Not sure whether being charged correctly by electrician

johnpackt

Hi all, I recently had an issue with my bathroom lights not turning on(first floor). Other lights on the first floor were working fine. We also have a converted attic with ensuite.
I called an electrician who came on the first day and diagnosed the problem as a missing neutral wire from both bathroom switches. To test his theory, he temporarily pulled a neutral from a nearby room and confirmed that was the issue. This was first day.
I asked him to find a solution with minimal visible damage (as I didn’t want too many holes in the wall/ceiling). He said it might be possible to bring the neutral from the attic. Next day when he came back and while trying to do the same, he accidentally broke a tile in the attic bathroom. He later patched it up with filler and said it would be fine.
He seemed in a hurry on the second day, and after doing his fix, he turned the main switch back on and briefly showed me that first floor lights were working—but he didn’t test everything properly. Later during the day when I came downstairs and tried to switch on light realized downstairs lights are not working now
When I flagged it, he claimed he had tested everything (which he hadn’t) and now says he’ll need to charge me another 150 to fix the downstairs lights, possibly bringing neutral from the same floor.
I haven’t paid him in yet. We earlier discussed that it will be bill with vat and wire transfer. He has charged me 250 plus vat uptil this point.
I’m not sure what to do. On one hand, he did spend time trying to fix it, but on the other hand, the problem still isn’t resolved, and there’s now additional damage. Is this normal and I should pay him extra for next day or should I get second electrician to have a look.

JamBur

Personally Id be having a chat with him. The downstairs issue was introduced by him. (Presuming upstairs and downstairs lights are on separate circuits)

johnpackt

Thanks for the reply jambur. Was concerned about charge. Is it normal to pay for additional time even the fix he did fixed the original problem but created a new problem.

con747

So he showed up fixed 1 problem caused another problem and broke a tile, I would be having a serious chat if not giving him the boot and finding someone else. He patched up the tile and said Ah, sure it'll be fine. 😂

TheSunIsShining

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058418370/not-sure-whether-being-charged-correctly-by-electrician

Missing neutral wire from both switches? You rarely have a neutral at the switch with how lights are usually wired - you have a live and a switched live so you sure he said the issue was a missing neutral? And it doesn't make any sense anyway as if that somehow was the reason, then how were they working before now?

J_R

Hi

" problem a missing neutral wire from both bathroom switches"

Wires don't go missing. I'd say it was simply a broken connection in one of the switches.

Lights were working previous therefore they must have been wired correctly.

And he should of course be a registered electrician, and should have given you a completion certificate.

I'd say you were scammed and definitely do not give him any more money

From a Google search

"

If you need to complain about electrical work in your home in Ireland, you should first determine if the work was done by a Registered Electrical Contractor (REC). If it was done by someone not registered or if the REC's work is unsatisfactory, you can report the issue to Safe Electric. For immediate safety concerns, contact ESB Networks or find a REC on Safe Electric. Here's a breakdown of how to handle a complaint:1. Determine if the work was done by a Registered Electrical Contractor (REC):

• Only RECs are legally authorized to perform electrical work in homes. 
• You can find a list of RECs on Safe Electric. 

2. If the work was done by a non-REC or the REC's work is unsatisfactory:

• Report Illegal Electrical Works:If the work was performed by someone not registered as an electrician, report it to Safe Electric. 
• Complain about a REC's work:If the work was done by a REC but you have concerns about the quality, safety, or completion certificate, you can submit a complaint through the Safe Electric website. 
• Customer Service Complaints:For issues with Safe Electric itself, you can email complaints@safeelectric.ie. 

3. Immediate Safety Concerns:

• If there are immediate safety risks, such as exposed wires or contact issues, contact ESB Networks (1850 372 999) or find a REC on Safe Electric. 

4. Key Resources:

• Safe Electric: The statutory regulatory scheme for electrical contractors in Ireland, operated by the Register of Electrical Contractors of Ireland (RECI). 
• ESB Networks: Handles immediate safety concerns and emergencies related to electricity. 
• CRU.ie: The Commission for Regulation of Utilities, which oversees Safe Electric. 
• Citizens Information: Provides information on consumer rights and how to complain about utilities. 
• CCPC: The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, which provides information and support for consumers. "

Escapees

Time to find a new electrician...

Sleeper12

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123591717#Comment_123591717

Not all electrical work requires an REC & doesn't need to be certed. From what OP described it might not need to be certified. Lights inside the bathroom need certing. Lights outside the bathroom might not need certified