Electrical work is one of the most regulated trades in the UK for good reason — poor electrical installations kill people and destroy homes. Yet every year, thousands of households across South Wales use unregistered electricians to save money, only to find their work fails inspection, voids their insurance, or causes serious hazards. Here are the eight things to check before letting any electrician loose in your home.
Check They're Registered with a Competent Person Scheme
In England and Wales, electrical installation work (including consumer unit replacements, new circuits, and rewires) must either be certified by the local authority or self-certified by a contractor registered with a government-approved Competent Person scheme. The two main schemes are NAPIT and NICEIC. Ask to see the electrician's registration number and verify it on the scheme's website before any work begins. An unregistered electrician cannot legally self-certify electrical installation work.
Ask for Evidence of Public Liability Insurance
Every professional electrical contractor should carry public liability insurance — typically a minimum of £1 million cover. This protects you if work causes damage to your property or a third party. Simply ask to see the certificate before work starts. A professional electrician will not hesitate to provide it.
Verify They'll Issue the Correct Certificates
Any notifiable electrical work must be accompanied by an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) and, where applicable, a Building Regulations completion certificate. For EICR inspections, an Electrical Installation Condition Report must be issued. If an electrician says you "don't need" paperwork, or charges extra for it as an optional add-on, treat this as a serious red flag.
Check Online Reviews — But Read Them Critically
Google, Checkatrade, and Trustpilot reviews give useful insight, but focus on reviews that mention specific details — the type of work done, the location, the standard of finish, communication. Generic 5-star reviews with no detail are less reliable. Look at how the company responds to any negative reviews too.
Get a Written Quote Before Work Starts
A reputable electrician will always provide a written quote detailing the scope of work, parts to be supplied, the estimated timescale, and the total price including VAT. Verbal agreements are difficult to enforce. Be cautious of quotes that are significantly lower than others — electrical safety is not an area where the cheapest option is usually the wisest choice.
Ask About Their Experience With Your Specific Job
Electrical work covers a huge range: domestic maintenance, full rewires, EV charger installation, EICR testing, commercial work. Ask whether the electrician regularly carries out the type of work you need. A general maintenance electrician may not have the specialist knowledge required for a complex EICR report on an older property, or for commissioning a smart home EV charging system.
Confirm They'll Handle Building Regulations Notification
For notifiable work, the contractor must notify Building Control — either via their Competent Person scheme or by applying to the local authority directly. This produces a completion certificate that goes on the public record and is required when you sell the property. A NAPIT-registered contractor handles this automatically as part of their membership obligations.
Trust Your Instinct on Communication and Professionalism
Does the electrician arrive on time? Do they respond promptly to messages? Are they clear and transparent in explaining what work is needed and why? Do they respect your home — using dust sheets, cleaning up after themselves? These soft indicators often predict the quality and reliability of the actual work.
Why NAPIT Rather Than NICEIC?
Both NAPIT and NICEIC are government-approved competent person schemes, and both are valid. Megalec are NAPIT-registered. NAPIT has a strong presence in South Wales and is widely accepted by insurers, lenders, and letting agents. When you book with us, you're working with a contractor who is regularly assessed against current BS 7671 standards and whose work carries the backing of a recognised national body.
A Quick Checklist Before You Book
What Services Does Megalec Offer Across South Wales?
Megalec are NAPIT-approved electricians based in Broadlands, Bridgend, covering all areas across South Wales. Our services include EICR testing, consumer unit upgrades, full rewires, electrical installations, EV charger installation, landlord certificates, PAT testing and emergency call-outs. All work is certified, notified, and backed by our NAPIT membership.
Book a NAPIT-Approved Electrician in South Wales
All work certified, insured, and Building Regs compliant. Covering all of South Wales.
Call 01656 497474