As in any other profession, an electrician must undergo in depth training in order to qualify for certain certificates. An apprentice must spend four years training, which Chris successfully completed and became a City & Guild qualified electrician. He is also qualified in inspection and testing of electrical equipment; points that should be considered before calling out someone to fix an electrical problem. Everyone wants an electrician on whom they can rely to do a perfect job. Promptness and efficient workmanship should also be a requirement, and one who gets on with the job in hand.

When wiring, or fitting components in a house, or business, it is of vital importance that the job is performed properly to eliminate the possibility of the user being electrocuted or the premises set on fire. Apart from that, you can always tell a good electrician’s work; it looks neat and it will last.

Some people tend to be unwilling to call out an electrician until it’s practically too late because electricians generally charge a callout fee on top of the work they do, but surely it’s better to pay the charge and have the job done properly than wait until the house catches fire, or someone is electrocuted. Another aspect to consider is that electricity is a valuable resource that must be taken care of in order to avoid using unnecessary electrical power and pushing up your electricity bill. Always unplug appliances when they are not being used.

It is a legal requirement for Guest House owners, Landlords, who rent out properties, etc., that provide appliances for their employees, must have those appliances tested, though the HSE do not stipulate how often, common sense should, therefore, prevail. There is no requirement to record when a test was carried out, though it would seem sensible to maintain such a record and a good electrician should furnish each property tested with a PAT Log, (Portable Appliance Testing Log).