How to report a bad electrician???

[Joe S]

I'm not sure if this is the right section??

I have just finished fixing a job that another electrician first started back late last year. Basically in a shortened version: A customer asked a British Gas Sub-contracted electrician to price for a Consumer Upgrade, which he did (and I have a copy of the estimate). He then came with his 'step daughter in-law' to do the works which also involved adding 4no Double Sockets, 1no Single Socket and a S.F Connection unit for Kitchen Lights. It then came to the end of the day when he turned round and said there is a fault on the ring main, I've wired it up so it won't trip and I'll come back to sort it out. He then got paid and has since, never been back! He ignores calls from the customer and so forth. I then got asked to go and have a look as they have had enough and want it sorted. I went as I was recommended to them by a previous customer. I found and rectified the fault as best as I can. It is not ideal but is now safe and protected by the RCD! I have urged them to have a full rewire at the soonest possible time. I also upgraded the bonding to the main gas and water pipes as they weren't up to scratch. I have logged my part with the BRCS and have provided a certificate where I have stated what I have done and what needs doing.

This really annoys me as I seem to be coming across this more and more of late and would like to know where to go if we wanted to log a complaint? I've tried the NIC and Chack a trade but they aren't on either.

Any help greatly appreciated.

Cheers
Joe

 

[trev]

If he has done an un notified CU change then you could try LABC but it's unlikely that they'll do anything mate

 

[Farmelectrics]

Daft question was he registered with any one

 

[i=p/u]

you could be happy your fixing his work ....

 

[MKS]

Or Trading Standards, either or

 

[Farmelectrics]

It's wrong though there should be some governing body some were who takes these killers to task

 

[i=p/u]

but with an rcd we shouldnt get a shock... so they dont care

 

[Spazz]

Check the Competent Persons Register | Home database to see if they are on there.
If they are then go to the provider they registered with
If they are not go to LABC and Trading Standards and let them deal with it - they might not do anything - apart from tell the home owner to have it tested so it can be signed off.

I have come across this a few times with both registered and unregistered electricians - not much gets done about it down here mind

 

[Dave 85]

Have you tried 999?

 

[Joe S]

Check the Competent Persons Register | Home database to see if they are on there.
If they are then go to the provider they registered with
If they are not go to LABC and Trading Standards and let them deal with it - they might not do anything - apart from tell the home owner to have it tested so it can be signed off.


I have come across this a few times with both registered and unregistered electricians - not much gets done about it down here mind

They don't appear to be on the register mate but thanks for the link, I'll keep hold of that one!

Daft question was he registered with any one

They couldn't say but his estimate is just plain A4! They're not with the NIC though as I checked.

you could be happy your fixing his work ....

I would be if I could be sure that would be the end of the problems but this appears to be a house of horrors anyway

Or Trading Standards, either or

That's what I keep thinking mate

It's wrong though there should be some governing body some were who takes these killers to task

Not well enough policed unfortunately. I'm amazed at what some people deem ok. I wouldn't be able to sleep at night if I'd done half the stuff I come across!!

 

[VoltzElectrical]

can't you go to British Gas as they subbed it out?

 

[Joe S]

can't you go to British Gas as they subbed it out?

Done as a different job mate. It seems as though he sub'ed to BG for their heating wiring. They will sort it out for a large fee apparently!

 

[VoltzElectrical]

i'd still report him to them and warn them about his shoddy approach to customer service, that is done in their name.

- - - Updated - - -

Or Trading Standards, either or

or what MKS said.

 

[Spazz]

Just to let you know the competent person is a database of all the providers - NIC, NAPIT, ECA, BSI, etc, etc, etc
Everyone who is registered will be on that database

It dont surprise me that this person is not an electrician (not registered)

Call TS and LABC to let them know that this guy is around (they might already know)

They will deal with him at their own pace - the quote that he gave will be enough evidence to say he is doing work - he made a big mistake there - they never put their name to anything not even a quote!

