| Castles need moats | | | | supported agencies that take an active role in |
| There's an old saying that strikes a chord with | | | | raising consumer awareness about all matters |
| most people. It goes "An English man's home is his | | | | electrical. The most reputable is no upstart having |
| castle". This, of course is true regardless of | | | | been established for fifty years. |
| nationality. In the old days they built moats for | | | | Register of Competency |
| protection. Today potential threats and hazards | | | | If you want quality and competency from your |
| are far more complex. | | | | electrical contractor I urge you to check out the |
| Electrical Installations and Informed Choice | | | | register of these organisations. They are |
| I will show you how to obtain peace of mind | | | | accessible to the public and an assurance that |
| when you are obliged to undertake or check your | | | | your electrical contractor is able to undertake |
| electrical installations. Whether your field of | | | | work within the requirements of BS7671 that is |
| operation is domestic, industrial or commercial the | | | | essential for all electrical installations. What's more |
| choice of electrical contractor is crucial. Getting the | | | | is that it is government authorised. |
| strength and wisdom of trade organizations | | | | These registers are active and independent. |
| around you will enable you to make an informed | | | | Electrical contractors are assessed annually and |
| choice. Picking the wrong electrical contractor is | | | | those who infringe requirements are removed. |
| mental and the cost can be monumental! | | | | Electricians have received jail terms for, among |
| The Cost of Electrical Complaints | | | | other things, fraudulently claiming to be |
| Consumer Direct, a government funded | | | | government registered. |
| organization managed by the department of Fair | | | | Free Insurance |
| Trading received complaints about electrical | | | | If this was all that was on offer it would be |
| installations to the value of £1.6 million in | | | | enough but there's more. Many have a complaints |
| the first three months of '08 | | | | procedure where if a claim is justified they will |
| Those Risky Rogues | | | | ensure the matter is rectified at no cost to the |
| It is a fact of life that rogues, chancers and | | | | client. |
| cowboys exist and the trade papers are full of | | | | This offer covers every notified domestic |
| accounts of criminal prosecutions. We use | | | | electrical installation for a period of six years. Your |
| somewhat fancy names for these people when, | | | | registered electrical contractor will issue you with |
| in fact they are criminals taking advantage of the | | | | a Building Regulation Compliance Certificate. The |
| unwary. In doing this they are putting your life and | | | | details are on the back so it also acts as an |
| property in danger. | | | | insurance certificate! |
| The government take this most seriously | | | | Technical Support |
| particularly where electricity is concerned and | | | | If this doesn't convince you there is still more that |
| have strengthened the Corporate Manslaughter | | | | reputable organizations offer to electrical |
| Act but there is no substitute for you taking | | | | contractors that helps them protect you. There is |
| responsibility for the protection of your loved | | | | a technical help line and they encourage updating |
| ones and property. | | | | training as well as interpreting new legislation. In |
| Who are the Electrical Trade Organizations? | | | | fact insurance companies recommend using |
| Many trade organisations are government | | | | registered electrical contractors. |