Views on Minor Works Certs

[Raptor0014]

Morning all.

I was chatting with another spark the other day and he’s telling me I’m making excessive work for myself by issuing minor works certs for everything I do that isn’t covered with a EIC.

Eg if I change a socket I check everything first (Ze, Zs, PEFC, PSSC, R1+R2, RCD Trip times etc) firstly to see everything is in order and secondly to make sure it’s still in order once I’ve done the work.

I then issue a minor works cert to the customer along with the invoice.

He was saying that if I’m just replacing like for like then there’s no requirement as I’m not altering the circuit in anyway. I should only do a minor works when adding to a circuit.

I understand his point, but for me that seems wrong as I now have documented evidence that what I have done hasn’t altered the circuit in anyway.

So just wondering what others do and if I am indeed making excessive work for myself?

 

[Lister1987]

You do whatever you need to cover your backside. Is it making more work? Possibly, is it covering your backside yes.

 

[Raptor0014]

You do whatever you need to cover your backside. Is it making more work? Possibly, is it covering your backside yes.

Indeed.

To be honest I don’t see it as excessive. It might save me 10mins on site to skip the checks and maybe another 10mins tapping away on my iPad.

But just wondered what others views were on it.

 

[loz2754]

There's no need to issue an actual Minor Works cert for replacing a switch etc.
Of course, you would still perform the required tests. Some people make a note on the invoice with the test results on it.
But if you want to do a MW then go for it.

 

[Lister1987]

Indeed.

To be honest I don’t see it as excessive. It might save me 10mins on site to skip the checks and maybe another 10mins tapping away on my iPad.

But just wondered what others views were on it.

I just take as 7671 is a minimum standard so if ypu do more than that then more power to you.

 

[cloverman]

I view it as taking a professional approach to your work and providing a certificate to your customer gives them the competence that they are getting a quality service and documentation for further reference

 

[James]

If you always decide not to bother with the tests and cert, you will save 10min per job and it will all add up.
however you do run the risk of one day getting a call after the place burns down or other serious incident.

I would much prefer to be answering questions to the police or courts with a piece of paper in my hand backing up my claim that the circuit I worked on was safe when I left it.
much better than just having to say something along the lines of it all looked ok when I left it!!

edit,
although I have just posted this, I wrote it about half 11 this morning and forgot to press the post button!

 

[brianmoooore]

, I wrote it about half 11 this morning and forgot to press the post button!

Not just me then!

 

[Markyd]

Tell him to keep his nose out.....You do what you think is required for each job

 

[Pretty Mouth]

If paperwork is optional, I won't be doing it.

 

[timhoward]

For me it's not as simple as "I always do a MWC" or "I never do a MWC"
I do always test before and after and note the results, but if it's a single accessory change and
a) I'm already 2 hours late for a larger job
b) I need to get to the wholesaler before it closes
c) the customer has limited time
d) the customer is venting to excess about the contents of the Daily Mail
e) the house smells as if someone has been microwaving dead cats
f) my wife says I'm supposed to be somewhere else

I might decide not to.

 

[pc1966]

I don't do this often (not commercial work, etc) but would not be happy changing a socket and not testing it afterwards, even if as an absolute minimum it is just a socket tester (polarity & CPC present) and the RCD trips OK (e.g. if unexpected request at friend's place).

Do what makes you feel safe/happy with the work but as above you could skip some tests before if it looks a recent and well-made installation.