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Below is a BAD review from a landlord left online.

I have taken screen shots of both of them as one was removed by the site.

Firstly the story:

We were asked by a client to provide an electrical check and install smoke / heat detectors to a rental property…. so far so good.

We DID agree to call the client and tell them what needed done, but on arrival (to do an inspection) it was apparent the electrics were in such a poor state I decided to detail things in writing to save any confusion.

 

To be clear- we were NAUGHTY by saying we would call with the info when we didn’t

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A EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is like an MOT on a car- it is ONLY a test, not an installation job - this is relevant when you see the review.

Time scale of events

Works arranged for 04/11/17 by telephone call

Keys dropped off by client      03/11/2017 17:52

Report carried out by us         04/11/2017 17:30

Invoice sent by us                    07/11/2017 11:24

Invoice paid (debit card)         07/11/2017 13:09

EICR REPORT emailed             07/11/2017 23:31

Note the times when looking at the ‘several days’ and chasing the electrician comments on the second ‘review’

So here is my reply via email reply after the lady asked why I did not install the smoke detectors.

 

Hi (client name)

I know [client husband name] wanted the work done but my hands are tied- as the install was found to be DANGEROUS when inspected

 

The regulations strictly prohibit me adding to a dangerous installation, the bonding and the safety of the consumer unit need addressed before (or at the same time) as the smoke detector works

 

To be specific Reg 132.16 (wiring regulations) states :

No addition or alteration, temporary or permanent, shall be made to an existing installation, unless it has been ascertained that the rating and the condition of any existing equipment, including that of the distributor, will be adequate for the altered circumstances. Furthermore, the earthing and bonding arrangements, if necessary for the protective measure applied for the safety of the addition or alteration, shall be adequate.

 

You have my paperwork and any new electrician you use should give you replacement paperwork

 

Here is a link to the Scottish Government site for landlords

https://www.housingandpropertychamber.scot/repairs/repairs-application-and-guidance

 

Here are links to the NICIEC and SELECT contractor search sites- any electrician you use should be on there (otherwise your paperwork may be pointless).

 

Regards

Stewart

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So the client was told we couldn't do the work there and then, but I sent a quote via email.

The screen shots below show the reviews she left online for me.

On the above review- point by point

  • Yes the job was organised

  • My name is not mystic Stewart- the wiring check took a couple of hours (2 bedroom flat) I had never been in this property so I did not know the wiring was so poor before I went in.

  • I carried out an EICR (electrical report) and sent a report (I told the client it had failed on the phone but I did not go into detail on the call as things are better in writing), so the client got a report of things as I found them.

  • I didn't carry out the smoke detector install (as I had already told her in the email above) as it was not safe to do so as it is specifically prohibited in the wiring regulations (132.16).

 

So if you want an electrician that aims to comply with the wiring regulations then call abc Electrical, however if you want  someone who disregards the regulations, does what the clients wants (even if it makes things more dangerous)  and does not care about safety, then there are others out there who will better suit your needs

This lady is essentially ranting as we took the decision to be safe rather than do what she wanted at the time- sometimes the client can be wrong, and will take no notice of clear professional advice.

 

Sometimes a client may have a disregard to safety advice (in email)

Sometimes the client will have a rant about the electrician not doing agreed work, (we did not charge for the smoke detector works that were not carried  for safety reasons).

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Sometimes it better to lose a client rather than one who disregards safety advice as there will be less come back- you cannot get accused of doing something wrong if you walk away and DO NOT DO THE WORK.

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I HAVE CONTACTED NICEIC AND SELECT WHO HAVE BOTH CONFIRMED THAT I WAS CORRECT TO NOT CONTINUE WITH ANY ELECTRICAL  INSTALLATION  WORKS. (NICEIC AND SELECT are the electrical governing bodies which help regulate the electrical industry)

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