What is BS7671.2008?
This is a British Standard. It is issued by The Institute of Engineering and Technology and the British Standards Institute and covers the Requirements for Electrical Installations. We are currently working to the 17th Edition which came out in 2008. However Amendment No. 1 was released in July 2011. All new electrical installations carried out must comply with these regulations.

What is Trustmark?
“Trustmark is a quality mark which operates a framework under which 30 plus scheme operators work in the RMI (repair, maintenance and improvement) sector, including trade associations, local government trading standards teams, and independent scheme operators. These schemes are approved to carry the Trustmark logo and recruit reputable and trustworthy tradesmen. This enables the Trustmark scheme operators to promote improved RMI sector standards, and tackle related issues such as better enforcement. All of these operators are audited annually by Trustmark, to ensure processes, standards and compliant procedures are being maintained.” www.trustmark.org.uk

What is NAPIT?
NAPIT is an organisation committed to consumer safety in the Domestic, Commercial and Industrial sectors. The whole aim of the organisation is to ensure that, through the competence of its Members, consumers can be confident that the work complies with the relevant regulations. They provide a simple, fast, search service so that you can find a tradesperson in your area that you know you can rely on. You can also use their Jargon Buster to make sure that you understand the terminology that their Members use.
They operate a comprehensive and rigorous code of practice for their members, but simply abiding by the rules and meeting the regulations is not sufficient.

A job can be safe, comply with the regulations and still be poorly done; which is why NAPIT offer a Work Quality Guarantee scheme to give you peace of mind; details of which appear on the compliance certificate issued by them on behalf of their members when the work has been completed. The Work Quality Guarantee Scheme covers notified works should the member be unable to rectify the works because they are no longer trading.

NAPIT are also appointed by the Government (the Department of Communities and Local Government, CLG) to run competent person schemes, which ensure that the work undertaken by members in the Domestic sector complies with the Building Regulations and can be carried out without you having to notify your local authority building control department.

NAPIT issue you with a certificate of compliance for the work carried out and also updates your local authority’s records. This will help with future house sale issues and may be required by future extensions of the home information pack (HIPS). www.napit.org.uk

What is an RCD (Residual Current Device)?
An RCD is a device designed to prevent a fatal electric shock if you touch something live, as may happen if there is an electrical fault, whether it be in the fixed wiring or an appliance. It can also provide some protection against electrical fires. RCD’s provide a level of personal protection that ordinary fuses and circuit breakers can not. In 2008 the new edition of BS7671 requires virtually all circuits installed, or modified since then, to be provided with additional protection by means of an RCD;  unless the circuit installation meets certain criteria.
An RCD constantly monitors, and will detect, electricity flowing from the circuit(s) it protects, down an unintended path, such as through a person. The RCD will disconnect the circuit in a duration measured in milliseconds, significantly reducing the risk of death or serious injury.

There are three main types of RCD’s:  Fixed RCD’s are installed in the consumer unit (fusebox) and can protect individual or groups of circuits. This provides the highest level of protection as it protects the wiring, switches, sockets, light fittings, etc, and appliances connected to the circuit. Socket-Outlet RCD’s have an RCD built-in and can replace existing standard socket-outlets. This only provides protection for the equipment plugged into it and the person using it. Portable RCD’s can be plugged into standard socket outlets and will provide the same protection as an RCD protected socket-outlet. However, due to their portability, they are more prone to damage and should be tested before each use. All RCD’s should be tested quarterly and should have a label sited near the consumer unit warning of its presence and the testing procedure. Further information about RCD’s can be found at the Electrical Safety Council website www.esc.org.uk.