Understanding Part P of the Building Regulations   

Part P was added into The Building Regulations and came into force on the 1st of January 2005. This places a legal obligation for safety on electrical works in homes all over England and Wales, and it is now a criminal offense for someone performing electrical work to disregard the Building Regulations.

The coverage of the new Part P comprises all residential houses and flats including garages, external structures, greenhouses, gardens, terraces, ponds, and car ports.

But Part P did not specify any constraint on who may carry out the electrical work in a home. For instance, the house owner can still perform do-it-yourself type of electrical work as long as they conform to the requisites of Part P. However, some specific types of electrical work must be reported to your Local Authority Building Control Body preceding the work itself. That department may want to inspect and test the work to ensure that it meets the terms of the Building Regulations.

There are some types of electrical work that does not require notification to a Building Control Body. These works include:

• Changing electrical wires for a single circuit, when damaged by rats or fire
• Adding or changing shields and protection to the present electrical installations
• Adding switches, fittings, outlets, fuses to a present circuit
• Improving or adding primary or extra equi-potential connection

All other works that entail installation of new electrical circuits to homes and connected structures, or electrical installations in bathrooms, kitchens, and associated areas such as the swimming pool, garden lighting, etc. require any of the following:

• The installation should be planned and performed by a registered member of a Competent Person Self Certification Scheme
• Notify your Local Authority Building Control Body prior to any electrical work. A representative from Building Control will then examine and test the electrical work. Building Control also has the power to change or remove any electrical work that is not in accordance with the national safety standards.

For house owners who are considering doing the work themselves or hiring a person who is not a member of a Competent Person Self Certification Scheme, it is strongly recommended to get the services of a qualified electrician who can give a BS7671 Completion Certificate. This certificate is required before Building Control issues the final certificate.

Here are some of the requisites within BS7671 that can guide a person who is considering DIY electrical works:

• You must present an electrical installation certificate
• Appropriate materials should be utilized and good installation practices must be followed
• The electrical works shall be examined and tested to ensure it is safe.
• Electrical installation certificates must be signed and authenticated by the proper authorities

In conclusion, Part P of the Building Regulations has been introduced to protect people from shoddy electrical wiring that may cause harm or fire. Although you might think that it is just an additional burden, it is there for your protection.

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