What is the difference between a NICEIC Domestic Installer and a NICEIC Approved Contractor?

We have just passed our annual assessment and during our discussions with the assessors the topic of being a NICEIC Domestic Installer v’s being a NICEIC Approved Contractor came up and how not many people know the difference or even that there are different schemes.

What is the difference between a NICEIC Domestic Installer and a NICEIC Approved Contractor?

- Domestic Installer - a scheme that covers general electrical installation work in domestic properties only.

- Approved Contractor - a scheme that covers all general electrical installation and testing and inspection work in domestic, commercial and industrial properties.

DID YOU KNOW….? 

Not ALL NICEIC Electricians can carry out electrical tests... otherwise known as, Electrical Installation Condition Reports, (EICR's)? Just because the person or company is a member of the NICEIC scheme most home owners presume that they can do any electrical work, not true. They may however do this work outside of the NICEIC scheme meaning the NICEIC will not approve or assess them for this, nor are they covered under the Platinum Promise (see more about this below). If the person or company decides to still carry out the testing they will not (and certainly should not) use the NICEIC Certification – which in turn means that you have not engaged an NICEIC Electrician for this work. Important to note if engaging an NICEIC Electrician in important to you.

ALWAYS BE SURE TO DO YOUR RESEARCH ON THE PERSON OR COMPANY YOU ENGAGE. 

You do not want issues in the future, problems like missing or incorrect certification when it comes to selling your home or an issue with your home insurance after an incident. These things can and do happen.

Why use an NICEC Approved Contractor?

Choosing an NICEIC registered contractor is the best way to ensure a safe job. Electricians registered with NICEIC are assessed on a regular basis to ensure high standards and their work is inspected and checked against the IET Wiring Regulations as well as other standards along with qualification and insurance checks.

What happens if something goes wrong?

All NICEIC registered Electricians are covered by the Platinum Promise. Should any work carried out by NICEIC Electrician be found not to comply with the Building Regulations or relevant installation standards, NICEIC can instruct the Electrician to go back and carry out the work to the required standard. If the Electrician is no longer in business or disputes the matter NICEIC will have the work rectified by another registered Electrician at no extra cost. The Platinum promise is valid for up to six years from the date of the completion of the original work and covers work up to a maximum of £25,000 for any one installation

We hope you found this information useful, thank you for reading – keep safe.