Do you want to hear a scary fact? A quarter of UK adults do not use registered electricians. Here is another one: one third of people have hired an electrician according to a recommendation, without verifying their credentials. Ways to prevent electrical fires in your house, regularly check your electrical appliances and also resister yourself for landlord Electrical Safety Certificate.

It can be difficult to know if your electrician is legitimate without the right questions. That is why we are here! Our handy cheat sheet helps you navigate difficult conversations and saves you a lot of time, money and hassle. Finding a registered electrician does not have to be stressful!

Why choose a registered electrician?

A correctly installed and properly maintained installation can considerably reduce the risk of accidents or injuries. It is therefore important that all electrical installation work is carried out by people who have the knowledge, skills and experience necessary to prevent the risks that electricity can cause.

Not convinced? See below a number of reasons to always choose a registered electrician!

Are you a registered member of one of the government-approved schemes?

Start by verifying that the person is a registered member of one of the government-approved schemes. If you choose a registered electrician, you will receive extra protection in case something goes wrong. Contact the scheme directly if you want to verify the person’s record.

Can I see your paperwork?

Some people are ashamed to verify the qualifications of the person they employ, but if you work with a trader who does not want to show proof of your qualification and registration status, this may be a warning signal.

Do you have references from previous customers?

If you are unsure of a person, ask them to provide references from former satisfied customers. Ask these referees to explain what they had done and how satisfied they were with the work done.

Who else is going to work in my house?

When you hire a builder or kitchen installer to do some work at home, they often have to bring an electrician for a certain task. But do you know if the electrician you have hired is ready? It is easy to assume that the responsible trader will verify the qualifications and registration. But don’t leave it to chance: ask for proof of everyone’s ability.

I would like a second opinion. I can answer you

Don’t feel pressured to make a decision quickly. If an electrician makes you feel uncomfortable for some reason, seek advice before hiring him to work for you. Also get some quotes to compare options. The cheapest date may not be the best deal, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is!

Where to find a registered electrician

If you need to perform electrical installation work at home, we recommend that you use a registered electrician in one of the government approved schemes. We’ve made it easy: click here for a list of registered electricians in your area, whether you live in London.

Click here for more information about Landlord Electrical Safety Certificate