What is an Electrical Certificate for?

If you have had any electrical work carried out in your home you should ensure that you have the paperwork for all completed electrical installation. These certificates and reports will include schedules of inspections and test results.

The type of certification or report received will depend on the work undertaken.

What type of electrical Certificate do I need?

Electrical certification for new installations, alterations or additions

Electrical Installation Certificates (EICs) and Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificates (MEIWCs) provide the homeowner or business owner with a document that demonstrates the new installation, or alteration or addition, was installed correctly, tested and is safe.

These certificates need to be kept in a safe place should there be any need for any further inspection and testing, as they can help save on costly exploratory work which might otherwise be needed in future.

Additionally, in the event of a claim that injury or fire was caused by an electrical installation, certificates are documentary evidence which help show that the installation had been installed to a satisfactory standard of safety. Insurance companies are unlikely to pay out if there has been recent, uncertified electrical work undertaken

The EIC will indicate whether the electrical work that has been carried out is:

· New - where the whole installation has been installed as new, if a complete rewire has been carried out.

· Addition - applies if an existing installation has been modified by adding one or more new circuits.

· Alteration - applies where one or more existing circuits have been modified or extended (for example to add a socket), or items such as a consumer unit (fusebox) and switching equipment have been replaced.

An EIC must be issued for all new electrical installations.

It may be required for an alteration or addition to the installation – depending upon whether or not a new circuit has been installed. Where an alteration or addition is carried out but does not include a new circuit, a MEIWC or an EIC may be used. As a registered contractor you can be reassured that we will issue the correct certification for the work they undertake. NICEIC.