testing and certs after emergency call outs

[snowhead]

Do the AA RAC do a full MOT or IVA inspection on a car when they are called to change a spare wheel????

 

[Leshark]

I think the basis of this is understanding what is notifiable/minor works or none, changing a socket (not moving it) or light pendant is 'none' so long as the one your taking out is not dangerously positioned? If I swap out a CU I test all the circuits, but can't be liable for badly buried cables (diagonal) but on cert I specify the full extent of what I have done, same as invoice, be explicit in the description, -isolate circuit/swap/socket/energise/test- Job done

 

[em1]

If you're relying on call-outs to supplement your income then you are in for a nasty surprise. Very few people will get you out in the night, and those that do will usually rely on someone they already know or have been recommended.
What are you planning to do if you get to a fault and it turns out that notifiable work is needed to sort it? Are you part P registered, or will you simply tell them you can't do the job and to get someone else?
Finally, no offence, but you seem very unsure of what is required in a domestic situation regarding notification/certification/testing. I'm sure that you are very well qualified in the electrical field you are in, but trust me, it's a different ballgame dipping your toes in domestic work...I found that out the hard way when I moved from being an industrial electrical engineer. Very few installs are compliant and no 2 properties will be the same. Believe me, working in an environment where things are done properly is a breeze compared to what's out there in peoples' homes...
If you are serious then get yourself a copy of the regs (if you don't already have one), the on-site guide, electricians guide to the building regs, plus GN3 & GN8.
As a side note, like for like is all fine and dandy unless manufacturers instructions specify something different such as fan replacements. Most of these now need 3 amp protection regardless of whether there is one there already.

I understand I might not get much work but at least I would have everything in place for any that does come my way, I served my time with the local council 3 years ago so been working in homes for 7 year now but mainly empty homes. I'm fully aware of what is and isn't notifiable but to be honest I'm sure you all know the reputation councils get and il be the first to admit its not up to scratch in the electrical department, people just know enough to get them bye, not many real good sparks who know their stuff work there.

As I was saying though when I'm at work in an empty home it's easy for me to quickly check everything out like rcd protection and making sure earthlings upto scratch and do full tests, I basically don't leave the property with any limitations or departures on sheets and complete everything that needs doing before the next tenant goes in, so that's why I'm askin everyone wether that's still required or impractical to do tht on a call out because I'm not
Too aware of limitations or departures coz everthings normally brought up to date


And no I don't think the AA would do that mate try ringing and asking

 

[trev]

Whiteleas mate, and you ?

The Democratic People's Republic of Chi mate. Where men are men and so are some of the women

 

[thomas-1981]

I wouldn't be relying on call outs to domestic properties for steady income. RCD trips at 0230 who would know until they woke up. And is it an emergency? As for mwc and notifiable work, I think we're looking a into this to much.

 

[Octopus]

Middle of the night doing more than the basics no way. Actually not sure 99.9% of my customers would know/be bothered/ring me!

 

[Guitarist]

I understand I might not get much work but at least I would have everything in place for any that does come my way, I served my time with the local council 3 years ago so been working in homes for 7 year now but mainly empty homes. I'm fully aware of what is and isn't notifiable but to be honest I'm sure you all know the reputation councils get and il be the first to admit its not up to scratch in the electrical department, people just know enough to get them bye, not many real good sparks who know their stuff work there.

As I was saying though when I'm at work in an empty home it's easy for me to quickly check everything out like rcd protection and making sure earthlings upto scratch and do full tests, I basically don't leave the property with any limitations or departures on sheets and complete everything that needs doing before the next tenant goes in, so that's why I'm askin everyone wether that's still required or impractical to do tht on a call out because I'm not
Too aware of limitations or departures coz everthings normally brought up to date


And no I don't think the AA would do that mate try ringing and asking

That's probably what Aliens wonder before invading Earth....

 

[Guitarist]

My point really was that in the last year I have been busy every week. Number of night-time call-outs...zero.
People either don't want to bother you at night, or they assume that the cost will be gigantic so they wait until morning, even with all power gone.

 

[pete555]

so say if its like for like do i not need to worry about anything else about the instalation or do any testing or produce a MWC?

i mean i would normally check everything out to make sure sockets arent spured off spurs and making sure lights are earthed etc, but if its 4 in the morning i wouldnt fancy taking bulbs out or appliances for Ir tests and testing rings thoroughly etc

lamps young man lamps bulbs go in the ground gardners use them

 

[bigbaddave]

This is a case of what we should do and what we would do.. Ive had this before call out at 2am "No electric" problem was main 100a incomer.. Simple job.. Straight swap.. Now a quick ZE to ensure a main earth then hay presto.. I would not issue a cert in this case..

I mean if there was anything that was apparently dangerous then that would be a different matter but if everything was done soley and truly by the regs then what would we get done??

 

[em1]

Well to be honest I've done callouts for my current employer now for over 2 years and average around 3 a night when I'm on nd I've made a killing from it at around 24 quid a call so gave me the idea of doing them myself and ill admit I've Never issued a cert on any calls but now looking Ito it I know I should of on occasions woking in special locations , also to clear I'm not trying to make a living off this it's just an idea for a bit extra cash if any calls come my way , no harm in that is there ?

And sorry yes I know lamps! School boy error ha and love the alien comment

 

[em1]

But I agree alot of the calls i do could wait till the morning it's just because there's no charge for council tenants so they get us out willy nilly so I know there won't be as many but sure there would be a few got nothing to loose

 

[Guest55]

I've made a killing from it at around 24 quid a call

dont want to rain on your parade but thats not that much money really lol.

 

[snowhead]

dont want to rain on your parade but thats not that much money really lol.

£24 an hour maybe

 

[kingeri]

£24 a call? I'd stay in bed.

 

[em1]

Well that's what I'm sayin I've done ok getting tht much so would rather do some of my own instead

- - - Updated - - -

Longest ive ever been at a call is 30 mins

 

[Guitarist]

But I agree alot of the calls i do could wait till the morning it's just because there's no charge for council tenants so they get us out willy nilly so I know there won't be as many but sure there would be a few got nothing to loose

No experience of council tenants so I stand corrected there. I'm speaking purely from the private sector here in sleepy Norfolk. Large elderly population who don't want to "bother" us poor electricians at night.
As for price, you should be looking at £50 really for a call-out, whatever the time.
Obviously you won't be called out to your usual crowd as a privateer, so how do you intend letting people know that you are in the market? Also, if you advertise and issue certificates of any kind, will you be letting HMRC know that you have additional income?
Incidentally, do you, or do you plan to have public liability insurance? At present you have employees cover, but as soon as you step foot on someones property in a professional capacity, you open yourself up to the world of litigation. Just a thought....

 

[Octopus]

But I agree alot of the calls i do could wait till the morning it's just because there's no charge for council tenants so they get us out willy nilly so I know there won't be as many but sure there would be a few got nothing to loose

So are the local tax payers footing the bill then? I can't imagine that your company doit for nothing.

 

[Guest55]

why does anyone need a socket changing at 4 am ?
why cant you do any necessary testing at a later date ?
is the tax payer paying for this crap ?
i'd sack this off and go self employed for emergency call out work , then you can charge more like £60 an hour for work that doesnt involve dealing with junkies in sheltered accommodation :-D

 

[bigbaddave]

£24 hour doing call outs at night. I'd pay you £30 to do mine and pocket the difference.