While the electrical system is vital and harmless most of the time, it can be perilous when issues arise. You need to solve the problems as soon as possible, especially if you have children at home. Still, when it comes to electricity, there are a lot of things you need to consider before you take action. Fortunately, a professional electrician is around to save the day.
Regardless of whether you need to retrofit your workspace or remodel your house, selecting the right electrician and electrical contractor is a critical step. Choosing the right electrician requires more than just tracking down someone bearing the title and paying them money. If you are careless and hire one without the required qualifications, you may put your building at risk of fire or seriously hurting someone. So before hiring an electrical contractor, be sure to consider these three crucial factors.
Factor #1: Certification and Training
The most crucial factor to look into when searching for electricians is their certifications and training. In the UK, for instance, electricians should have the accreditation and approval by the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting or NICEIC. NICEIC is an organisation which evaluates the competence of electricians, both in the domestic and commercial field and ensures their work complies with the electrical installation standard released by the Institute of Electrical Engineers.
In Australia, on the other hand, every state only allows electricians with an electrical license to perform electrical work. Most states require the electricians to be a registered electrical contractor or REC before they can carry out any electrical contracting business or profession. The electricians are required to issue certificates of electrical compliance for the job they perform.
These certifications signify that their work is in full compliance with the state’s applicable electrical laws and Wiring Rules, which is also known as the Australian Standard AS/NZS 3000:2018. The certificates also show that the electricians’ work has been assessed and approved appropriately.
In addition, homeowners and business owners should interview or verify the electricians’ training, experience, and specialties. There are a variety of electrical licenses for a specific field, such as fire alarm and low voltage work. They should only hire those with sufficient experience and appropriate specialty.
Factor #2: Quality of Workmanship
While some people may have believed that they can recognise high-quality electrical work when they see one, in reality, not many can truly understand the basis of an electrical system. Hence, what makes a quality or decent electrical installation is open to the interpretation that only the experts can assess.
In the 1990s, the National Electrical Contractors Association or NECA developed an installation standard called the National Electrical Installation Standards or NEIS to give out subjective judgements on such qualities. Its guidelines stated that excellent craft in the electrical installation is characterised by precision done in an orderly and skilful manner.
Clients with no expertise in determining the quality of electrical craft can always seek help from an expert or review the previous clients’ testimonials.
Factor #3: Safety Practices
Homeowners or business owners need to choose an electrician or electrical contractor who works with the highest electrical safety standard. In Australia, the Electrical Safety Regulation 2013 ensures the electrical safety of the electrical workers, consumers, the general public and properties. It also ensures that safe electricity supply is maintained while making sure that each electrical tool and equipment is electrically reliable.
Choosing the right electricians is a critical decision to determine the success of your electrical project. To ensure you pick the right one, be sure to consider their training and certifications, quality of workmanship, and safety standards.