Local authority - inspect and test

[andyandy2]

Just wondering how local authorities up and down the country are dealing with anyone who wants to do their own electrical work notified through building control,
Do they use their own staff or do they use electrical contractors, what inspection and testing is carried out using this route

 

[ban-all-sheds]

It varies, there's no standard procedure.

Quite a few won't inspect and test themselves, nor will they sub it to a 3rd party at their expense, despite collecting the notification fee - they make the applicant arrange and pay for an electrician to inspect the work.

 

[flameport]

They don't, because in virtually 100% of cases, the work is done without any notification. This is because:

1. Most people do not know of the requirement to notify

2. People think they know, but get it wrong (doing the work and then getting an electrician to check afterwards is the most common mistake). They then discover their error, and that it will cost dearly to rectify, so don't bother.

3. Those that do know either:
a. are discouraged by the disproportionate costs involved
b. decide that no one will ever know, so why bother
c. both a and b.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

4. Seeing councils themselves breaking the law and contravening the explicit guidance in Approved Document P does not tend to dispose people to comply themselves.

 

[Johnmelad502]

It varies, there's no standard procedure.

they make the applicant arrange and pay for an electrician to inspect the work.

Is that legal?

 

[ban-all-sheds]

No.

 

[Johnmelad502]

No.

So what can you do about it?

 

[andyandy2]

So if the authority choose to use a sub-contract electrician what testing is done is a PIR acceptable, to satisfy Part P requirements

 

[ban-all-sheds]

So what can you do about it?

Complain, make it clear that you know what the rules are, and hope they give in.

Sue them if they don't give in.

Give in.

Don't notify.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

So if the authority choose to use a sub-contract electrician what testing is done is a PIR acceptable, to satisfy Part P requirements

That's up to them, but probably. It wouldn't be realistic to expect the I&T part of an EIC.

 

[333rocky333]

Do they use their own staff or do they use electrical contractors,

A friend of mine works for a large contractors that do all the local council install and repairs, he also does the inspections for them.

The same firm do various boroughs round essex, most of there employees previously worked for the boroughs and were reemployed by this other firm, when they started to sub out all the work.

 

[Paul_C]

Don't notify.

And spend the £100 to £200 you save on something that will actually do you some good, like better quality electrical fittings.

 

[Taylortwocities]

And spend the £100 to £200 you save on something that will actually do you some good, like better quality electrical fittings.

Or use a registered electrician to do the work - now there's something that will actually do you some good

 

[Paul_C]

Or use a registered electrician to do the work - now there's something that will actually do you some good

Maybe, maybe not. The quality of workmanship of some registered electricians leaves a lot to be desired.

 

[Taylortwocities]

Hence the " "