Before...
Check the Electrical Contractor's Qualifications and Reliability
Before ordering electrical installation work, it is advisable to make sure that the electrical contractor meets all the requirements for carrying out the work. This helps ensure safety, proper execution, and prevents unpleasant surprises regarding costs.
1. Check the Electrical Contractor's Authorisation
Make sure that the company is authorised to carry out the electrical installation work in question. The contractor's details can be checked in the electrical contractor register maintained by Tukes.
The register allows you to check, among other things, whether the company has a valid right to carry out electrical contracting and who is appointed as the company's electrical work supervisor.
2. Make Sure the Liability Insurance Is Valid
Make sure that the electrical contractor has valid liability insurance. Liability insurance provides protection in situations where the contractor's work causes damage to the customer or their property.
If necessary, ask the contractor to provide a copy of the insurance certificate before the work begins.
3. Check the Calibration of Measuring Equipment
Measuring equipment used for inspecting and testing electrical installations must be suitable for its intended purpose and properly maintained.
Pay particular attention to the calibration of the installation tester. If necessary, ask to see the calibration certificate and make sure that the calibration is still valid.
Reliable measurement results are an important part of ensuring the safety of electrical installations.
4. Make Sure Commissioning Tests and Documentation Are Completed
Once the electrical installation has been completed, the necessary commissioning inspections and tests must be carried out. A commissioning inspection report should be prepared where required, documenting the inspections and measurements performed.
Ask the contractor for a copy of the report and keep it with the other electrical documentation for the property.
5. Ask for the Final Price Before Work Begins
Always ask the electrical contractor for a clear and as accurate an overall price as possible before the work begins.
Make sure you understand what is included in the price and that there will be no unexpected additional charges or hidden costs after the work has been completed. The quotation should, where possible, specify the cost of labour, materials, travel expenses and any other charges.
If the scope of the work changes during the project, any additional work and its cost should be agreed with the customer before the additional work is carried out.
Safety Starts with Choosing the Right Contractor
Do not choose an electrical contractor based solely on price. Always check at least:
the contractor's electrical contracting authorisation in the Tukes register
valid liability insurance
appropriate and properly calibrated measuring equipment
commissioning inspections and measurements
the required inspection reports and documentation
the final price and any potential additional costs
A professional electrical contractor will clearly explain the scope of the work, pricing and required documentation before the work begins.