Electrical expert Tom Magner pulled the live wires from a plug socket; a simple job with no parts required, that should cost a maximum of £20 to put right.
An electrician trading as The Electric Man fixes the socket but failed to isolate the power before opening up the socket. He also claims to have worked on the consumer unit and then advises replacing it. A second electrician arrives four days later to fit the unit. He works practically in darkness and snips the 'company fuse', part of the electricity supply company's property, without permission. The total cost of the works was £411.25 – three times more than it should have cost had the work been necessary at all.
Magner's second fault was to damage the flex in the base of a kettle, causing the downstairs sockets circuit to trip. It should take an hour to fix. An electrician from A Mitchell Services advises changing the consumer unit. He charges £150 for the unit and breakers, which should cost £70-90. He is filmed sitting in his car outside a shop for over half an hour and later snooping around the entire house, including going through the householder's post, all while charging for his time. Total cost £498.40.
Emergency call-out firm Direct Call, falsely claiming to be on the NICEIC roll, promise to attend by 2pm on the same day. Five days after the initial call, and numerous phone conversations later, two electricians arrive; the BBC is sold parts that are not required and the faulty kettle is not spotted and blows up. Total cost £152.75.
In the face of this damaging evidence the ECA has renewed calls for the public to always employ a reputable tradesman who is a member of the Association, and as such can offer warranties and bonds and an inspection-on-demand service.
ECA director David Pollock says: "Homeowners should always check the credentials of their electricians by confirming their trade association membership."
Source
Electrical and Mechanical Contractor
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