Certification

What are the different types of electrical certification?

For any completed electrical works undertaken it is important to keep the paperwork. Ensure
that all certificates and reports include information regarding inspections and test results.
Certification or reports will differ depending on the extent and type of electrical installation work, or inspection and testing that you have had completed.

Electrical certification for new installations, alterations or additions Electrical Installation Certificates (EICs) and Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificates (MEIWCs) provide the following information:

  • You, as the person responsible for the safety of an electrical installation, with a declaration that the new installation, or alteration or addition, is safe to use at the time it was put into service.
  • Provide a background for any further inspection and testing, and potentially help save on expensive exploratory work.
  • Evidence in the event of a claim that injury or fire was caused by an electrical installation, as they will show that the installation had been installed to a satisfactory standard of safety.

The EIC will determine which category the electrical work that has been carried out falls into:

  • 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 potentially may be required for an
alteration or addition to the installation – this will depend if 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.

Always use a registered contractor who will issue the correct certification for the work they
carry out.