Certify or die?

I am writing in reference to Part P certification. How is it that while I have been employed by the same company, A Pank & Son, for the last 27 years, progressing from an apprentice to electrician, approved electrician and now electrical foreman, I can no longer change my own fuse board?

I have two Electrotechnical Certification Scheme cards; Gold and Silver JIB cards; I have completed an apprenticeship; I’m a JIB approved electrician; I have passed the City & Guilds 2391 qualification for inspection and testing; and I have been industry assessed as an electrical site manager.

I do not carry out enough electrical work for my family and friends in a year to warrant spending hundreds of pounds to obtain Part P and I do not think it is justified that I have to pay building inspectors a sum of money (about £120, I believe) to inspect my work in my own home. I would have thought that people like myself with all the qualifications and lots of experience would automatically become registered under a different type of scheme.

I can not see how Part P is going to drive out the cowboys, as customers or family and friends are not going to pay the inflated prices charged by firms. They will find a cowboy or non-qualified electrician and just tick the ‘No’ box on their insurance for any electrical work carried out.

If they try and sell their property, denying any knowledge of work carried out, how would you police it? Also, if you are trying to stop cowboys, then companies such as B&Q, Wickes and other DIY shops should be made to take electrical products off their shelves. Then, these items could be made available only from a wholesaler, who can demand to see your grade card before selling you the goods.