Handyman doing electrical works?

[Hedgie]

Just been thinking about the replacement of plug sockets, light fittings and switches etc and after a bit of research I have realised that maybe i shouldn't be doing it

I know I can do it in terms of the practicality of it but legally should i refrain from electrical work? I am not a qualified electrician and not registered on the competent persons scheme etc so am I right in thinking that I should obtain a Domestic Installers qualification before offering this service?

 

[fisicx]

If you aren't registered and cannot issue the required certificates then don't even think about doing it. Same with plumbing, gas and even some building works. If are authorised to issued a certificicate of competion or compliance then stay well away.

 

[Hedgie]

It's a bit of a funny one. You can change sockets or switches like for like but not put extra new ones in but who's to say the like for like ones are put in correctly !!

 

[PerfectP]

As you've stated, so long as your changing like for like then there isn't a problem.
My first job many years ago was wiring up generators, running three phase cabling and switchgear etc and still continue to keep my hand in so to speak.
However, I would never claim to be a qualified electrician and don't take any payment for keeping my tools dirty.
I had a conversation once with a council inspector who said what happens inside peoples houses is down to them, no one can effectively police the rules and regulations.
It wouldn't hurt to get qualified especially as this does give your customers an added comfort/piece of mind, it also wouldn't hurt to have some insurance, just in case the worst happens.

 

[fisicx]

It's the insurance bit that you need covering for. I'm sure you will do a good job but it's not your house you are fixing, it's somebody elses. And if something does go wrong they will point the finger at you. The people next door are selling and they have had to find the installation certificates for all the work that has been carried out.

 

[roydmoorian]

Probably wouldn't have too much bother with replacing the odd lightswitch like for like, but whatever you do steer clear of Electric Showers and Instant Heaters unless you can get proper insurance.

Water mixed with Electrics need special attention.

 

[PDW Electrical Services]

I would limit yourself to the small electrical jobs you need to do to get on with jobs within your scope of work

You have got to be very careful here, a plumber friend of mine replaced an electrical heater, small simple job

around 6 months later it caught fire, everything pointed to a faulty fire, but as he was not qualified and therefore couldn't prove he was competent, and also was not registered, he got stuffed for it, insurance wouldnt pay him out!

Manufacturers threw it back at him and didnt want to know

Insurance wont cover you if you cant prove your competant at what your doing, sure they will sell you the insurance but when it hits the fan and you try to claim they will hang you out to dry

Chances are you'll be ok but if the worst does happen you've got to ask yourself if its worth it!

Id rather sleep sound at night

For the cost of becoming suitably qualified and registered as a competent installer just to change a few sockets and switches, i doubt it will be worthwhile youll be looking at thousands of pounds plus ongoing costs every year

 

[PDW Electrical Services]

I had a conversation once with a council inspector who said what happens inside peoples houses is down to them, no one can effectively police the rules and regulations.

I doubt there solicitor would have the same opinion! Lol!

If anybody was hurt in a fire or electrocuted then you would be in a very bad place my friend

It wouldn't hurt to get qualified especially as this does give your customers an added comfort/piece of mind, it also wouldn't hurt to have some insurance, just in case the worst happens.

Lol...it wouldnt hurt!....i would say its absolutely essential!!

if your not qualified and not insured at work your undertaking in somebody's house and charging them for it, then this makes you a chancer/cowboy and you should leave it alone!

 

[Karllacey]

I will echo what everyone else has said here, whilst the majority of certifications are common sense in terms of process, from my insurance claims background you will be stuffed. Furthermore if it causes injury or fatality, I know of instances where it becomes a criminal matter and believe it or not, people have been imprisoned over errors of installation (that's from my construction background).

If you go for ANY job in the construction industry, you need to ensure that you cross the t's and dot the i's as it can come back and bite you.

A potential loophole in this is general maintenance of property i.e. a handyman, although I have not got so much in depth experience into the qualifications that are required.

An alternative option to pursue is for you to win the work, and if you feel that you are treading on dangerous ground, sub it out to someone who is qualified and take your cream off the top.

 

[Lentinus]

Drop a line to the very friendly folk on http://talk.electricianforum.co.uk/ they can give you excellent advice - if it is not there already.
...And bizarrely (if he is still posts there), there is a vet to answer all your pet problems too!

 

[Hedgie]

Thanks for the replies.

I am insured and have checked through it but nothing mentioned regarding not doing electrical works.
Had a quick chat to local Building Control about this and they are happy for me to change sockets, switches and light fittings but I agree with what was said earlier regarding potential fire risk etc. If something did go wrong the insurance would probably be quick to exploit the competent person side of things and reject any claim.

Again, the cost of doing the course etc is around £2k- £3k so a bit prohibitive for a one man band until sufficient work has been secured. to pay for it.