Electrical certificate

Beerbaron · 28 May 2016 at 10:18

We had a company install new spot lights and cabling in 4 rooms in our flat last year. He was a mate of a mate. Before installation we were told we would get an electrical certificate for the work. A year on and no certificate. We have chased the company and have been told the paper work was sent off but there was a back log.

Where do we stand having no certificate for the work carried out? We currently own the flat and are likely to sell it in a few years. Its not rented out as we currently live there.

Thanks.

Zefan · 28 May 2016 at 10:21

I recieved zero paperwork regarding the cabling in my house when I bought it. It being over 130 years old, I'm quite sure some electrical work has been done

I wouldn't worry about it if I were you. Then again, I am not an electrician/estate agent.

Beerbaron · 28 May 2016 at 10:27

Whats the point of the certificate then?

FNG · 28 May 2016 at 10:58

If you are worried then find out the organisation they are part of that allows them to self certify and contact them.

Zefan · 28 May 2016 at 11:12

Beerbaron said:
Whats the point of the certificate then?

In terms of worrying about future sale of the property, nothing. Do you have a certificate for all the rest of the electrics in your property? If not, are you worried about that? The only time I'd be worried about any certificate stuff - personally - is when performing major development like a loft conversion or extension that requires building regulations to sign off on it.

Beerbaron · 28 May 2016 at 11:41

It is a new build flat which is about 7 years old and we have been the only owners. There are no other electrical changes made to the property. My wife seems to think if we sell it we need to have a certificate for the work.

Skillmister · 28 May 2016 at 11:49

See https://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showpost.php?p=29546447&postcount=2099

It will probably come up if you disclose the work in the property forms (which obviously you should

)

Indemnity insurance will cost an insignificant amount which is all they will probably ask for if you don't have the certificate.

Zefan · 28 May 2016 at 11:51

I have no idea about new builds but I can't see any potential buyer backing out from the lack of a certificate for the install of some lights and associated cabling. Is any of it in a bathroom or kitchen? Have a look here under Q.5, it details what is "non-notifiable" under part P. electrical.theiet.org/building-regulations/part-p/faqs.cfm

Beerbaron · 28 May 2016 at 11:58

Lights were installed in the living room, hallway and 2 bedrooms. There were 20+ lights installed. I have no issues with the quality of the work plus the company mainly do industry installations.

Zefan · 28 May 2016 at 12:01

Do you know if it's part of an existing circuit, or is this a new one?

Beerbaron · 28 May 2016 at 12:24

It was part of an existing circuit. Just cables and light fittings.

Lopéz · 28 May 2016 at 20:25

Nobody will (or should) care

I've never seen any sort of paperwork for any house I've bought or sold regarding electrics or gas.

Borealis · 28 May 2016 at 20:59

I just had some electrical work done on the house I bought in January. If it's a modicfication of an existing circuit, you don't need a certificate (according to my electrician). If you have new circuits added, you do need a certificate.

BigBoy · 28 May 2016 at 22:43

Borealis said:
I just had some electrical work done on the house I bought in January. If it's a modicfication of an existing circuit, you don't need a certificate (according to my electrician). If you have new circuits added, you do need a certificate.

This, Major changes to the RCD/Breaker board need to be certified, small changed like adding lighting to an existing ring does not.

Beer_MonsterUK · 28 May 2016 at 23:19

at most, a 1 page minor works certificate should be issued for each circuit modified.

It should be issued, but i wouldn't be getting my panties in a twist about it.

Amp34 · 29 May 2016 at 03:40

Lopéz said:
Nobody will (or should) know

Fixed that for you.

Unless you tell them then it's unlikely anyone will pick up on any electrical work like that as not being from original construction in such a new house. There may be a chance potential buyers may notice if the estate you are in is cookie cutter and they have been into other houses but that's unlikely.

All that matters is whether it's been done properly and the right authorities informed (if needed).

ZG002 · 29 May 2016 at 10:37

Borealis said:
I just had some electrical work done on the house I bought in January. If it's a modicfication of an existing circuit, you don't need a certificate (according to my electrician). If you have new circuits added, you do need a certificate.

BigBoy said:
This, Major changes to the RCD/Breaker board need to be certified, small changed like adding lighting to an existing ring does not.

Minor works electrical cert should be issued, your info is incorrect.

Would I worry about it? Not really.

mattyg · 29 May 2016 at 11:10

So doing a full house rewire yourself shouldn't worry you either...............

Its ok a sparky called steve did it....Got his number out the paper

Lopéz · 29 May 2016 at 11:25

mattyg said:
So doing a full house rewire yourself shouldn't worry you either...............

Its ok a sparky called steve did it....Got his number out the paper

Nobody has rewired a house themselves, stop sensationalising.

With that said, if you bought a house that had been fully rewired by the owner you wouldn't know anyway.

ZG002 · 29 May 2016 at 11:38

mattyg said:
So doing a full house rewire yourself shouldn't worry you either...............

Its ok a sparky called steve did it....Got his number out the paper

If I did a full rewire myself, no I'd not worry. Infact I plan to do just that.

If someone else did it then I'd want a cert yeah, but tbh half the time what's written on said cert is half made up anyway.

Most smaller electrical companies barely factor in any time for an actual test of the install after, the margins are that tight these days, safety suffers.