A collection of links to third party websites which may be of use. Of course, I make no guarantees regarding the availability or content of any external pages, portals and links. Information regarding these links was correct at the time of writing.
Choosing a reputable sparkie |
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When hiring an electrician, always look for accreditation with the likes of NICEIC. These good folk ensure people like me are qualified, insured, assessed, inspected and comply with their procedures. Avoid those 'trused trader' style web directories which offer no protection should things so sour, only affiliation with a proper trade association offers real protection. For more information on NICEIC or to check if someone claiming to be a member really is such, you can visit their website at www.niceic.com |
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All reputable sparkies will be affiliated with an association such as NICEIC. Before hiring someone to perform electrical work, ensure they appear on the Registered Competent Person (Electrical) register to find out which organisation your preferred electrician is affiliated with. From July 2014, this all encompassing register took over from the likes of Electricsafe of which membership was voluntary. If your chosen sparkie doesn't show up on this site then they may not be qualified, competent or insured to be working on your installation. For more information or to perform a look-up of an electrician, visit www.electricalcompetentperson.co.uk |
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If choosing a solar PV installer, they must be registered on the MCS database in order for the installation to be eligible for financial incentives such as the government's Feed in Tariff (FiT) scheme. For more information or to check if an installer holds a valid MCS licence, visit the Microgeneration Certification Scheme website at www.microgenerationcertification.org |
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If a company claims to be a member of NICEIC, don't take their word for it. Look them up as described above. Those who have been caught out but continue to claim membership on their promotional materials can be found on the NICEIC Wall of Shame! |
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The Electrical Contractor's Association is an organisation that professional electricians may choose to join and that offers additional protection and warranty support for commercial electrical work. If your chosen contractor is displaying this logo, always verify their membership at www.eca.co.uk |
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Electrical & environmental safety |
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The Electrical Safety First charity (formerly the Electrical Safety Council) offer common sense advice and information including product recalls. They're well worth a visit at www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk |
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PlugSafe is a volunteer organisation working with other bodies to fight the threats to the safety of the humble BS1363 UK plug & socket due to abuses and illegal counterfeits. Take a peek at www.bs1363.org.uk |
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A non-exhaustive list of the different types of electrical wiring you may come across domestically in the UK and what to watch out for with the older stuff. This might give you an indication of the kind of wiring in your home, but if you're concerned about the type, condition or suitability of your wiring then contact me for further investigation and advice. http://wiki.diyfaq.org.uk/index.php?title=Historic_Mains_Cables |
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When tackling any project that involves disturbance to the fabric of the building you ought to be aware of the dangers of asbestos, particularly on older installations. In the UK only homes built after year 2000 can be considered as asbestos free with older properties potentially containing the stuff in walls, ceilings, artex finishes, downpipes, panels and goodness knows where else. Links to organisations offering information and support include, but aren't limited to, NHS Choices, Cancer Research UK and the HSE. | |
Local services |
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Other businesses based in Whitnash, my neck o' the woods, can be found on the Whitnash Town Council's Business Directory. www.whitnashtowncouncil.gov.uk/directory/ |
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Kahuti is a social network to help you connect with your immediate neighbours and share information on everything from lost cats to recipies to trusted tradespeople. You'll find me on there at https://www.kahuti.com/dses | |
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Consumer advice from Warwickshire County Council with links to information on Trading Standards and the latest rogue trader scams known to be operating in this area. www.warwickshire.gov.uk/consumersafety | |
Suppliers, regulators & government boffins |
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Western Power Distribution are responsible for the grid here in Warwickshire. If you suspect a powercut, they have a postcode checker and live powercut map at www.westernpower.co.uk/Power-outages/What-s-Happening.aspx | |
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The UK energy regulator. www.ofgem.gov.uk/electricity | |
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The Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (formerly the Department for Energy and Climate Change). https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-business-energy-and-industrial-strategy | |
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Not sure who your energy provider is? Maybe you've bought or inherited a property, or perhaps an absent partner or spouse dealt with the utilities and they're no longer around. Whatever the reason, if you want to find who supplies the energy to a particular premises, Western Power Distribution have a look-up you can use here. https://t.co/RfRGg9PpiN | |
Other recommended sources of information |
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Nothing says low, low production values and nowt of interest than my own YouTube channel, although it's still arguably better than anything on daytime ITV! | |
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For those after something more interesting and professional, John Ward's YouTube channel provides some excellent advice, reviews and teardowns relating to electrical installations and appliances. | |
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The bigclive.com YouTube channel also contains interesting teardowns and reviews on electrical items and is well worth a look. | |
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Another great YouTube channel belongs to Mehdi Sadaghdar who provides entertaining explanations for the physics behind electrics, often with firey results! | |
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The website of Electrical Times magazine. I have written some product reviews for them which were published in the February 2017 edition (Nightsearcher worklights), May 2017 edition (Boddingtons VDE tools), September 2017 (Varilight dimmers) and October 2017 (CK Stubby VDE screwdrivers). http://www.electricaltimes.co.uk/ | |
