When you’re searching for electrical services, you want a company or contractor you can trust. That means one that’s accredited and approved. Enter the NICEIC-approved contractor scheme, which makes it easier to find approved electrical contractors.
Read on to find out more…
NICEIC’s approved contractor scheme is a way of electrical contractors demonstrating their competence. It covers design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of electrical installations in line with BS 7671 standards.
To become an NICEIC approved electrical contractor, businesses have to partake in a full day’s assessment. That includes a visit to their premises, along with an on-site inspection of one or more work samples. It’s recommended that businesses have three sites available from the past 12 months to demonstrate the range and scope of work they undertake.
An area engineer from NICEIC will inspect the contractor’s work to ensure its compliance with the BS 7671 industry standards, as well as the rules of the approved contractor scheme. They also have to meet a number of pre-requisites to apply, including insurance certificates, the relevant qualifications and up-to-date records of things like complaints and equipment consistency.
Successful contractors gain certification, which is then reviewed with continued assessment on an annual basis.
But wait a minute…why should you trust NICEIC to assess contractors in the first place? Quite simply, they are the UK’s largest voluntary register of electrical businesses – with over 40,000 businesses assessed. There’s no vested interest – they’re simply committed to compliance and conformity with the relevant standards and regulations.
NICEIC approved electrical contractors have come forward of their own accord to have their policies, procedures and competency assessed. Not only that, NICEIC assesses them based on BS 7671 – the British Standard for Electrical Installation Requirements – so it’s not just any old stuff they’re looking for!
As you might be aware, there are quite a few checks like EICR reports and PAT testing, which require contractors to be “qualified and competent”. With no further guidance given, some business owners and site managers can feel a little lost.
Being part of the NICEIC-approved contractor scheme is a surefire way for electrical contractors to demonstrate their qualifications and competence for electrical jobs. Most importantly, it’s a trustmark for businesses across the UK, who can proceed with confidence when a contractor is NICEIC-approved. Put simply, when you find a contractor using the NICEIC logo (or see it on their uniform!), it’s your sign that they meet the highest technical and safety standards.
Opting for an NICEIC-approved contractor offers numerous benefits to a business owner beyond mere compliance. Firstly, you’ll get the peace of mind knowing that their work will be carried out to the highest safety standards.
Electrical installations and repairs are critical to the safety of a property, and cutting corners can lead to severe consequences including fires or electrical shocks. However, an NICEIC-approved contractor has to adhere to strict safety protocols, significantly reducing these risks.
And that’s not all. NICEIC-approved contractors often have access to the latest industry updates and training. As a result, they’re experts in the most recent safety regulations and installation techniques. Keeping up to date with the latest standards means that their work not only meets current regulations, but is also completed using the most efficient and effective methods available.
The last factor to consider when searching for a contractor is whether they have suitable public liability insurance. For a contractor to receive NICEIC approval, they first have to prove that they have at least £2m of cover.
It guarantees that there’s clear comprehensive protection in the event of any problems during a project. Hiring a contractor who has adequate insurance coverage should always be a vital consideration before starting a project.
The NICEIC goes beyond simply assessing and approving contractors – they also provide continuous support and resources. For contractors, this includes technical helplines, regular industry updates, and comprehensive training courses. This valuable support helps contractors maintain high standards and means they can adapt quickly to any changes in regulations or industry practices.
For clients, the NICEIC offers a complaints procedure and a Platinum Promise, which guarantees that any work not meeting the required standards will be rectified. As a result, it means that both contractors and clients have a reliable and trustworthy avenue for addressing any issues that may arise. This further enhances the overall confidence in the services provided by NICEIC-approved contractors.
The demand for reliable electrical services is only increasing year-on-year. The NICEIC has recognised this, and expanded its scope to include more specialised areas of electrical work – from renewable energy installations to smart office systems and electric vehicle charging points. By covering these areas, the NICEIC ensures that approved contractors are equipped to handle modern electrical needs. As a result, clients can find the services they need under the same trusted certification.
If you’re searching for a member of the NICEIC approved contractor scheme in Yorkshire, look no further. Volta Compliance is an NICEIC approved electrical contractor based in Leeds, with a wealth of experience installing, maintaining and repairing electrical installations.
From EICR to emergency lighting tests, our team can make sure you’re safe, compliant and completely protected. Contact us today to find out more. Alternatively, if you’re based further afield, the NICEIC website has a find a contractor facility, so you can search for registered contractors in any given location.
