electrical inspection unit eiu service charter

Preamble………………………………...………………...1

Our Vision...………………………….……………………1

Our Mission...…………………………………………...…1

Our Values………………………………………………..2

The Services We Provide ...………………………………….2

Our Standards of Service…………………………………….3

Licensing of Electricians…………………………………...…4

How to Apply for an Inspection…………………………….....6

Installation of Stand-by Generators…………………..………..7

How You Can Help Us…………………………………..….8

Feedback…………………………………………...……..8

If You Wish to Lodge a Complaint……………………...…….9

Methods of Payment……...………………………………....9

Contact Information…………………………….….Back Cover

Electrical Inspection Unit Service Charter

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The Electrical Inspection Unit is the arm of the Ministry of Communications and Works responsible for the safe use of

electricity in the Virgin Islands (UK). Specifically, the Unit ensures that all electrical works done in the Territory—including the wiring

of residential, commercial and industrial buildings—is done in

compliance with the US-based National Electrical Code (NEC) and the British Virgin Islands Electricity Corporation Regulations 1999.

This Service Charter briefly describes the workings of the Unit.

Among other things it outlines the services the Unit renders, its

values and standards of service. It goes on to explain the application process for an inspection and how one goes about having a stand-by

generator installed. The Charter also describes the procedures for the licensing of electricians and explains the different classes of

electrician licenses.

The Electrical Inspection Unit vigorously sees to the safe use of

electricity in the Virgin Islands (UK) by ensuring that all licensed

electricians are properly qualified and that all electrical works carried out satisfy internationally accepted electrical codes and

regulations.

The Electrical Inspection Unit’s mission is to prevent and minimize the loss of human life and property damage caused by

electrical faults in the Virgin Islands (UK).

Electrical Inspection Unit Service Charter ….1

• Issuance of Electrician Licenses;

• Renewal of Electrician Licenses;

• Mechanical Inspection (roughing);

• Electrical Inspections of residential and commercial buildings;

• Examination of aspiring Electricians;

• Approval of Electrical Drawings (plans);

• Fire Investigation (cause) in conjunction with Fire & Rescue Service;

• Inspection of Stand-by Generators; and

• Ground Testing.

In serving you, we are committed to:

• Serving you in a courteous, prompt and efficient manner;

• Performing our duties at a professional level;

• Ensuring accuracy when handling your affairs; and

• Ensuring that information received from customers is held in strict confidence.


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In serving you, we are committed to doing so at the following

standards:

If you contact us by telephone, we will:

• Answer your call within five (5) rings;

• Greet you pleasantly ;

• Identify the office as Electrical Inspection Unit ; and

• Offer the necessary assistance.

If you visit our office, we will:

• Acknowledge your presence immediately;

• Assist you as soon as possible;

• See you within five (5) minutes of your arrival, if you have an appointment; and

• Inform you how long it will take to assist you if you do not have an appointment and the officer you wish

to see is unavailable.

If you write to us, we will:

• Acknowledge your letter, e-mail and fax within three

(3) working days; and

• Provide you with a complete response within fifteen

(15) working days.


How to apply for an Electrician’s License

To apply for an Electrician’s License, fill an application form which can be obtained from the Electrical Inspection Unit,

between the hours of 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday thru Friday, except on public holidays.

Requirements:

• Applicant must be at least 21 Years of age;

• Proof of Residence;

Belonger’s Card Naturalization Certificate or

Proof of Status to Reside & Work in the BVI

• At least two (2) references from previous employers;

• Have at least twelve (12) months’ working experience with a Licensed Electrician in the BVI;

• Two (2) recent photographs (passport size); and

• Passport or Original Copy of Birth Certificate.

Completed applications must first be approved, after which an Electrical Examination is administered by the Electrical

Inspector. Part 1: Oral Examination; Part 2: Written Examination (A License Examination Information Study Guide is available)

Licences are approved based on the requirements, qualifications and results of the Electrical Examination.

Estimated time to complete entire process is 15 working days.


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Licensing of Electricians (cont’d)

There are four (4) classes of Electrical Licences: A, B, C, & D.

