1. Potential Electrical Problems Tennant replaces lighting fittings on their own Tennant adds lighting point Tennant adds socket outlet point Tennant removes battery from smoke/heat detector Tennant bi-passes electric meter Too many appliances in one socket outlet Oversized lamps in lighting fittings Extension leads run across garden If downlighter lamps need changing, make sure that they are the right type

2. Darren Staniforth Darren Staniforth Technical Development Manager

3. What do we do? We register 35,000 electrical contractors Electricians registered by NICEIC and ELECSA are assessed on a regular basis to ensure that they are competent and capable of meeting the relevant technical and safety standards, codes of practice and rules of the Schemes they are registered to. All installations are inspected and tested, and relevant certificates are issued for all installation work; however minor.

4. Benefits of using a NICEIC or ELECSA Contractor Platinum Promise Protects you in the event that one of our contractors fails to meet the required building regulations or safety standards. Covers any work done for 6 years. If the contractor is no longer able to rectify work that is unsafe or does not meet the required regulations, we will commission another electrical contractor to make the work compliant, up to a maximum value of £25,000. At no additional cost to the person ordering the work.

5. Building Compliance Certificate The Platinum Promise is stated on the reverse of the NICEIC and ELECSA certificates

6. Minor Works Certificates This is a one-page certificate for an alteration and/or addition to an existing circuit. Examples would include: ► the addition of an extra socket- outlet ► lighting point to an existing circuit ► the upgrading or installation of ► main bonding

7. Electrical Installation Certificate This comprises five pages, and may be used for: ► the initial certification of a new installation ► consumer unit replacement ► new work associated with an alteration or addition to a number of circuits worked on

8. Building Regulations Part ‘P’ Part P of the Building Regulations came into force in January 2005 to ensure that electrical work carried out within a dwelling - a home or garden - is carried out by a qualified registered electrician and your local authority building control is notified of this work.

9. Periodic Inspection & Testing The main purpose of periodic inspection and testing is to detect, so far as is reasonably practical, and to report on, any factors impairing or likely to impair the safely of the electrical installation. It is an assessment of the condition of an existing electrical installation against the requirements of the Wiring Regulations at the time of the assessment.

10. Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)

11. Limitations : there are two types of limitations: Agreed Limitations must be agreed beforehand stating reasons Operational Limitations are due to circumstances that arise whilst carrying out the EICR that prevent the work being completed as agreed beforehand. Codes C1 - immediate danger C2 - potential danger C3 - requires improvement Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)

12. Overall Assessment Any observation given an classification of: C1 (danger present) or C2 (potentially dangerous) and items requiring further investigation to determine if danger or potential danger exists Will result in an overall assessment of UNSATISFACTORY in line with the ESC’s best practice guide 4

13. Frequency of Periodic Inspections For rented accommodation the recommendation is that periodic inspection and testing is carried out at least every 5 years or on the change of tenancy. When a change of tenancy occurs after a short period (for example less than 6 months) of letting, a full periodic inspection and test may not always be required.

14. Free Guidance on Condition reporting Best Practice Guide No. 4 (www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk)

15. Portable Appliance Testing As a landlord you are required to ensure all appliances such as electric kettles, fridges and washing machines provided as part of a tenancy agreement are safe. There are no specific legal requirements relating to the frequency of inspections and tests of electrical equipment. Its up to the Landlord, with appropriate advice where necessary, to assess the conditions affecting equipment, which may lead to potential damage and/or deterioration. This information should determine the maintenance plan.

16. Publications Available Now www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk

17. How to find an NICEIC or ELECSA contractor Enter your postcode and if necessary a mileage radius It will give you a list of all NICEIC and ELECSA in your area We would always suggest that you get three quotes for any work to be carried out www.niceic.com www.elecsa.co.uk

18. Why use a NICEIC or ELECSA contractor ? All installation work done by NICEIC or ELECSA contractors will meet electrical safety requirements Contractors are required to issue certificates for all their electrical work We operate a Complaints Procedure and Platinum Promise

19. Thank you for your time Q & A