You have to prove he did the work so a certificate, invoice, sticker on CU with his name on it, etc but a quote is not enough


Good luck

 

[Joe S]

Just to let you know the competent person is a database of all the providers - NIC, NAPIT, ECA, BSI, etc, etc, etc
Everyone who is registered will be on that database

It dont surprise me that this person is not an electrician (not registered)

Call TS and LABC to let them know that this guy is around (they might already know)

They will deal with him at their own pace - the quote that he gave will be enough evidence to say he is doing work - he made a big mistake there - they never put their name to anything not even a quote!

You have to prove he did the work so a certificate, invoice, sticker on CU with his name on it, etc but a quote is not enough


Good luck

The only sticker on the board was the rcd instructions! I put the two colour warning sticker on today and labelled the board up for the customer. The customer did try calling them today while I was there and they answered. As soon as the customer mentioned I was there he couldn't get off the phone quick enough!! Now won't answer again, now there's a surprise!

I'll start with the two bodies you mention mate, cheers.

 

[Farmelectrics]

What about that Dominic fella off cowboy builders haha

 

[Dave 85]

He's done what he quoted them for (put a new board on). The work hes actually done is not necessarily bad and he's left the house safer than he found it.
Ok so he's not done it exactly how its supposed to be done and its not something I'd do but I also wouldnt get upset about someone else doing this and go to great lengths to grass them up. If trading standards were to actually take action against this guy just because one of his competetors didn't agree with his methods I'd be very surprised.

Calling him a killer is a little dramatic is it not?

 

[Guest55]

Calling him a killer is a little dramatic is it not?

No its not , anyone practicing electrical work whilst not in a scam is an axe murderer.

 

[steveberry11]

Although I agree that there should be some governing body with teeth to police the trade. I can't see it happening soon.


Now it gets controversial


Reading a lot of posts is this type of thing not encouraged by replying to the posts from DIYers. Winding them up and letting them go.

I look forward to a lively debate.

 

[Dave 85]

Although I agree that there should be some governing body with teeth to police the trade. I can't see it happening soon.


Now it gets controversial


Reading a lot of posts is this type of thing not encouraged by replying to the posts from DIYers. Winding them up and letting them go.

I look forward to a lively debate.

What's this got to do with DIYers?

 

[steveberry11]

What's this got to do with DIYers?

Bad electricians one step up from DIYers only just

 

[trev]

Ok my twopennorth. Bad electrics and electricians have been with us since electricity was installed everywhere, can we do anything about that? In a word, no all we can do is do our jobs as best we can and try to encourage customers to educate themselves about A) The dangers inherent and B) What to expect from someone purporting to be an electrician because no one else is going to do it.
Should the CPS operators/LABC/trading standards be taking action against the cowboys? Hell yes but they either don't or can't for whatever reason, there's nothing we can do about it other than complain on sites like this because no one is listening guys. The scam operators have the ear of the government and they're being told that everything is hunky dory.
As I said, all we can do is to do our jobs to the best of our abilities

 

[Deleted member 9648]

Quite frankly it's up to the aggrieved party to take action if they think thay have had unsatisfactory work....the aggrieved party being the person who authorised the original work....NOT the electrician called in to rectify it.
We are electricians,not the police....what others get up to is not our lookout.

 

[Swicade]

Send out the Bat symbol....seems to be about as much use as governing bodies are

 

[Guest55]

Send out the Bat symbol....seems to be about as much use as governing bodies are

i have Commisioner Gordon on line 2, he says he doesnt give a crap lol.

 

[jase]

I'm not sure if this is the right section??

I have just finished fixing a job that another electrician first started back late last year. Basically in a shortened version: A customer asked a British Gas Sub-contracted electrician to price for a Consumer Upgrade, which he did (and I have a copy of the estimate). He then came with his 'step daughter in-law' to do the works which also involved adding 4no Double Sockets, 1no Single Socket and a S.F Connection unit for Kitchen Lights. It then came to the end of the day when he turned round and said there is a fault on the ring main, I've wired it up so it won't trip and I'll come back to sort it out. He then got paid and has since, never been back! He ignores calls from the customer and so forth. I then got asked to go and have a look as they have had enough and want it sorted. I went as I was recommended to them by a previous customer. I found and rectified the fault as best as I can. It is not ideal but is now safe and protected by the RCD! I have urged them to have a full rewire at the soonest possible time. I also upgraded the bonding to the main gas and water pipes as they weren't up to scratch. I have logged my part with the BRCS and have provided a certificate where I have stated what I have done and what needs doing.

