All electrical work in dwellings will need to comply with Building Regulation Part P requirements and be carried out by persons who are competent to do the work.

Small jobs such as replacing a socket outlet or a light switch on an existing circuit will not need to be notified to a building control body (although there will be some exceptions for high risk areas such as kitchens and bathrooms).

All work that involves adding a new circuit to a dwelling, or electrical work in kitchens and bathrooms or in 'special locations' will need to be either notified to Building Control with a building regulation application, or carried out by a competent person who is registered with a Part P Self-Certification Scheme.

The National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC), the Institute of Electrical Engineers (IEE) and the Electrical Contractors Association (ECA) are registering electrician as competent persons under Part P of the Building Regulations.

Where work is undertaken by persons not registered as competent persons under Part P then a Building Regulation application will be required.

Special locations referred to above include fixed garden lighting or power installations (including ponds), swimming pools, electric floor heating systems, hot air saunas and locations containing a shower basin or bathtub. Electrical work in garages and garden sheds will also come under the remit of Part P.

Persons registered with Part P Self-Certification Schemes will be fully qualified electrical contractors with the ability to design, install and thoroughly check a circuit for safety. They will be able to issue Building Regulation certificates of compliance. You can search on the Local Authority Building Control Website for a specific certified Electrician or contractor. 

For further information on how and when Part P applies contact Tim Parrett on 01233 330275.

View our Application Forms and Guidance webpage for additional forms and guidance.