How to check an electrician
Check the firm's name on the NICEIC or NAPIT register, or on the electrical competent person register. Check a limited company on Companies House. Do not rely on a logo on a van or a website. Ask for a written quote, and for the right certificates when the work is done.
Check the registers
The registers are the most reliable check. A firm on a competent person scheme has had its work assessed, and it can self-certify notifiable work under Part P.
Search under the firm's trading name and, if needed, the owner's name. Registers can use a different name from the van.
- NICEIC: search the register on the NICEIC website. If you cannot find a firm, NICEIC customer services can check for you.
- NAPIT: use the find a tradesperson search at search.napit.org.uk.
- Electrical competent person register: search by postcode and trade. It covers the government-authorised electrical schemes.
- Companies House: check that a limited company is active, and see its registered address.
- For EV chargers, ask if the firm is OZEV-authorised if you plan to claim a grant.
Do not rely on logos
A logo is not proof. NICEIC warns that rogue traders sometimes use its logo when they are not certified. Always check the register yourself.
We show register checks as plain text, with the date we checked and a link. We do not use trade body logos.
Questions to ask before you book
Ask each firm the same questions, so you can compare them fairly.
- Which scheme are you registered with, and under which name?
- Is this job notifiable under Part P? Will you self-certify it?
- Do you have public liability insurance? Can I see the certificate?
- Is the quote fixed, or an estimate? What is not included?
- When do you want payment? Do you need a deposit?
- Does your scheme offer a guarantee or a complaints process for this work?
Paperwork you should get
You should always get a certificate or a report. The right paperwork depends on the job.
- A new circuit, consumer unit or rewire: an Electrical Installation Certificate from the electrician.
- Notifiable work: a Building Regulations compliance certificate within 30 days.
- A small addition or repair: a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate.
- An inspection: an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR).
Warning signs
Be careful if a trader asks for full payment before work starts. Also be careful if a trader gives no written quote, landline or address. The same applies if a trader says notifiable work needs no certificate.
Cold callers who say your wiring is dangerous are another warning sign. Get a second opinion from a firm you found yourself.
How our listings help
We are a directory. We do not do the work, and nobody pays for position. For each firm we show the register checks we did, the date, and a link to the register.
We do not check the quality of work or insurance unless a firm sends proof. If we did not find a firm on a register, we show nothing for that register, because a search can miss a firm.
What it costs
Get at least two or three written quotes for bigger jobs. Our cost guides show where prices come from. See our EICR cost guide, rewire cost guide, consumer unit cost guide and EV charger installation cost guide.
Questions
Does an electrician have to be registered?
No. But only a registered competent person can self-certify notifiable work. Otherwise you must use building control or a third-party certifier.
Is a registered electrician always good?
Registration shows the firm's work is assessed. It does not guarantee every job. Check the quote, the paperwork and how the firm explains the work.
What if I cannot find the firm on a register?
Ask the firm which name it registers under, and check again. NICEIC and NAPIT can check for you by phone.