Part P of the Building Regulations covers electrical safety in dwellings. Introduced in 2005, it requires that electrical installation work is designed and installed to protect people from fire and electric shock. Understanding Part P helps you ensure any electrical work in your home is done safely and legally.
What Is Part P?
Part P is the section of the Building Regulations (England and Wales) that deals with electrical safety in homes. It requires that electrical work:
- Is designed and installed to protect against electric shock and fire
- Provides adequate means of isolation and switching
- Is suitably inspected and tested
- Is certified appropriately
What Work Is Covered?
Notifiable Work (Requires Certification)
- Installation of a new circuit
- Consumer unit replacement
- Any electrical work in bathrooms (except like-for-like replacements)
- Any electrical work in kitchens that involves new circuits
- Outdoor electrical installations
- Electric vehicle charger installation
Non-Notifiable Work
- Replacing sockets, switches, and light fittings (like-for-like)
- Adding sockets or lights to existing circuits (not in bathrooms/kitchens)
- Replacing a damaged cable
- Re-fixing loose connections
Even non-notifiable work must still meet the technical requirements of BS 7671.
Who Can Do the Work?
Registered Competent Person
Electricians registered with schemes like NICEIC, NAPIT, or ELECSA can self-certify their work. They notify building control on your behalf and provide certification directly.
Non-Registered Person
If using a non-registered electrician (or doing DIY), notifiable work must be notified to your local building control before starting. They will inspect the work and charge a fee (typically £200-£400).
Why It Matters
Safety
Part P exists because poor electrical work kills. Proper installation and certification helps ensure your home is safe.
Insurance
Non-compliant electrical work could invalidate your home insurance. Insurers may refuse claims if uncertified work contributed to a fire or accident.
Selling Your Home
When selling, buyers' solicitors typically ask for electrical certificates. Missing certificates for notifiable work can delay or derail sales.
Legal Compliance
Non-compliance with Building Regulations can result in enforcement action, requiring you to have work inspected, corrected, or even removed.
Certification
Compliant electrical work should be accompanied by:
- Electrical Installation Certificate: For new installations and additions
- Minor Works Certificate: For small jobs like adding a socket
- Building Regulations Compliance Certificate: Issued by building control or the competent person scheme
Keep these certificates safe – you'll need them when selling your home.
Common Questions
Can I do my own electrical work?
Legally, yes, but notifiable work must be inspected by building control. Practically, electrical work is dangerous and best left to professionals.
What if previous work wasn't certified?
You can have an electrician inspect and test the work. If it's safe and compliant, they can provide a certificate. If not, remedial work may be needed.
Does Part P apply to Scotland?
No, Scotland has different building regulations. However, similar safety requirements apply.
Our domestic electrician services are fully Part P compliant with proper certification for all work.
Conclusion
Part P ensures electrical work in homes is safe. Always use a registered electrician for notifiable work, keep your certificates, and don't cut corners on electrical safety.
Need Certified Electrical Work?
All our work is Part P compliant with full certification.