LICENSE FEES by Class

Payable upon approval

Class A License - $ 100.00

Class B License - $ 85.00 Class C License - $ 75.00

Class D License - $ 50.00

A license is valid until the 31st day of December of the year in

which it was issued. (renewable for the same period upon payment of the appropriate fee)

Type of Work permitted by Class

Class A: permits the holder to undertake residential, commercial or industrial work.

Class B: permits the holder to undertake residential work, or commercial or industrial work under the guidance of a holder of

a Class A license.

Class C: permits the holder to undertake residential electrical

work, provided the building is a single unit, single floor structure, of not more than 1000 sq ft with a maximum

electrical service of 100 amps, or work above this level under the supervision of a holder of a Class A or Class B license.

Class D: permits the holder to undertake basic electrical maintenance of a specific system such as air-conditioning &

refrigeration, uninterruptible power supplies (ups), and stand-by

generators.


• Complete an Application for Inspection form indicating

the type of inspection desired. This form is available from the Unit & must be completed by a Licensed Electrician.

• Applications must be made at least 24 hours in advance

of the desired time.

• Payment for inspections depends on the type of inspection

to be carried out:

• Mechanical Inspection (roughing) is determined by the amount of square feet given;

• Initial Inspection of residential or commercial

buildings are calculated by the number of breakers to be inspected; and

• An additional charge of $20.00 for appointments

cancelled without notice.

• Owners and/or Agents are NOT ALLOWED to apply for

an inspection BUT can make payments with respect to the application.

• Fees for inspections can be obtained from the Unit.


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It is an offence to install a Stand-by

Generator without obtaining prior written

permission from the Minister!

Submit Application to Install a Stand-by Generator to:

Minister for Communications and Works

Information to be submitted on the application form includes:

1. Name and Contact information of Property Owner(s) 2. Physical Address for the installation

3. Particulars of Licensed Electrician to do the installation work

4. Specifications of the Stand-by Generator 5. Enclosure/Protection of Stand-by Generator

Forms are available at the Electrical Inspection Unit, the Ministry,

and under the “Ministry of C & W” link at:

http://inotes.bvi.gov.vg/portal/home.nsf

The Electrical Inspector then conducts a site visit to determine the accurate location for the stand-by generator.

The Minister grants the ‘installation approval’.

After installation another inspection is conducted by the Inspector to determine correctness of installation and a Non-Refundable

Fee of $50 is payable BEFORE the inspection. ONLY a

Licensed Electrician can make the application for inspection after the installation!

A Certificate of Approval for Electrical Installation (FORM B)

is issued to the Owner(s).

You may assist us in serving you by:

• Treating our staff with respect and courtesy;

• Fully & accurately completing application forms;

• Submitting the required documents for service in a timely

manner;

• Providing us with feedback on our services so that we may better serve you; and

• Adhering to set rules and regulations (governed by the

electrical inspection laws).

We are committed to serving you and will be pleased to

receive any suggestions that you may offer that would help to

improve the standards of service that we provide.

A suggestion box is placed in the arrival area of the Office

along with comment cards.

In addition to your comments, we will also monitor our

performance against the standards set out in this Service Charter. We will review the terms of the charter and its

effectiveness, and the results would be published annually in

our Ministry’s newsletter “The Communicator”.


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Should you be dissatisfied with the level of service received,

you should first lodge your complaint with the Head of the

Electrical Inspection Unit within 10 days.

If you are still not satisfied with the way in which your situation is handled, you may write to the Permanent

Secretary in the Ministry of Communications & Works.

If you are still dissatisfied in 15 days, you may write to the

Deputy Governor or the Governor with your complaint. After an investigation, expect a full response within 30 working

days.


We accept Cash and Cheques ONLY as payment for services.

Make cheques payable to ACCOUNTANT GENERAL.

Payments are not accepted after 3:00pm!

2008 Electrical Inspection Unit

Ministry of Communications and Works BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

Office Location R G Hodge Plaza

3rd Floor

Road Town

Tortola

Telephone (284) 468-3603/3604

Facsimile (284) 468-3610

Mailing Address Electrical Inspection Unit

Government of the Virgin Islands

Road Town

Tortola VG1110

British Virgin Islands

electrical inspection unit eiu service charter

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