What Is It?
A Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate (commonly known as a Minor Works Certificate) is a document that certifies small-scale electrical work has been inspected, tested, and meets the requirements of BS 7671. It is used for additions and alterations to an existing circuit that do not involve the installation of a new circuit. The certificate records the details of the work carried out, the existing circuit it connects to, and the test results that demonstrate the work is safe.
Who Needs It?
Anyone having minor electrical alterations carried out in their property should receive a Minor Works Certificate from the electrician. This applies to homeowners, tenants (where work is authorised by the landlord), landlords, and commercial property owners. It is particularly important for landlords to retain these certificates as evidence of compliance and for handover to tenants. Homeowners should keep them for future property sales and insurance purposes.
When Is It Required?
A Minor Works Certificate is required for any small addition or alteration to an existing electrical circuit. Common examples include adding a socket or spur to an existing ring or radial circuit, replacing a light switch or socket with a different type (for example, a dimmer or USB socket), adding a light fitting or extending a lighting circuit, installing an outdoor socket connected to an existing circuit, and replacing accessories that involve changes to the wiring arrangement. It is NOT required for new circuits, consumer unit changes, or work in special locations like bathrooms — those require a full EIC.
What Does It Cover?
- Description of the minor works carried out, including the nature of the alteration or addition
- Details of the existing circuit to which the work connects, including its protective device and cable type
- Inspection of the workmanship and compliance with BS 7671
- Continuity test results for protective conductors
- Insulation resistance measurement of the affected circuit
- Earth fault loop impedance at the point of the new work
- RCD test results if the circuit is protected by a residual current device
- Confirmation that the work does not impair the safety of the existing installation
How Long Is It Valid?
A Minor Works Certificate is a permanent record of the work carried out and does not have an expiry date. It documents that the minor work was safe and compliant at the time it was completed. The overall electrical installation should still be periodically inspected via an EICR at recommended intervals (every 10 years for owner-occupied domestic properties, every 5 years for rented properties).
How Much Does It Cost?
£50–£150
The cost of a Minor Works Certificate is almost always included in the price of the electrical work itself. If charged separately (for example, when retrospectively certifying work), expect to pay £50-£150. The cost reflects the time taken to inspect, test, and complete the paperwork rather than the complexity of the work.
What Happens If You Don't Comply?
While there is no specific fine for failing to issue a Minor Works Certificate, the absence of certification can cause problems when selling a property, as conveyancing solicitors routinely request certificates for recent electrical work. Insurance claims may be rejected if uncertified electrical work is found to have contributed to a fire or incident. For landlords, failing to demonstrate that electrical work has been properly done and tested could contribute to a breach of the Electrical Safety Standards regulations.
How to Get One
Hire a qualified electrician for the minor electrical work — ideally one registered with a competent person scheme (NICEIC, NAPIT, ELECSA) though registration is not strictly required for non-notifiable work.
Discuss the scope of work beforehand so the electrician can confirm it qualifies as minor works rather than requiring a full EIC.
The electrician carries out the work, which typically takes 1-3 hours for common jobs like adding sockets or changing switches.
Upon completion, the electrician inspects and tests the work, taking the measurements needed for the certificate.
The electrician issues the Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate, usually on the same day as the work.
Retain the certificate with your property documents for future reference, property sales, and insurance purposes.
