Electrical work requires stringent training and a range of skills. Before an individual can qualify as an electrician, they must first pass through a series of training programmes and achieve the relevantcertification. This will then enable them to install, repair, maintain, test, service or alter electrical related systems in any premises, such as the home, office or commercial facility.
The role of an electrician is to ensure every part of a building’s electrical system is safe to use and meetsall the relevant electrical standards. Because of the risks associated with the installation, repair and general use of electricity, it is your responsibility to ensure only a qualified and certified electrician carries out electrical work on your premises.
Electricians are classified into three levels (Levels 1 to3),based on their level of training, skills, certification and the type or nature of electrical work they’re qualified and allowed to undertake.
A Level 1 electrician is trained to carry out the most basic of electrical works on any given property. This is the first rung on the ladder for people who want to build a career as an electrician and involves entry level knowledge of how electrical systems work.
A Level 1 electrician is qualified to undertake simple electrical installations, repairs and maintenance in your property, but not qualified to design or implement a new electrical system. For example, if you’re moving into a new home and carrying out electrical repairs or first-time installation, it is a Level 1 electrician who will extend the power line to your property. They will run cables from your home to where the electricity source is shared from, whether that is an electric pole, a street transformer or an underground electricity source.
A Level 1 electrician is knowledgeable about health and safety, trunking, conduit wiring, electrical installation methods and electrical components. However, because this is the very first step in electrical certification, complex electrical designs and installation will need to be carried out by a Level 2 or Level 3 certified electrician.
Whenever you need electrical work undertaking, be sure to hire an electrician who is trained, qualified and certified for that particular job. It’s only a trained and experienced electrician who can carry out electrical work that will be safe and meets the accepted standard.It’s prudent to go on referrals and recommendations from friends and family. This way, you’ll have an idea of the type of work they do and whether you’ll be able to trust them with the safety of your property.
No matter the level of qualification an electrician has, be sure to ask politely to see their license, because while some electricians work with expired licenses, others are not even licensed to work in a particular field of electrical work. It is also a good idea to ask for their insurance documents, so as to be sure you are covered in the event of an accident.