Electricity is potentially dangerous and it is always recommended that you hire an expert in electrical services when you need to do any electrical work. Whether you need to repair a line, replace an outlet, or rewire your home or premises, you should hire an approved electrical service professional. However, identifying a good provider is easier said than done. Here are some tips to help you hire a competent service:
- Ask the supplier how long they have been in business. In general, the longer they have been in business the better, because this shows that they are not just starting out and that you are not their guinea pig.
- Ask the provider if they are approved. The most important certification when it comes to electricians is the certification of the National Inspection Council for the Contracting of Electrical Installations (NICEIC). NICEIC is the independent regulator for the UK electricity contracting industry. They offer certification services as well as support to electrical contractors and many other trades within the construction industry. More than 25,000 contractors are registered with NICEIC.
- Ask the provider for any other credentials and references from previous clients. This is common sense, but surprisingly many people don’t ask this question. Academic and professional credentials, as well as references, can help you learn a lot about a provider.
- When looking for a supplier, ask family, friends and neighbors for contacts of trusted contractors they have worked with in the past.
range of services
Most contractors offer a wide range of services. The following are some of the services that any decent contractor should be able to provide:
- Access control systems including gate entry and gated security
- Construction and carpentry services
- Completion audits
- Construction and computer aided design as adjusted drawings
- Control systems
- distribution transformation
- Electrical design and installation according to the latest 17th edition of the standards of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
- Emergency light
- Fault detection and repair work
- fire alarm systems
- Floodlighting
- Intrusion detection alarm systems
- NICEIC testing and inspections, including periodic testing and PAT (Portable Device Testing)
- Exterior Lighting including Gardens and Parking
- Planned and improvised maintenance
- standby generators
- Technical Audits
- Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) Systems
However, it’s important to note that some contractors specialize only in certain types of work. This would be ideal if the nature of your work is highly specialized and requires in-depth knowledge of a specific area of expertise.
Finally, make sure your contractor is familiar with all local and national regulations. Many projects require permits and inspections. An experienced electrical service provider will be able to advise you on the necessary permits and ensure that your project passes the necessary inspections.