This really annoys me as I seem to be coming across this more and more of late and would like to know where to go if we wanted to log a complaint? I've tried the NIC and Chack a trade but they aren't on either.

Any help greatly appreciated.

Cheers
Joe

So what was the fault then? And what do you mean you rectified it best you can although not ideal? Surely you sorted it or didn't?
Howcome you urged them to have a FULL REWIRE as soo aas possible. Did you do a full EICR?

 

[Keeno38]

Good afternoon..

I’m having an issue with an Electrician who did some work in my kitchen conversion.
I had a total now kitchen refurb which required 5 new double sockets and 11 new Down lights.
The electrician told us we would need a whole new fuse board as the current one was only single RCD.
He said he could do the required work but would not be able to issue a certificate until I have a new board fitted at a cost of £550.
I was told by another electrician that was nonesense and he needs to issue a cert for the work undertaken so I can get a completion cert from building control.
He still maintained that he was not going to issue an installation cert.
I contacted NICEIC for advice and they confirmed what I was told that he has to issue an installation certificate with the advice that a double RCD board is fitted at a later date.
They said if he deemed it unsafe then he should not have started the work.
I’ve sent him the response from NICIEC but he is ignoring my calls and messages now.
What can I do to get him to issue me the installation cert for the work he undertook?

Thanks in advance.

 

[UNG]

Good afternoon..

I’m having an issue with an Electrician who did some work in my kitchen conversion.
I had a total now kitchen refurb which required 5 new double sockets and 11 new Down lights.
The electrician told us we would need a whole new fuse board as the current one was only single RCD.
He said he could do the required work but would not be able to issue a certificate until I have a new board fitted at a cost of £550.
I was told by another electrician that was nonesense and he needs to issue a cert for the work undertaken so I can get a completion cert from building control.
He still maintained that he was not going to issue an installation cert.
I contacted NICEIC for advice and they confirmed what I was told that he has to issue an installation certificate with the advice that a double RCD board is fitted at a later date.
They said if he deemed it unsafe then he should not have started the work.
I’ve sent him the response from NICIEC but he is ignoring my calls and messages now.
What can I do to get him to issue me the installation cert for the work he undertook?

Thanks in advance.

Is the electrician a member of one of the CPS schemes

 

[Keeno38]

Is the electrician a member of one of the CPS schemes

Thanks for the response.

I’m not sure to be honest..There is little or know info on his website and he won’t answer my calls.
I might see if building control can force the issue, if not I’ll take legal action, but I’d rather he just issued me what I’m entitled to and what I paid for.

 

[timhoward]

Posting a picture of your consumer unit may answer a few questions.

I'm wondering - Single RCD - meaning ALL circuits are protected by one RCD,
OR or a fairly typical split load board that has some RCD protected circuits and some non-RCD-protected circuits, typically lighting circuits?
Speculating - he might have a point if the latter, as new work has to done to current regs which requires RCD protection for lighting.
If the former he might also be concerned about a recent regulation requiring division of the installation so a fault doesn't trip the whole house (paraphrasing)
However this should have all be agreed before work starts and it's not totally clear at what point this requirement for a new CU was communicated.

I'd ask him to put in writing why the addition or alteration doesn't comply with the regulations (which is a direct reference to regulation 641.5 )

Do you know whether the kitchen refurb required new circuits, or were existing circuits extended? If new circuits were involved he should in theory be registered with a competent persons scheme.

 

[Keeno38]

Posting a picture of your consumer unit may answer a few questions.

I'm wondering - Single RCD - meaning ALL circuits are protected by one RCD,
OR or a fairly typical split load board that has some RCD protected circuits and some non-RCD-protected circuits, typically lighting circuits?
Speculating - he might have a point if the latter, as new work has to done to current regs which requires RCD protection for lighting.
If the former he might also be concerned about a recent regulation requiring division of the installation so a fault doesn't trip the whole house (paraphrasing)
However this should have all be agreed before work starts and it's not totally clear at what point this requirement for a new CU was communicated.

