What Is It?
A Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate is a formal document issued by the electrician who carried out small-scale electrical work on an existing circuit. It records what work was done, confirms that it complies with BS 7671, and includes essential test results such as insulation resistance, earth fault loop impedance, and RCD operation times. It is less detailed than a full Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC), which is required for new circuits, but it is equally important as a legal record of compliant work.
About This Template
A Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate is a legal document required under BS 7671 for any small-scale electrical work that doesn't involve the installation of a new circuit. This includes jobs like adding a socket to an existing circuit, swapping a light fitting, or installing a fused spur. The certificate confirms that the work complies with the IET Wiring Regulations, that the existing circuit can safely accommodate the addition, and that appropriate testing has been carried out. Issuing proper certification protects the electrician from liability and gives the customer proof that the work was done safely and to standard.
When to Use
- When adding a socket outlet, light point, or fused spur to an existing circuit
- When replacing a consumer unit (some schemes classify this as minor works, others require a full EIC)
- When installing an outdoor socket or lighting on an existing circuit
- For like-for-like replacements where testing is needed to confirm circuit integrity
- When altering an existing circuit without adding a new one (e.g., moving a socket position)
- For any notifiable work under Part P of the Building Regulations that doesn't require a full EIC
What to Include
- Description of the minor work carried out with location details
- Details of the existing circuit the work was carried out on
- Confirmation that the work complies with BS 7671 and the edition in force at the time
- Test results: circuit protective conductor continuity, insulation resistance, earth fault loop impedance, and polarity
- RCD test results if the circuit is RCD-protected (operation time and rated residual current)
- Details of the earthing and bonding arrangements
- Comments on the condition of the existing installation as far as it could be assessed
- Electrician's name, signature, qualifications, and scheme membership details
- Date of completion and next recommended inspection date
Tips
Always test the existing circuit before and after your work - you need to confirm that your addition doesn't overload the circuit or compromise protection
Record accurate test results on the certificate - fabricated or estimated values undermine the document and can lead to disciplinary action by your registration body
Issue the certificate to the customer before leaving site - many electricians forget or delay this, which can cause problems if the work is later questioned
Keep your own copy of every certificate for at least six years - this protects you if a dispute or insurance claim arises years after the work was completed
If you discover defects in the existing installation during your work, record them in the comments section and advise the customer in writing to have them remedied
