Frequently Asked Questions
In line with the principles of ELECSA we will try to avoid all jargon and where it is imposed upon us we will translate it into day to day language. If some slips through then please let us know!
What's all the fuss?
From 1st January 2005 most electrical work in houses, some of which is quite routine such as changing a socket in a kitchen, must, by law, be notified to the local authority building control department; this includes DIY as well as tradesmen who undertake electrical work as a part of their normal activities (such as kitchen and bathroom fitters). The only exception is where the work is undertaken by a competent person who is a member of a government authorised scheme. The notification to the local authority is then handled by the organisation running the scheme.
When did the law change?
The law was announced in Parliament on the 29th June 2004 to be effective from 1st January 2005. There WAS a small transition period but this was ONLY to allow contracts signed prior to the 1st January 2005 to be completed; all work entered into after that date must be within an approved scheme.
What is the purpose of the change in legislation?
The Building Act is being revised to include electrical installations to provide protection against their being a source of a fire or a cause of injury.
What is a competent person?
A competent person is a firm who is approved by one of the government authorised bodies.
What types of properties are covered?
In addition to electrical work within dwellings, the controls include parts of fixed electrical installations external to premises, such as in gardens, sheds and detached garages. Unfortunately the definition of a dwelling is not particularly helpful but for the purposes of this scheme, we are saying a place that was designed to accommodate people for durations in excess of 30 days. Properties specifically designed as holiday homes are excluded.
Are you saying that I now have to notify minor works?
The BS7671 definitions of minor (e.g. the additions or modifications to circuits) and major works (e.g. installation of a new circuit) have not been mirrored in the new legislation and there are minor works such as the fitting of a new socket in a kitchen that require notification.
Is that it?
Unfortunately not. With such work being bought into the Building Act, all other Approved Documents automatically become relevant; such as Approved Document B (fire safety), Approved Document F, Approved Document M (accessibility) and Approved Document L1 (energy conservation).
Can I qualify by experience?
There is no doubt that experience is essential. However the scheme does require that you can prove what you know. There are two routes to proving competence:
- One is the classic City and Guilds route taking you to NVQ / SVQ Level 3 in electrical installation work. Obviously this will suit time-served electricians but not those who now do electrical work as a small part of their activities.
- For those organisations who do not have specific qualifications relating to electrical installation work but do have extensive experience, it is still possible to pass the assessment but we may require you to commit to attending a formal course of study within the following year.
What do I need to do?
If you want to apply to ELECSA, the most cost-effective way of doing this is by completing the online registration form. Alternatively you can print off the application form and send it back to us. If you are currently registered with another scheme provider and would like to transfer free to ELECSA, print off the free transfer form and send it back to us or click here to complete this process online. If you want to discuss your application or have any questions, please contact the ELECSA Registration Team on 0845 634 9043 who can advise you on what you need and how best to apply.
Who does what?
- Once we have received your completed application form (either online or through the post), we will send out a confirmation to you with an assessment date
- On the agreed date, we will visit your place of work to assess your compliance with BS7671 and visit some recently completed work
- We will issue you with a registration certificate, a username and password to access the contractors' area of the website along with the approved contractor welcome pack
- When you carry out notifiable work, this can be reported to us via the job notification area of the website. we then inform the appropriate Local Authority and send a building compliance certificate to your customers.
What works are notifiable?
Click here to see a List of Notifiable works (locations)
Why ELECSA?
- ELECSA is a scheme run by electricians for the electrical trade
- ELECSA has friendly and supportive assessors
- ELECSA provides FREE technical advice and support
- ELECSA provides customer warranties at no cost to the contractor
- ELECSA maintains a straightforward job notification system
How much is it going to cost?
The minimum start up costs involve:
- Initial registration
- An on site assessment
- Job notifications via the website
By applying online, you can join ELECSA for just £360 + VAT which includes both the registration and assessment fee. When it comes to your annual surveillance visit, this is charged at £360 + VAT. Notifying work via the website will cost £1.50 + VAT per job.