I'd ask him to put in writing why the addition or alteration doesn't comply with the regulations (which is a direct reference to regulation 641.5 )

Do you know whether the kitchen refurb required new circuits, or were existing circuits extended? If new circuits were involved he should in theory be registered with a competent persons scheme.

The additional sockets are form a current circuit.
Just for the record, I never chose this electrician, he was supplied as part of the overall work by a building contractor.

Thank you for your advice and would appreciate anything else that may help me close this issue.

 

[brianmoooore]

Would help if we could read the labels on the MCBs , but from what I can see, I'm fairly sure that there are ways around the problem without replacing the board.

 

[timhoward]

View attachment 88170

The additional sockets are form a current circuit.
Just for the record, I never chose this electrician, he was supplied as part of the overall work by a building contractor.

Thank you for your advice and would appreciate anything else that may help me close this issue.

There's a number of points here.

Regarding the consumer unit - As far as I can tell that's a Lewden unit, parts are available for it, and there is capacity.
I can't immediately see any reason it would need replacing. If a lighting circuit has been extended then the lighting should now have RCD protection (see below). There's also a locking pin missing but that is common and fixable.

Regarding Building Control - is anyone actually asking for an electrical installation certificate?
I'm doubting that there is any notifiable work here as it looks as though circuits have just been altered and the work isn't in a special location. If that is the case there is no requirement to notify building control unless they are aware of the work for other reasons and are asking for a certificate. So you may not actually need one. It would be the electrician notifying building control and not you in any case.

Regarding the electrician - he is supposed to issue a certificate for the work and you are entitled to one.
If the electrician is claiming the board needs changing because the new lighting isn't RCD protected, an RCBO unit can be fitted on the right hand side, and these are available new and 2nd hand.
If the electrician is claiming that the consumer unit doesn't meet the latest regs with regard to division of circuits to avoid nuisance tripping then the lighting is separate to the sockets and that is acceptable.
He also shouldn't have proceeded if there was an issue with the circuit he was altering.

Finally, the building contractor supplied the electrician. I'd imagine the building contractor has now been paid?

 

[Gavin John Hyde]

Not wanting to hijack the thread but it worries me that british gas are going into ev installs in a big way and will be subbing a lot of this work out. Expecting 2 + installs a day... The quality is going.to go downhill very quickly.

 

[Keeno38]

Would help if we could read the labels on the MCBs , but from what I can see, I'm fairly sure that there are ways around the problem without replacing

 

[Keeno38]

Would help if we could read the labels on the MCBs , but from what I can see, I'm fairly sure that there are ways around the problem without replacing the board.

Many thanks for your assistance.

here’s the pics closer up.

 

[brianmoooore]

So it's the lights that are the problem.
Simple solution is to replace both of those 6A MCBs with 6A RCBOs (a combined RCD and MCB) which timhoward thinks are available. This will bring your CU up to modern standards from an electrical point of view.

 

[Keeno38]

So it's the lights that are the problem.
Simple solution is to replace both of those 6A MCBs with 6A RCBOs (a combined RCD and MCB) which timhoward thinks are available. This will bring your CU up to modern standards from an electrical point of view.

That’s helpful.. thank you.

I’ll put this to the electrician and see what he thinks.. If he replies.

 

[Rockingit]

Plastic CU. I can see entirely both sides of this argument and it’s unlikely we’ll get to hear the electricians decision making process. I’m minded to think this isn’t a cowboy simply as if it were then they’d have taken the money and walked away with zero craps given.

 

[Keeno38]

Plastic CU. I can see entirely both sides of this argument and it’s unlikely we’ll get to hear the electricians decision making process. I’m minded to think this isn’t a cowboy simply as if it were then they’d have taken the money and walked away with zero craps given.

Thank you.

One question I have in relation to that observation.
If the Electrician deemed the CU to be unsuitable, should they have started the work?
It was explained that we needed an installation certificate to enable the project to be signed off by building control.
From what I’ve been told, and please correct me if this is incorrect, a certificate should be issued regardless.
If they had no intention of handing us a certificate they should not have done any work?
Is that a fair summary?