How to Choose a Qualified Electrician. What to Ask and What to Expect

Choosing the right electrician can feel daunting, especially if you’re unfamiliar with electrical terminology. But a good electrician should make things clearer, not more confusing. This section gives you the questions, checks, and expectations that will help you hire someone competent, trustworthy, and aligned with UK safety standards.

1. Check Their Qualifications and Registration

In the UK, electricians working on domestic installations should be registered with a Competent Person Scheme. This allows them to self-certify work under Part P of the Building Regulations.

Look for registration with one of the following:

• NICEIC (Approved Contractor or Domestic Installer)
• NAPIT
• ELECSA (now part of NICEIC)
• Stroma (now part of NAPIT)
• ECA (Electrical Contractors’ Association)

You can verify their membership on each organisation’s official website.

Tip: Registered electricians can notify building control on your behalf — saving you time, paperwork, and extra fees.

2. Ask About Their Experience with Consumer Unit Upgrades

Not all electricians have the same level of experience with modern consumer units or with new technologies like EV chargers, solar PV, or battery storage. Useful questions:

• “How many consumer unit upgrades have you completed recently?”
• “Do you work with RCBO-only boards?”
• “Are you familiar with BS 7671:2018 Amendment 3 (2024)?”
• “What brands do you recommend and why?”

A qualified, up-to-date electrician should be comfortable explaining this without jargon.

3. Ask Exactly What’s Included in the Quote

A like-for-like board swap is NOT the same as a full modern upgrade. Before agreeing to anything, ensure you know what the price covers. A detailed quote should specify:

• Type of board (e.g., RCBO-only, dual RCD, main switch)
• Brand of consumer unit
• Whether SPD is included
• Whether AFDDs are included or recommended
• Number of ways (circuits)
• Whether existing wiring requires updates
• Testing and certification
• Removal and disposal of the old unit
• Any remedial work needed to bring the installation into compliance

The more transparent the quote, the better.

4. Expect Proper Testing and Documentation

A reputable electrician will carry out a full set of tests and provide the proper paperwork. You should receive:

• An Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC)
• A Building Regulations Compliance Certificate (sent to you after notification)
• A circuit schedule (labelling every circuit)
• Test results for each circuit
• RCD/RCBO trip times
• Guidance on future testing (usually every 5–10 years)

If someone offers to swap the board without full testing, that’s a red flag — consumer unit work requires extensive inspection and verification.

5. Check for Clear, Honest Communication

A good electrician should:

• Explain why any work is recommended
• Show you any issues they find
• Avoid scare tactics or pressure selling
• Provide a clear timeline
• Answer questions simply and directly

If you feel rushed or confused, look elsewhere.

6. Ask About Future-Proofing

Your electrical demands will likely grow, even if they feel modest now. A forward-thinking electrician should consider:

• spare ways for future circuits
• capacity for an EV charger or heat pump
• compatibility with solar/battery systems
• suitability for smart home equipment
• surge protection requirements
• arc fault detection (where relevant)

This helps ensure you’re not forced into unnecessary upgrades again in a few years.

7. Compare More Than Just Price

It’s tempting to choose the cheapest quote, but with consumer units, the lowest price often means:

• lower-quality components
• no surge protection
• minimal testing
• limited future capacity
• rushed installation
• A fair quote reflects:
• time for proper testing
• high-quality devices
• compliance with all UK regulations
• thorough documentation
• professional workmanship

Look for “value,” not just cost.

8. Look for Reviews and Local Reputation

Good reviews on platforms like:

• Google
• Checkatrade
• TrustMark
• Which? Trusted Traders

…can be helpful, but read them critically. Focus on feedback about:

• punctuality
• tidiness
• clarity of explanations
• aftercare
• quality of workmanship

Word-of-mouth from friends or neighbours is often more reliable than generic online reviews.

In Summary

Choosing a qualified electrician doesn’t need to feel complicated. Focus on:

• checking registration
• understanding what’s included
• asking the right questions
• expecting proper testing and documentation
• prioritising clarity and transparency

A good electrician won’t just install a modern consumer unit, they’ll help you understand what they’re doing and why, giving you confidence that your home’s electrical system is safe, compliant, and ready for the future.