BRE Certification, with the ECA's support, has achieved UKAS accreditation to assess and certify electrical contracting enterprises that undertake electrical installation work.
Accreditation under EN 45011 allows BRE Certification to assess and certify installation work to BS 7671, BS 5839 and BS 5266. The accreditation will offer electrical contractors a competitive alternative to schemes offered by other certification bodies. And, aligned to the new single industry electrotechnical assessment scheme (EAS), the scheme offers ECA members a one-stop shop for their assessment needs.

The lack of certification within the industry is a draw for unscrupulous cowboy companies. This type of scheme is designed to discourage the use of unqualified contractors. Although the EAS is currently still at pilot stage, it is anticipated that when it receives UKAS approval, firms assessed and certified under the BRE Certification Scheme will also be certified against the EAS. This puts them in a good position as it is likely that electrical installation work will be covered in the Building Regulations and firms wishing to be able to self-certify their work will have to be assessed as competent.