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CONSUMER RIGHTS

Something went wrong. Here's what to do.

Bad work, a missing certificate, or a contractor who's gone quiet. This is stressful. Here's a clear, step-by-step path through it.

Step by step

1
Talk to the contractor first

Before anything else, put your concern in writing — a text or email is enough. Be specific: describe the fault or what you didn't receive. Give them a clear, reasonable deadline to respond (5 to 7 working days is fair). Many issues resolve here.

Why in writing? It creates a dated record. If you escalate later, you'll need evidence of when you first raised it.
2
Document everything

Take photos of the work (or the problem). Keep all messages, quotes, and invoices. Note dates, call times, and what was said. This takes 10 minutes and makes every next step easier.

Photos of the workAll messages savedInvoice and quoteDates noted
3
Escalate to Safe Electric

If the contractor is registered with Safe Electric and hasn't resolved the issue, Safe Electric can investigate. This covers technical or safety standard disputes — not commercial disagreements like cost.

File a complaint with Safe Electric →
Safe Electric can issue improvement directions and take disciplinary action against Registered Contractors.
4
If the work was dangerous or unregistered

For immediate safety concerns (exposed wiring, faults that could cause fire or injury), contact your ESB Networks emergency line: 1800 372 999 — 24 hours a day.

If you suspect the work was done by an unregistered person, you can report it to Safe Electric. For financial disputes, the Small Claims Court (claims under €2,000) or a solicitor's letter are the usual routes.

Report unregistered electrical work →

Not sure which step applies?

Didn't get a completion cert
Ask in writing first (Step 1). If they refuse, that's a Safe Electric complaint (Step 3).
Work is poor quality or unfinished
Document with photos, ask for it to be fixed (Step 1), then escalate to Safe Electric if needed.
Contractor has disappeared
Try to contact in writing, check whether they're still registered, then file with Safe Electric.
Work wasn't done by a registered person
Safe Electric can't act — they only regulate registered contractors. See our report page or seek legal advice.

Avoid this next time

Check the registration before you book. A 30-second check prevents most of these situations.

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