We will encourage and support people to achieve their potential 
Renfrewshire Community Plan 2008 - 2017 Choosing an electrician
Home > Services > Community and living > Consumer advice and protection
Recent changes in the law mean that more work than ever has to be carried out by properly qualified electricians. They also have a new responsibility to carry out official checks on your electric system, and then give a certificate that confirms the work meets safety standards.
The work electricians can do varies from re-wiring a home from top to bottom, to adding a new socket or moving a light switch. They need to be able to read and implement wiring diagrams from architects and to create these themselves.
Electricians also need to be adept at chopping out plaster, drilling through walls, floors and ceilings and working out the best way to create electrical systems without too much visible wiring. They should come up with effective methods of hiding any wiring that can’t be chased into the wall, such as running wires behind skirting boards. Electricians may also install security or home automation systems.
The work electricians can do varies from re-wiring a home from top to bottom, to adding a new socket or moving a light switch. They need to be able to read and implement wiring diagrams from architects and to create these themselves.
Electricians also need to be adept at chopping out plaster, drilling through walls, floors and ceilings and working out the best way to create electrical systems without too much visible wiring. They should come up with effective methods of hiding any wiring that can’t be chased into the wall, such as running wires behind skirting boards. Electricians may also install security or home automation systems.
You can use our trader checklist to help you select a reliable trader and guide you through the process of forming a contract.
Trader Checklist (pdf - 788Kb)You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view these documents. Download Acrobat Reader here.
Renfrewshire Trusted Trader Scheme
Renfrewshire traders have signed up to become members of our Trusted Trader Scheme. We have a directory of consumer rated businesses that have agreed to abide by a specific code, as set out by Trading Standards. You will see their average score out of 10 for their previous jobs and also a compiled list of customer comments to help you make a decision when choosing a trader.
Electrician qualifications
Electricians should hold an Electrotechnical Services NVQ/SVQ at Level 3 and be ‘Part P Registered,’ so they can legally approve electrical work. Some experienced electricians may have trained as an apprentice some time ago and won’t have the latest qualifications. In this case, they must make sure they have their current work assessed and, if necessary, re-train to continue working as an electrician.
Trade organisations for electricians
Check whether your electrician is a member of organisations such as the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC) or the National Association of Professional Inspectors and Testers.
Both of these organisations are voluntary and members have to pay to join. But they do allow their members to issue certificates for all work carried out (even adding a plug or light switch) in accordance with national standards. Always check that your electrician’s membership hasn’t lapsed. Visit these organisations' websites for more information and lists of contractors.
Don’t forget to check your insurance policy to see if electrical or plumbing emergencies are covered. You must contact the insurance company first, not after you’ve called someone and incurred costs, as they often have their own tradespeople.
How to record a complaint against a trader
- In the first instance, you should contact the trader in writing and give them the opportunity to resolve any issues you may have.
- Send your complaint letter by Recorded Delivery and keep a copy of the letter and the Recorded Delivery receipt for records.
- Consumer Direct and Directgov have produced template letters to make a complaint.
If your letter fails to resolve the complaint and you require to speak with an adviser for further consumer advice:
- contact our partners, Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.
- If Consumer Direct advice does not resolve your complaint, they will refer it on to us for further investigation. Please note that, depending on the circumstances, it may take up to 10 working days before we can contact you.
- For further consumer advice please visit the Directgov website.
Alternatively, you can complete the following form and submit direct to Trading Standards:
- Consumer Complaint Reporting Form (pdf - 604Kb)
Contact us
- email: ts.es@renfrewshire.gov.uk
- call in or write to us at:
- Trading Standards
Environmental Services
Renfrewshire House
Cotton Street
Paisley
PA1 1BR
