Minor Works certificate checklist: the A4:2026 MEIWC, section by section
A Minor Works certificate (MEIWC) is for an addition or alteration that doesn't include a new circuit. On the A4:2026 form, fill in five sections in order. A covers the client, the address, the date, a clear description of the work, any departures and permitted exceptions, and comments on the existing installation. B is the earthing arrangement, Zdb and the main protective conductors. C is the board, the circuit and its protective devices. D is the test results for the altered or extended circuit. E is your declaration and signature. The form records one circuit. Several additions or alterations on that same circuit can go on one certificate. If you've altered more than one circuit, issue a separate Minor Works for each, or an EIC.
Before you start: is it really Minor Works?
- The work is an addition or alteration to an existing circuit.
- There's no new circuit. Any new circuit, a consumer unit change or a rewire needs an EIC. See EIC vs EICR vs Minor Works.
- If the work is on more than one circuit, issue a separate Minor Works for each, or an EIC. Several items of work on the same circuit can share one certificate.
Section A: description of the minor works
- Client details and the date the work was completed.
- Installation address.
- Description of the work. Be specific, for example "Added one double socket outlet to the existing kitchen ring final circuit", not "socket".
- Departures from BS 7671 for the circuit altered or extended. Write "None" if there aren't any. Don't leave it blank.
- Permitted exceptions, with the risk assessment attached where one is needed. Tick the "risk assessment attached" box if you've attached one.
- Comments on the existing installation, including any defects you saw. This is the box most often left empty. If you saw nothing wrong in the parts you looked at, say so.
Section B: earthing and bonding
- System earthing arrangement: TN-S, TN-C-S (PME), TN-C-S (PNB), TT, TN-C or IT.
- Zdb, the earth fault loop impedance at the distribution board that supplies the circuit.
- Main protective conductors: the earthing conductor, and main protective bonding to water, gas, oil, structural steel or other services, as present.
Section C: circuit details
- DB reference, location and type.
- Circuit number and description, and the reference method.
- Conductor csa: live and cpc.
- Overcurrent protective device: BS (EN), type, rating and breaking capacity.
- RCD, where fitted: BS (EN), type, rating, IΔn and any rated time delay.
- AFDD and surge protection details, where fitted.
Section D: test results for the altered or extended circuit
Section D says "where relevant and practicable". That isn't permission to leave it blank. Record every test that applies to the circuit you've worked on.
- Protective conductor continuity: (R1 + R2) or R2.
- Ring continuity, on ring final circuits only: r1, rn and r2. Leave these empty on a radial or lighting circuit.
- Insulation resistance: the test voltage, live–live and live–earth, for the circuit you altered.
- Polarity satisfactory.
- Maximum measured Zs, measured at the circuit, not copied from an old certificate. Check it against the maximum for the protective device.
- RCD: disconnection time at IΔn, and test button operation.
- AFDD test button, where the device has one. Not all AFDDs do.
- Surge protection functionality, where fitted and where it has an indicator. Not all devices do.
Section E: declaration
- Your name, who you're working for, your address and your position.
- Signature and date.
- The guidance for recipients page goes with the certificate. It tells the client what the certificate is and how to test their RCD.
Common mistakes that get Minor Works sent back
- Using Minor Works for a new circuit or a consumer unit change. Those need an EIC.
- Leaving "Comments on the existing installation" empty. Write what you saw, even if it's "no defects seen in the parts inspected".
- Copying Zs from an old certificate instead of measuring it after the work.
- Ring readings on a radial. r1, rn and r2 are for ring finals only.
- A vague description, such as "electrical work" or "socket".
- Blank departures or exceptions boxes. Write "None".
- Sending it without the guidance for recipients.
Doing a Minor Works on your phone in ZipCert
- The Minor Works is built to the A4:2026 model form layout. The PDF is two pages: the certificate, then the guidance for recipients. See the sample.
- Talk instead of typing the description of the work and your comments on the existing installation. Type the readings: there's no mic on reading boxes.
- Fill it in with no signal once ZipCert is open, and it syncs when you're back in signal. With no signal, Issue queues and retries until you're back in signal.
- Point 5 checks catch incomplete items before you issue.
- Board photo fill is on the EICR and EIC, not the Minor Works.
- EICR and EIC are in the same app. EV charge point, solar PV, fire alarm, emergency lighting and PAT records are also included.
EIC vs EICR vs Minor Works · How to fill in an EICR on your phone · Pricing
FAQ
What is a Minor Works certificate used for?
A Minor Works certificate (MEIWC) is for an addition or alteration to an existing circuit that doesn't include a new circuit, such as adding a socket to a ring final or moving a light point. A new circuit or a consumer unit change needs an EIC.
What goes on a Minor Works certificate?
On the A4:2026 form: Section A describes the work, the client, the address, the date, departures, permitted exceptions and comments on the existing installation. Section B covers earthing and bonding, including Zdb. Section C has the board, circuit and protective device details. Section D has the test results for the altered or extended circuit. Section E is the declaration and signature.
What tests go on a Minor Works certificate?
Those that apply to the altered or extended circuit: (R1 + R2) or R2, ring continuity (r1, rn and r2) on ring final circuits only, insulation resistance, polarity, maximum measured Zs, RCD disconnection time and test button, and the AFDD test button where fitted.
Can one Minor Works certificate cover two circuits?
The model form records one circuit, and the guidance that comes with it says a separate certificate should be issued for each existing circuit worked on. Several items of work on the same circuit can share one certificate. If the job covers more than one circuit, issue a separate Minor Works for each, or an EIC.
Do I need to fill in rn on a Minor Works?
Only on a ring final circuit. r1, rn and r2 are ring continuity readings. On a radial or lighting circuit, leave them empty and record (R1 + R2) or R2.
Can I do a Minor Works certificate on my phone?
Yes. ZipCert does Minor Works certificates on your phone, built to the A4:2026 model form layout, and works with no signal once it's open. There's a 14-day free trial, no card.
Do your next Minor Works on your phone. 14-day free trial, no card.
Written by ZipCert, which makes an electrical certificate app. Check BS 7671 and your scheme's guidance for anything you're unsure of.