What is a Minor Works Certificate?
If you are having Minor Electrical Works done, you might have heard about a certificate to go along with it. If you are having these works done, you should make sure you are always provided with a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate (MEIWC).
P.S. Check out our previous blog post if you want to know what counts as minor works.
The Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate (MEIWC) is a piece of paper prepared by your domestic installer or electrician, which warrants that the work carried out complies with the relevant standards, and that the person working on the circuit has carried out the necessary tests.
Without a certificate you can’t prove that the work was done to standard or that the system is safe.
Do you have to notify Minor Works Certificate?
Since Minor Works are, by definition, non-notifiable, you do not have to notify or lodge the certificate anywhere. If you have further work done though, the next person to do work might ask to see the certificate; if you want to sell your house you can use it to prove that work has been done safely, so you should always keep it in a safe place.
How to complete a Minor Electrical Works Certificate?
If the person carrying out your electrical work is suitably qualified, they will know how to fill out the certificate. If you are carrying out work yourself, then it is still a good idea to complete a certificate for yourself once you have done the work.
The most complicated part of the certificate is filling out the testing section. In order to do this, you must carry out the following tests on the circuit which you have worked on:
- Protective conductor continuity
- Continuity of ring final circuit conductors
- Insulation resistance
- Polarity
- RCD residual operating current
You will need special equipment to complete these tests.
Can I self-certify electrical work?
If your work is non-notifiable (see our blog post here for what counts), then you do not need to certify the work. However, it is still best practice to complete a certificate so that you have it available if anyone ever asks for proof that the system is safe.
With Sokket, you can book Minor Electrical Works like new plug sockets and light fittings online for a fixed price, and you always get a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate for peace of mind. Get started here.