PART P · Electrical safety
Part P building regulations explained
Part P concerns electrical safety in dwellings and associated situations within its scope. Electrical installation work must make reasonable provision to protect people from fire or injury. Some work also has to be notified through an appropriate compliance route.
Is all electrical work notifiable
No. The distinction between notifiable and non-notifiable work is important. Work can still need to meet the safety requirement even when a separate notification is not required.
Do not interpret non-notifiable as unregulated or as proof that any person can perform the work competently.
What routes are available
For eligible work, an installer registered under an appropriate competent person scheme may self-certify. Other routes involve building control or an appropriately arranged registered third-party certification process where available and suitable.
Agree the route before work starts. Do not assume a contractor can retrospectively arrange self-certification merely by asking another electrician to inspect it.
What technical standard matters
The installation needs to meet the applicable safety requirements, with relevant electrical design, inspection and testing. The recognised technical framework includes BS 7671.
The Approved Document is dated 2013, but that does not mean an installer should ignore later applicable developments in electrical standards. Ask for a clear specification and certification basis.
What paperwork should you keep
Electrical installation or minor works certification and a building regulations compliance certificate serve different purposes. The documents required depend on the work and route.
For example, replacing a consumer unit should prompt a clear discussion of notification and certification before the quotation is accepted.
Coordinate electrical work with the rest of the project. Service penetrations can affect fire and sound separation, and new equipment may affect ventilation or energy requirements.
Keep records that identify the property, work, installer and testing. A paid invoice alone does not demonstrate compliance.