = fire regulations E = noise L = conservation of energy. N = glazing and P = electrical work.
Part P basically states that all work must be designed, installed, tested, inspected and certified in accordance with BS 7671 the IEE wiring regulations. Domestic electrical work must be completed by registered competent persons or by competent persons whose work is verified by local authority building control departments.

AN ELECTRICAL ACCIDENT CAN KILL YOU

Every year in the UK about 70 people die and 1.2 million are injured in electrical accidents at home. The good news is that many injuries and deaths could be prevented by having RCD protection – whether by using a plug-in adapter or, better still, getting it installed in your sockets or consumer unit (fusebox).
RCD protection will switch off the electricity in a fraction of a second if you get an electric shock. Having a modern consumer unit fitted with RCDs gives you the best protection because they usually cover all the wiring, sockets and appliances in your home. Check whether your consumer unit has RCD protection by looking for the 'T' button and label stating 'test quarterly'. If it has these, it's likely you're already protected.
If you don't have RCD protection, ask your electrician for a quote.
Like a smoke detector, it could save your life.