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28 Feb 06Be A Bright Spark!
Consumer Protection Services in the South West including the Borough of Poole are highlighting the need for increased consumer awareness when relying on the trade association logos used by electricians.
The advice follows checks carried out on electricians using the logo of the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting 
(NICEIC) on their advertising. A random sample of over 200 electricians in the South West revealed that 5% are using the NICEIC logo despite not being current members. This has prompted a reminder to householders to confirm that any electricians they use for repairs and building work are in fact registered with the appropriate approved body.
Shaun Robson, Head of Environmental & Consumer Protection Services, Borough of Poole, said: “We usually recommend employing traders who have the approval of a trade association for any work let alone something as safety critical as household electrics. Working with our colleagues across the South West we took a snapshot of membership claims made and as a result 10 traders are under further investigation. Since January 2005 most electrical work in the home has to be carried out by properly registered electricians or certified as safe under building regulations. It is therefore vital to know that electricians claiming to be registered in such schemes really are.”
Cllr Don Collier, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for the Environment, Borough of Poole, said: “Consumers need to be able to rely on membership claims made and logos included in adverts. Householders safety is too important to leave to unregulated or rogue traders and odd job men. Anything which can give the public further confidence in a traders work is very welcome and we would advise all consumers to check with the appropriate trade body that they are currently registered and report any concerns to us on 01202 261700.”
A total of 201 electricians claiming membership of NICEIC were randomly checked across the South West Region to ensure they were currently members of the trade association. Results showed that 191 were registered. The 10 which were not registered are currently being investigated under the Trade Descriptions Act 1968.
The building regulation Part P, effective since 1st January 2005, requires most new electrical work in the home to be carried out by a competent person or company that has been independently assessed and certified as being able to operate under an approved scheme. Its aim is to stop the rising number of deaths from faulty electrics, much of which is undertaken by over ambitious DIY enthusiasts and cowboy electricians. The aim is to reduce the risk of fire and injury by electrical faults, and also to make it harder for rogue traders to leave electrical installations in an unsafe condition.
Lucy Magill, Regulatory Services Manager, Environmental & Consumer Protection Services, Borough of Poole tel 01202 261736
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