Newbie saying hello and after abit of advice

[scottyboyiow]

First of all just like to say a big hello. Been a lurker for a little while, so have decided to join this sound little community you have!

As the topic suggests I am after a little bit of advice on where I stand. I'm an electrical engineer and I have me 17th ed, 2391, an NVQ level 3 in electrical maintenance, BTech ONC distinction in electrical/electronic engineering aswell as me PAT certs. However I work for a big quarrying company and am therefore not registered with NICIEC etc. The Inlaws have just bought a house that needs rewiring and have asked whether I could do it for them. So obviously I would go down the BC method with regards notification. The question I am asking is that if I go ahead with it, I cannot simply do a first fix of all circuits then second fix after BC have inspected, as they are going to be living there. So I would plan to run and fix circuits in one go. Would BC allow this or would they want to inspect each circuit after first fix? Which could seriously slow me down and cause the inlaws to do without power in certain areas at certain times. Or with my qualifications would they allow me to get on with it and pass them on an EIC at the end?

Thanks for any advice given and I hope I can return the favour in the not too distant future!

 

[Chri5]

I'd chat with the LABC guys.

Some will allow you to do as you need subject to you inspiring confidence in them.

Maybe produce a floor plan, route plan and a schedule of circuits for them, and if you state your qualifications and are happy to sign the EIC they may relax the 3rd party (or in house) inspection test criteria.

If they don't, you might be able to use photographic records to show routes you need to close up.

 

[bernardgreen]

There have been cases where the building control officer has accepted proof that a DIYer has the necessary competence to install the system correctly and has accepted the signature of the DIY person on the certificate.

In the cases I am aware of the DIY has prepared a plan of the work together with design calculations neatly presented. These are then shown to the BCO during the intial discussion as to how flexible the BCO can be be in DIY installs.

Providing the BCO accepts you pledge that you will adhere to the plan and if necessary inform him (or her) of any changes found necessary during the work then he (or she) may not insist on inspecting the work.

The problem you may have as a DIY is not having the "approved" test equipment that the BCO believes you will need.

 

[scottyboyiow]

Well there won't be routes to 'close up' as such as it is a wooden styled chalet/bungalow, so the runs will be in the loft and just dropped down to accessories behind the plasterboard. The bungalow housed workers from a factory nearby before they bought it and the wiring is a mess currently. The boiler feed goes via 4! junction boxes, its like they had odd bits of cable lying around rather then buy new.

So you don't think LABC will see my certs and allow me to get on with it, I still have to 'prove' myself to them? Or is each LABC different?

 

[scottyboyiow]

Thanks guys for your input. The test equipment won't be a problem as I have all the equipment needed as I need it for installs at work and for fault finding, all calibrated yearly. I'll have no qualms of testing and recording the results onto a test schedule and giving it to them as part of the EIC. It's just slightly annoying that I have the experience and certs but I still have to prove my ability to them, but if that the way it is, I guess thats what i'll have to do! Is there anyone out there who has been in my situation before?

 

[Chri5]

It's seems entirely reasonable that you do the work yourself and are competant to do the work.

This competance needs to be proved, so I suggest you get a face to face with the LABC take along certs of qualification and any useful further detail that you have regarding why you believe you have the skill set to be deemed as a competant.

Cert for 17th, 2391, JIB card etc and as already mentioned your floor plan, schedule of ccts, route map, design calcs should be more than enough ammo.

Lets not forget they will still want a fee and will still tooth comb the EIC.

 

[bernardgreen]

Lets not forget they will still want a fee and will still tooth comb the EIC.

Not all LABC will want the fee. I can think of two people who have carried out DIY work and after convincing the BCO they were competent were allowed to self certify and no fee was charged.

I feel that the BCOs get a bad name. In all my dealings with them they have been very helpful to DIY projects where the DIY person is seen to be honest and informed about the tasks being undertaken. They are primarily there to ensure building work is done properly to ensure as far as possible the building is safe and sound for its purpose.

When we built our house in 1980 ( my wife and I did all but the battening and slating of the roof ) the building inspector was a source of help and advice. Even to loaning me his drain test kit over the weekend to help me find an elusive air leak. It was the same when we extended the house the 1990's .

Yes there are un-informed and dangerous DIY people who the BCO very properly will try and stop. I fully support that.

 

[tonyelectric]

Totally second what Bernard says, I'm 90% commercial and didn't become registered for domestic until 1 year ago, however I had done several full re-wires and many many minor works on domestic premises before hand with BCs total help and support.

My experience of LBC is great, the LBC guy came along to look at one of my commercial jobs, a school re-wire and after that I obviously had their confidence, as long as I kept them in the loop they only charged a much reduced admin fee (£20) and only occasionally visited.

I know of several mainly commercial chaps who follow this same model, at the end of the day LBC are concerned about DIY bodgers, not trained, competent engineers who are working slightly outside of their normal field.

My strong advice would be to go to see the LBC guys in person, take a plan and proof you are trained - then if it interests you and you want to do more domestic jobs look at joining a scheme, you may not be working at the quarry for long if you catch the bug!!!

 

[Chri5]

Tony- your post just echoes what I suggested

The confidence thing with the LABC might not be instant. It varies from LABC to LABC as to how they handle the issues and how the OP with have to proceed.

I've heard tales of some LABC's instantly accepting competence, but I've also heard tales of the LABC not being confident enough to accept someone as competent until after a few separate jobs have been undertaken.

They do vary, and much as I'd like to support both your and Bernards warm feeling with the LABC's you have dealt with I'd ire on the side of caution because each LABC seems to be different from the next.