What is Part P and Does It Apply to My Electrical Work?
Part P is the section of the Building Regulations that covers electrical safety in dwellings – and understanding what it requires is essential for any electrician working in domestic properties. Part P determines which electrical work must be notified, who can self-certify it, and what happens if it isn’t done correctly.
What is Part P of the Building Regulations?
Part P of the Building Regulations (Electrical Safety – Dwellings) came into force in England in 2005. It requires that electrical installations in dwellings are:
- Designed and installed to protect people from fire and electric shock
- Inspected, tested and certified upon completion
- Either approved by building control or self-certified by a competent person
Part P applies to dwellings – houses and flats – and their gardens. It does not apply to commercial buildings (which are covered by different regulations). See the government’s Part P guidance for full details.
What Electrical Work is Notifiable Under Part P?
Not all domestic electrical work is notifiable. The following work must be notified:
Always notifiable: – New circuits anywhere in a dwelling – Consumer unit (fuse board) replacement – Electrical work in a bathroom or shower room – Electrical work in a kitchen – Outdoor electrical work (including garden sockets and lighting) – Electrical work in a garage
Not notifiable (minor works): – Like-for-like replacement of accessories (sockets, switches) on existing circuits – Adding sockets or lighting points to an existing circuit (outside kitchens and bathrooms) – Repairs and maintenance
How Does Notifiable Work Get Certified?
Notifiable work under Part P can be certified in two ways:
1. Self-certification by a competent person scheme member: Electricians registered with NICEIC, NAPIT, ELECSA, or other approved schemes can self-certify their notifiable work. The scheme notifies building control on behalf of the electrician and issues a completion certificate. This is the standard approach for all registered electrical contractors. See the full list at gov.uk/building-regulations-competent-person-schemes.
2. Building control notification: An unregistered person can carry out notifiable work, but must notify the local authority building control department before starting. Building control will inspect and certify the work – adding cost and delay.
Why Unregistered Electricians Can’t Compete
An electrician without competent person scheme registration must involve building control for every notifiable domestic job. This means: – Customer pays a building control fee (typically £150-£300) – Work cannot start until building control is notified – Additional inspection appointments required
Registered electricians eliminate all of this – which is why competent person scheme registration is effectively mandatory for any domestic electrical business.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Part P apply to rented properties? Yes. Part P applies to all domestic dwellings including rented properties. Landlords and their electricians must comply with Part P for all notifiable electrical work. Additionally, rental properties have specific requirements under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, requiring EICR surveys every 5 years.
What happens if Part P notifiable work isn’t certified? The work is technically non-compliant. Property owners may face difficulties selling or remortgaging the property. Insurers may decline fire-related claims if uncertified electrical work contributed. Building control can require the work to be opened up for inspection at the owner’s cost.
Does Part P apply in Scotland and Wales? Scotland has its own building regulations system where electrical work notifications are handled differently. Wales follows Part P but with some procedural differences. Northern Ireland has its own technical standards. For work outside England, always check the applicable national regulations.
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