What next, dodgy customer....

[Gringoking88]

Hi all,

Got called out to a job today where there was 240 volts found between neutral and earth on a cooker circuit (load side only, after the switch). Customer advised me the cooker engineer said it was the switch, I advised I doubted it very much, and my testes indicated it was not this, however, they requested I changed it, I changed it and it wasn't the switch and the fault was still present.

It got to 1700 and I explained I couldn't come back tomorrow as was busy (also said this prior to starting), however, could arrange for another spark to go along and did so with the customers agreement. Go to leave and they barter me down in price, I couldn't be bothered to argue so dropped the price. Sent the customer the invoice and they barter me down further saying the price of the switch was included, again couldn't be bothered to argue so amend my invoice.

Anyway, at the time of leaving, I left the circuit isolated at the board, but am now concerned they will try something dodgy against me, would it be wise to issue a electrical danger notice to cover my bum?

TBH dont really care about the money as its not a lot, but also dont trust the customer as far as I could ----.

Many thanks,

Martin

 

[Andy78]

Hi all,

Got called out to a job today where there was 240 volts found between neutral and earth on a cooker circuit ... and my testes indicated it was not this

You're a braver man than I

 

[Gringoking88]

You're a braver man than I

LOL whys that?

 

[Andy78]

You're a braver man than I

"...and my testes indicated it was not this"

 

[Gringoking88]

"...and my testes indicated it was not this"

Help me out mate, lol, whats with the riddles

 

[buzzlightyear]

Considering they knocked the price down and you isolated the job did you not take pic of the job just in case they do it them selfs.

 

[Andy78]

You'll figure it out.
Anyway, yes a danger notice might be a good idea if you have left a faulty circuit that could be energised with ordinary means.

 

[Baddegg]

I’m new to this testing lark myself but i can’t find that method in GN8 anywhere?....

 

[PEG]

....i think the chaps have stretched the gonads,as far as possible...

To the OP,i would say keep a detailed log,in writing,of ALL your actions and how the job unfolded,and walk away.

Once a customer has deviated the charging or repair method,you have set the benchmark,going back,will probably only allow them to try further.

They more than likely have a kettle...let them have pot-noodles for tea...just consider the lost time and parts,as a minor kick in the coin-purse-jewels

 

[Gringoking88]

....i think the chaps have stretched the gonads,as far as possible...

To the OP,i would say keep a detailed log,in writing,of ALL your actions and how the job unfolded,and walk away.

Once a customer has deviated the charging or repair method,you have set the benchmark,going back,will probably only allow them to try further.

They more than likely have a kettle...let them have pot-noodles for tea...just consider the lost time and parts,as a minor kick in the coin-purse-jewels

They have definitely stretched my gonads!!!!

Ive kept all messages and emails etc just to try and protect myself should the worse happen, have also sent an email, stressing the need to keep it isolated at the board. I have never issued a danger notice (and still havent, should I?), was just trying to protect myself and to be honest the client, not sure if she is a client come to think of it.

Think your probably right about the charging, guess i gave an inch and now am worried of having a mile taken.

Thanks for the reply!

 

[PEG]

Yep,you have done only what improves safety,and some folk cannot or will not,be helped.

I would not take on the great British public...and i can tightrope walk

 

[Kidsolo]

TBH dont really care about the money

They paid you? you didn't finish the job. I wouldn't have paid you anything

 

[Risteard]

They paid you? you didn't finish the job. I wouldn't have paid you anything

It was all agreed reading the OP (in that they accepted that his time was limited) so you wouldn't have a legal leg to stand on and could face legal action for non-payment.

 

[JK-Electrical]

Faced with the same circumstances, I would issue a dangerous installation notice and be done. These people are evidently a pair of mean, tight-fisted opportunists. To hell with them. Who needs customers like this?

 

[Midwest]

I encountered a similar set of circumstances, and learnt a lesson from it.

Never take on a fault finding job, if you can't allocate some considerable time to it, cos sods law will dictate it could take all day or more.

Don't do just a fault finding work on domestic, cos they don't want to pay and invariably its down to the owner/occupier messing around with stuff and being economical with the truth.

 

[Megawatt]

They have definitely stretched my gonads!!!!

Ive kept all messages and emails etc just to try and protect myself should the worse happen, have also sent an email, stressing the need to keep it isolated at the board. I have never issued a danger notice (and still havent, should I?), was just trying to protect myself and to be honest the client, not sure if she is a client come to think of it.

Think your probably right about the charging, guess i gave an inch and now am worried of having a mile taken.

Thanks for the reply!

Gringo go by what your gut feeling is telling you and go back and put a danger notice on it. You will sleep better at night

 

[freddo]

invariably its down to the owner/occupier messing around with stuff and being economical with the truth.

I always call them out on it, it's amazing how quiet and red faced some of them get.