opinions needed

[consumer done over]

Dear all,

I recently moved into a property (which needs a rewire) where I found out that there was no earthing and the RCD test button was not working.

Being extremly worried about my family's safety I wanted it sorted before Christmas so after ringing 10 sparks I got a reccomen from a friend and got someone to replace the RCD and put earthing in. The guy assured me he was compliant with all the self cert stuff.

How wrong was I getting this guy. He has provided a BRM2 form which says the work is certified to BS7671 but I have had no proof of self certification / BC stuff. I've checked with all self cert providers and there is no record of this person on their databases so in effect I am now in breach of BC regs.

My plan is to have the property rewired in the New Year and have had quotes for this from properly registered sparks.
I have decided to have this RCD and earthing done again as part of the rewire in order for the whole system to be self-certified to BC.

I am worried about the interim period between now and the re-wire. Would BC prosecute me if they found out that for a month I had non-compliant equipment in my house?
By the end of Jan the non compliant stuff will have gone so I am hoping that even if they find out they will have the common sense to understand that I've done what I can to rectify the work.
I know I could get the work certified retrospectively but this would involve a fee and inspections by BC. It is better for me to have it replaced by the guy doing the rewire. Am i doing the right thing?

Your opinion would be appreciated.

 

[ebee]

I wouldn`t worry too much.
Even if LABC found out (which is unlikely unless you tell `em) , they are in some ways at least pretty human, you`ve been reasonable and are going to be reasonable in your approach to the situation so stop worrying and have a happy new year.

You might want to consider taking issue with the person who`s caused you this worry in the first place and that`s up to you to do something about it if you see fit.

Providing the RCD and (maybe) earthing you mention is up to scratch it will probably be left as it is by a future installer.

 

[Lectrician]

Earthing or bonding? Bonding is not notifiable, and neither is replacing like for like.

For a month, I see little problem.

Have you given time for the BCO notification to come through?

 

[consumer done over]

Earthing or bonding? Bonding is not notifiable, and neither is replacing like for like.

For a month, I see little problem.

Have you given time for the BCO notification to come through?

I thought replacing a CU was notifiable.
It appears he is not able to self-certity and I don't think he would have given notice beforehand considering he told me COULD self certify.

 

[Lectrician]

Didn't realise it was a hole CU - thought you said he changed an RCD.

 

[consumer done over]

Didn't realise it was a hole CU - thought you said he changed an RCD.

sorry i should have said it was the whole CU.

 

[Lectrician]

For a CU change, all circuits should have been certificated on an Installation Completion Certificate. The BCO would be informed electronically over the interent (usually), and they would then take upto a month to issue a BCO certificate directly to you.

If he can not self certify, you would not recieve this.

The installation sounds safer than it was, and a month passes quickly!

Any chance of some photos? Of the CU and meter area, and that ever earthing he did?

 

[consumer done over]

Yes I got an install certificate for compliance with BS7671.

I'm pretty sure now that he did not give notice beforehand as he told me he could self-certify but no additional certificate (or copy of it) was given to me since.
Besides he charged 280 quid for the job. I'm pretty sure the fee would have been higher if he had included notification fees to BC (in case he wished to give notice beforehand).
His name does not appear on any of the providers such as ELCSA etc etc.

But as you say rewire is coming soon so that should put the matter to bed anyhow and will not worry for a month of non-compliance.

 

[DESL]

Have you looked him up here

http://www.competentperson.co.uk/

 

[consumer done over]

Have you looked him up here

http://www.competentperson.co.uk/[/QUOTE]

Yes and he is not there