Published: 30 September 2014
Category: Q&A
Matt asks this question, which concerns whether he is competent to legally carry out electrical installation on his firm’s main site, It has been answered by the Electrical Contractors' Association (Regulations and Legislation):
This Q & A is one of thousands posted in our Technical Expertise area, and answered on a daily basis by our Voltimum Experts.
Question: I’m a building services engineer working for a medium sized FM provider in southern England. I completed my apprenticeship with the same company and completed my Level 3 City and Guilds 2330 electrical installation course. I also Completed my NVQ Level 3 in electrical engineering. I hold the latest edition (17th) of BS 7671 Wiring Regulations. Since, I have completed the City and Guilds 2394 and 2395 for the inspection and testing of electrical installations.
My question concerns the legality of carrying out work in commercial and industrial environments. My company is preparing to have installed 70 electric hand dryers in the toilet facilities on our main site.
Historically , we have employed an NICEIC approved electrical contractor to carry out our electrical installation work. In the interest of saving money, my company has asked whether we can carry out such work ourselves, using myself as the responsible person to oversee the work being carried out by our own, site based, technicians.
Although I am not registered with an approved contractor body, I am considered competent by myself and my employer to carry out electrical work. I can use my experience to ensure that the Wiring Regulations are followed and ensure the protection and installation are suitably selected for use.
So, finally, Is it legal for us to carry out this work? Or do we have to employ a contractor to carry this work out?
Answer: The law, in this case the Electricity at Works Regulations, requires that people are competent in the work they are doing. You no doubt have the necessary skills to go along with your qualifications to be considered competent to do this type of work.
Unless your technicians are also competent, they would need to be closely supervised to ensure that they are not put in danger and that they carry out the work properly.
If you, as someone who is competent, can adequately supervise the technicians to ensure this happens - then yes, you can do the work.
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