The Dangers of Hiring an Unregistered Electrician
It might seem like a bargain at first… but hiring an unregistered electrician in Bristol can cost you far more in the long run. From failed inspections to insurance nightmares, here’s what you need to know before hiring anyone to work on your electrics.
1. No Certification or Proof of Safety
If the electrician isn’t registered with NICEIC, NAPIT, or ELECSA, the work they do won’t come with proper certification. That means:
- ⚠️ Your home or rental may fail an EICR
- ⚠️ You may need to pay again to have the work redone
- ⚠️ You can’t prove the work is safe
2. Insurance May Not Cover You
Most home insurance policies require that all electrical work is carried out by a qualified, competent person. Hiring someone from a Facebook ad with no proof of credentials may mean:
- ❌ No payout if a fire or fault occurs
- ❌ Total liability falls on you
Don’t take the risk—hire someone listed on official schemes like niceic.com or napit.org.uk.
3. You’re Liable for Who You Hire
Whether you're a landlord, homeowner, or business owner, the legal responsibility for safe electrics falls on you.
If the work is unsafe or non-compliant, you could face:
- 💷 Heavy fines
- 🔁 Expensive rework
- 🚫 Invalidated EICRs and rent restrictions
4. You Could Put People in Danger
Worst of all, using a rogue or unqualified electrician could mean dangerous work that leads to:
- 🔥 Electrical fires
- ⚡ Electric shocks
- 🏚️ Unsafe installations affecting the whole property
This isn’t just about compliance—it’s about safety.
How to Avoid Getting Caught Out
- ✅ Always ask for proof of NICEIC/NAPIT/ELECSA registration
- ✅ Check Google reviews and their website
- ✅ Confirm insurance is valid and active
- ✅ Check their work portfolio or ask for examples
Still unsure? Contact Burridge Electrical and we’ll show you everything upfront—certification, insurance, qualifications, and real customer reviews.