Part P Building Regulations Explained

Part P of the Building Regulations is one of the most misunderstood areas of domestic electrical work. Here is a clear explanation of what it means, what work it covers, and why it matters.

What is Part P?

Part P is the section of the Building Regulations that covers electrical safety in dwellings. It came into force in England and Wales in January 2005. Its purpose is to ensure that domestic electrical work is carried out safely and to a consistent standard.

What work is notifiable under Part P?

The following types of work must be notified to your local authority:

• ⚡Installing a new circuit
• ⚡Replacing a consumer unit
• ⚡Any work in a special location — kitchens, bathrooms, outdoors, or within 600mm of a shower or bath
• ⚡Installing a new fixed electrical installation (such as in a garden room or extension)

What work is not notifiable?

Minor works such as replacing a like-for-like socket, switch or light fitting in a standard room (not a kitchen or bathroom) are not notifiable. However, the work must still be carried out safely and to the correct standard.

How is notifiable work certified?

There are two ways to comply with Part P for notifiable work:

• ⚡Use a registered electrician — an electrician registered with a competent person scheme such as NICEIC can self-certify their own work. They issue an Electrical Installation Certificate and notify the local authority on your behalf.
• ⚡Use a building control officer — if you use an unregistered electrician, the work must be inspected and approved by a building control officer. This involves additional fees and delays.

Why does it matter?

Part P compliance matters for several important reasons:

• ⚡Insurance — your home insurer may not pay out if a fire or fault is caused by uncertified electrical work
• ⚡Property sales — solicitors and buyers will ask for evidence of certification for any notifiable work
• ⚡Safety — the certification process ensures the work has been tested and meets the required standard

How do I know if previous work was certified?

If you are buying a property, ask the seller for copies of any Electrical Installation Certificates for work carried out since 2005. If these cannot be provided, an EICR will identify whether the existing installation is safe and compliant.

Brad Neil Electrical is a NICEIC registered Domestic Installer — all notifiable work is self-certified and registered with your local authority as part of every job. Call 07415 834215 for a free quote.

Brad Neil

NICEIC Registered Domestic Installer · Brad Neil Electrical · Surrey