As long as you use electricity in your home or at work, chances are you have needed the services of an electrician at one time or another. Electricians are known to handle various electrical related tasks, from little details like changing a blown fuse to elaborate designs and installations.
An electrician will typically know how to install and maintain all or parts of the electrical systems in the house, office or large commercial properties. Some really skilled electricians can also handle basic repairs of electrical appliances but this is not usually part of their job description. The job of an electrician basically entails installing and maintaining the wiring system and equipment that control the flow of electricity in the property as well as any other component necessary for the electrical system to work optimally. Electricians with advanced skills and experience can also install and maintain electrical machines and equipment in factories and large commercial structures.
There are electricians who focus on design and installation and there are those who focus on repair and maintenance, although there are many who can do both. In the UK, the skills and qualifications of electricians are broadly grouped into three categories. Level 1 electricians are those who carry out some of the basic electrical works in the industry, but when it comes to advanced installation and repairs, a level 2 electrician will be best suited for the job. Level 3 electricians are more concerned with the design, customization and installation of advanced electrical services although they can easily handle any electrical related task.
Regardless of the size or nature of the electrical work to be done, it is recommended that you work with an electrician who is a member of any of the electrical regulatory bodies in the UK, such as ELECSA or NICEIC. As a rule, every electrical work must meet the British standard for safety and quality. At the end of the electrical work, only a qualified and registered electrician will be able to issue the relevant certificate to show that the work was done in accordance with the approved standard.
A qualified electrician will start the work at hand by first taking a look at the existing blueprint or technical diagrams to understand the layout of the existing electrical systems. In the event of a brand new installation, the electrician will create a blueprint that can be followed for subsequent repairs or modifications.
It goes without saying that you should always use a qualified and registered electrician for any electrical work you have regardless of the size or type of work. You can always get a qualified electrician by using the competent persons register. Even so, always ask to see their license so that you don’t end up working with someone with an expired license or someone who is not qualified and registered. It is also a good idea to request for a copy of their insurance document. This will help you know their level of coverage both for your property and for the electrician in the event of an accident.