NICEIC Approved Electrical Contractor in Belfast
NICEIC Registered local electrician, fully trained and qualified.
Matthew Lynes – Qualified Electrician, Belfast
Managing Director
I began in the electrical industry in 2005 as part of a small family run Electrical Contractors, during which time I gained a priceless insight into the inner workings of both the electrical industry and the business itself. Following some years of travel and work throughout the world the natural career progression was to run my own business.
After some years of operating within various sectors of the industry I decided to focus my attentions on sustainability. Moving forward into the future I hope that my business can save my customers money on their energy bills whilst also helping with the ever increasing push towards a greener future!
Belfast Electrician Guide
No matter the size or scale of your electrical issue, whether you are needing work carried out domestically or at a commercial enterprise, here is your quick guide with everything you need to know about hiring an electrician in Belfast.
Commercial Electrical Work
Commercial electricians work differently to those in the residential sector. This is due to the fact that commercial projects often require more complex tasks, with office blocks, hospitals and other large buildings needing high load units installed and maintained. This differs to domestic electricians, who will usually need to replace or repair more minor electrical issues. However, sometimes larger jobs, such as rewiring of a property, may be necessary.
Energy saving
A good electrician should be able to survey your property and offer energy saving solutions for your installation, such as LED lighting, smart lighting control, smart heating control, solar PV array, battery storage systems and electric vehicle chargers.
Renovation and repairs
The need for electrical repairs can occur at any time, no matter the property type. An electrician can carry out basic repairs, such as faulty light fittings, along with more complicated jobs, including new electrical circuits and sockets for conversions or extensions too.
Small Jobs/ Minor Electrical Works
Minor electrical works usually cover anything that requires alteration to an existing circuit. However, it would not refer to anything that requires the installation of a new circuit.
How Much do Electricians Typically Charge in Northern Ireland?
The cost of an electrician will vary depending on the work required. In some instances the nature of the task may require an hourly billing rate to be agreed upon although in most cases we try to achieve a fixed quotation for our customers prior to beginning works. Always check rates before any work commences. We will always issue an itemised quotation prior to starting works.
What Qualifications do Electricians Need to Have in Belfast?
To work as an electrician, it is essential to have some of the following qualifications. This is to protect not only the customer and properties worked on, but also the tradesperson themselves. Training is a combination of studying and professional experience. This is why an apprenticeship can take between 3 to 4 years to complete. A qualified electrician will also hold a Level 3 technical qualification and diploma as well.
What are the Dangers of Using an Unqualified Electrician in Northern Ireland?
Hiring a professional and fully qualified electrician is the only way to ensure your home is being serviced correctly and safely. Some minor electrical jobs at home may seem easy to do yourself – but be warned.
Electrical fires and fatalities are often the result of poor electrical workmanship, so it is not worth the risk of tinkering yourself or hiring someone who is not fully qualified to fix the problem.
What Types of Insurance Must An Electrician Have?
All electricians need insurance to cover their work, whether commercial, domestic or specialised. It should be expected that an electrician’s insurance will cover important elements, such as –
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Public liability
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Employer’s liability
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Professional indemnity
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Property and contract works
Some electricians will also need business cover too if they own a premises, whilst others also choose to insure their tools too. It is important that an electrician be fully insured in case of damage or injury.
How to find a reliable local Electrician
If you need a reliable electrician but can’t seem to find one, here are a few ways you can source an electrician you can trust.
Ask the Professionals
Approaching a professional company is the fastest and safest way to find a reliable electrician with all the qualifications and knowledge required to complete any manner of electrical work.
Check Online
Most reputable companies can be found online these days. Make sure if you are contacting an electrician through a website that their insurance and qualifications are clearly displayed, along with preferably a customer review portal too for transparency. Most websites will have a contact form so you can speak to someone before booking in the job.
Friends and Family
Another alternative might be to ask friends and family for a personal recommendation. Word of mouth is an important element of any trade industry, so asking someone who has already had a positive service experience can be a good option too.
Top 5 Suggested Questions to Ask Before You Hire A Belfast Electrician
1. What is your level of insurance?
Finding out the level of insurance your electrician holds is important, as some policies do not cover public liability insurance as it is not required by law to do so. However, all qualified electricians should be able to confidently explain their insurance cover so that you can have peace of mind before work begins.
2. Do you have any references?
Asking for references is a good way to find out how your electrician has been performing in the real world. You do not need to ask the tradesperson directly, but instead why not have a look at online reviews to get an idea of their reliability and quality of workmanship.
3. What are your qualifications?
Checking what qualifications an electrician holds is essential in assessing whether or not they will be able to carry out any work safely and professionally.
4. How much do you charge?
This sounds quite simple, but many customers can feel embarrassed talking about money upfront. However, it is important to know whether your electrician will be charging for a daily or hourly rate before you settle on the repair or replacement work starting.
5. Are there any hidden charges or fees?
Along with labour costs, it is also a good idea to check that there are no added extras that may come up later. Some electricians will also expect clients to pay for disposal of old units or items, whilst others won’t. If you do not specify particular makes or model for electrical devices being replaced, your electrician will decide for you, so always be sure you know exactly what you are looking for before work begins. Don’t forget to double check warranties once any new items are installed as well.
Having read this quick guide as to how to hire an electrician in Belfast, you should now feel confident as to the best way to not only source the right tradesperson, but also have greater understanding of the qualifications, insurance policies and costs required, no matter the job at hand.
Opening Hours
Mo-Fr: 8:00 – 17:00
Sat: Closed
Sun: Closed
