What is the Difference Between an Accredited and
Non-Accredited Electrician?
The terms "accredited electrician" and
"non-accredited electrician" refer to the level of formal recognition
and certification an electrician has received from recognized industry bodies.
The key differences between accredited and non-accredited electricians lie in
their qualifications, regulatory compliance, trustworthiness, and the types of
work they are legally allowed to perform. Here’s a detailed comparison of the
two:
Accredited Electrician
- Certification
and Qualifications
- Recognized
Certification: Accredited electricians hold certifications from
recognized bodies such as NICEIC, NAPIT, ELECSA, or STROMA Certification.
- Professional
Training: They have completed rigorous training programs, including
apprenticeships, NVQ Level 3 in Electrical Installation, and the AM2
assessment.
- Regulatory
Compliance
- Competent
Person Scheme: Accredited electricians are often registered with a
competent person scheme, allowing them to self-certify their work as
compliant with Building Regulations.
- Building
Regulations: They adhere strictly to the current IET Wiring
Regulations (BS 7671) and can issue necessary certificates, such as
Electrical Installation Certificates (EIC), Minor Electrical Installation
Works Certificates (MEIWC), and Electrical Installation Condition Reports
(EICR).
- Trust
and Reliability
- Verified
Qualifications: Their qualifications and certifications can be
verified through certification bodies' official websites and
government-endorsed tools.
- Insurance
Coverage: Accredited electricians are typically required to have
public liability insurance and other relevant insurance policies,
providing financial protection and credibility.
- Quality
Assurance
- Regular
Assessments: Accreditation bodies perform regular assessments and
inspections to ensure accredited electricians maintain high standards of
workmanship and safety.
- Work
Guarantees: Their work often comes with warranties or guarantees
provided by accreditation bodies, offering added peace of mind to
clients.
- Types
of Work
- Wide
Range of Tasks: Accredited electricians are qualified to carry out a
wide range of electrical tasks, including new installations, rewiring,
periodic inspections, and issuing safety certificates.
- Legal
Compliance: They are legally allowed to undertake notifiable work in
domestic properties and can self-certify that their work complies with
Building Regulations.
Non-Accredited Electrician
- Certification
and Qualifications
- Lack
of Formal Certification: Non-accredited electricians may not hold
recognized certifications from industry bodies or be part of a competent
person scheme.
- Variable
Training: Their level of training and qualifications can vary widely,
from informal on-the-job training to completed apprenticeships without
further certification.
- Regulatory
Compliance
- Limited
Self-Certification: Non-accredited electricians cannot self-certify
their work for compliance with Building Regulations. Notifiable work must
be inspected and certified by local building control authorities.
- Potential
Non-Compliance: There is a higher risk that their work might not
fully comply with current safety regulations and standards.
- Trust
and Reliability
- Unverified
Qualifications: It’s harder to verify the qualifications and
competence of non-accredited electricians, potentially leading to trust
issues.
- Insurance
Status: Non-accredited electricians might not carry the necessary
insurance, increasing the risk for clients in case of accidents or
damages.
- Quality
Assurance
- Lack
of Regular Oversight: Without the regular assessments conducted by
accreditation bodies, there is less assurance of consistent quality and
adherence to safety standards.
- No
Work Guarantees: Their work may not come with the same level of
guarantees or warranties that accredited electricians provide.
- Types
of Work
- Restricted
Tasks: Non-accredited electricians may be restricted to performing
minor electrical tasks or those that do not require certification for
compliance with Building Regulations.
- Need
for External Inspection: For notifiable work, they must arrange for
inspection and certification by local building control, which can be
inconvenient and add to the overall cost and time of the project.
Conclusion
The primary differences between accredited and
non-accredited electricians center on certification, regulatory compliance,
trust, reliability, and the scope of work they can perform. Accredited
electricians are formally recognized by certification bodies, can self-certify
work, are held to high standards through regular assessments, and typically
carry the necessary insurance. These factors enhance their credibility,
reliability, and legal compliance. Non-accredited electricians may lack formal
certification and the ability to self-certify, leading to potential compliance
issues and reduced trust. When hiring an electrician, opting for an accredited
professional provides greater assurance of quality, safety, and compliance with
regulations.