Part P is the section of the Building Regulations that covers electrical safety in dwellings in England. Introduced in 2005, it requires that certain electrical work in homes is either carried out by a registered competent person or notified to the local Building Control authority.
Why Was Part P Introduced?
Before Part P, there was no statutory requirement for domestic electrical work to be inspected or certified. Research found that faulty domestic electrics were responsible for around 10 deaths and 750 injuries per year, as well as a significant number of house fires. Part P was introduced to raise standards and ensure work is done safely.
What Work Is Notifiable Under Part P?
The following work must be notified to Building Control unless carried out by a registered competent person:
- Installing a new circuit
- Replacing a consumer unit (fuse box)
- Work in a bathroom or shower room (some exceptions apply)
- Adding a circuit to a garden building
- Installing a new outdoor circuit
Minor works such as replacing a like-for-like socket, switch or light fitting in a standard room (not kitchen or bathroom) are generally exempt from notification requirements.
What Is a Registered Competent Person?
A registered competent person is an electrician who has been assessed by an approved scheme (such as NICEIC, NAPIT or ELECSA) as having the knowledge and skills to self-certify their own work. This means they can carry out notifiable work and issue their own certificates without involving Building Control — saving you time and money.
What Certificates Should I Receive?
After any notifiable work, you should receive:
- Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) — for new circuits or significant work
- Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate (MEIWC) — for additions to existing circuits
- Building Regulations Compliance Certificate — issued by Building Control or the competent person scheme
Keep these documents safe — you will need them when selling your property.
At Onyx Electrical Solutions
We are NICEIC registered, which means we can self-certify all notifiable domestic electrical work and provide the required certificates on completion. Call 07000 000000 for more information.