Part P Explained: Which Electrical Work Needs Building Regulations Sign-Off?

What Part P covers

Part P requires electrical work in a home to be designed and installed to protect people from fire and electric shock, according to Electrical Safety First. It applies to new installations and to changes to existing ones, including rewiring, and covers work in the home, garden, conservatory and outbuildings. The official register stresses that it applies whether the work is done professionally or as DIY.

Which work is notifiable in England

According to the official electrical competent person register, work in England is notifiable to building control when it includes: installing one or more new circuits; replacing a consumer unit (fuse box); a full or partial rewire; a complete new installation; or altering or adding to a circuit in a special location. Special locations are certain zones around a bath or shower, and rooms containing a swimming pool or sauna heater. The rules were narrowed in April 2013, removing some requirements for kitchens and outdoor spaces, says Electrical Safety First.

What usually isn't notifiable

In England, adding to or altering an existing circuit in a kitchen or outdoors isn't notifiable, according to the official register's guidance, but the work must still meet Part P and you should get a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate. Wales is different: its notifiable list still includes extending circuits in a kitchen, outdoor sockets, garden lighting and a supply to a shed or outbuilding. If you're unsure which applies to your job, ask the electrician before work starts.

Two ways to comply

You can either use an electrician registered with a government-approved scheme, or tell your local authority's building control before the work starts, according to Electrical Safety First. A registered electrician self-certifies the work and arranges your compliance certificate, and Electrical Safety First notes you won't pay building control charges. The official register warns that the building control route doesn't verify the installer's competence and involves a further payment for the work to be inspected.

Who is responsible

By law, the homeowner or landlord must be able to prove that electrical installation work meets Part P, or they are committing a criminal offence, according to both the official register and Electrical Safety First. Local authorities can make homeowners or landlords remove or alter work that doesn't meet the Building Regulations. That responsibility stays with you even when someone else does the work, so ask about certificates before you agree a price.

The paperwork to keep

For notifiable work you should receive an Electrical Installation Certificate or Minor Works Certificate confirming the work meets BS 7671, and a Building Regulations Compliance Certificate confirming it meets the Building Regulations, according to Electrical Safety First. The official register advises keeping them somewhere safe, as you may need them as proof the work was done safely, especially when you sell.

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