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Don’t give electrical contractors carte blanche

  Mandy Barrett of insurance brokers, Aon South Africa

The popular Carte Blanche programme recently highlighted the insurance problems that could arise if you use dubious electrical contractors. 

“The basic message was, make sure the people you use are registered members of the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA)” says Mandy Barrett of insurance brokers, Aon South Africa.

“Apparently there are too many fly-by-nights about and there are allegations of instances where the real problem has not been correctly identified or has been deliberately overlooked to inflate prices” adds Barrett.

“You could then have a problem with your insurance claim, where, for example, you used an unqualified ‘sparky’, your stove hob was incorrectly wired and a loss, perhaps a major one, results.

“Remember however that you can accept somebody in this role provided he’s under the supervision of a qualified electrician with the correct industry credentials.

“The same insurance principle applies to numerous other household appliances such as gas installations. 

“Reputable service providers who are bona fide members of their respective representative organisations are the answer.  Caution is the watchword!”

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