Building regulations relating to domestic dwellings are made up of various ‘Parts’, for example Part-F relates to Ventilation and Part-L relates to the conservation of fuel and power.
Part-P relates to electrical safety in domestic dwellings and came into force on the 1st January 2021.
Since January 2005 all electrical work done in a domestic dwelling in England and Wales must comply with Part-P of the building regulations. Whilst some minor work can be carried out by homeowners and none Part-P certified persons, more significant work or in some instances, work in certain areas such as lofts, kitchens, bathrooms and swimming pools (designated as areas for special consideration) must be either done by a Part-P certified electrician or by another competent person and then inspected by the Local Borough Council Building Control Inspector at additional cost.
The easiest route for most householders or landlords to ensure compliance if in doubt, is to have a Part-P certified electrician do the work in a domestic dwelling. This way the householder or landlord is assured of work that complies with Part-P and BS7671 (Wiring Regulations) and the work is guaranteed by the certifying body.
Electricians gain Part-P accreditation by being accepted as members of one of the certifying organisations. Applying for membership involves a half day assessment during which the candidate must demonstrate a number of pre-requisite qualifications and theoretical knowledge of various scenarios. There then follows at least one site visit where on site competence and quality of workmanship must be proven. Thereafter, all Part-P certified electricians are assessed annually in a similar process. Various changes to wiring regulations may mean attendance at update courses and further examinations.
Failure to comply with Part-P could result in a fine of up to £5000 or invalidating your buildings insurance. Anyway, why would you want to take the risk?
The above information is not comprehensive and is provided as a guide, more detailed information can be found at: http://electrical.theiet.org/building-regulations/part-p/index.cfm
Before having any work done on your home why not read the local government leaflet entitled ‘Building work, replacements and repairs in your home’
What will happen if I do not comply with the Building
Regulations?
• If you do not comply the work will not be legal. You could be prosecuted and could face a fine of up to £5000.
• The work may not be safe or could cause health problems. It may also not meet energy efficiency standards.
• If work is found to be faulty your local authority could insist you put it right at your own expense.
• If the work has not been notified or carried out by a registered installer from a Competent Person Scheme you will have no record that the work complies with Building Regulations. This will be important when you come to sell your home as you may be asked to provide certificates of compliance with the Building Regulations.
Why should I use an installer who is registered with a Competent Person Scheme from cardiff plumbers?
• An installer registered with a Competent Person Scheme is qualified to carry out specific types of work in accordance with Building Regulations and will deal with Building Control issues for you. You will usually have access to insurance backed warranties and a robust complaints procedure to use in the unlikely event work is found to be non compliant.
• An installer registered with a Competent Person Scheme will notify the local authority on your behalf and will issue you with a certificate on completion which can be used as proof of compliance. It will also show up on a solicitor’s local authority search when you sell your home.
• If you do not use an installer registered with a Competent Person Scheme then you will have to submit a building notice or full plans application and pay a fee to have Building Control come and inspect the work you have carried out.
How can I find an installer registered with a Competent Person Scheme in my area or check that my chosen installer is with a scheme?
For electrical work visit http://www.competentperson.co.uk and enter your postcode or the name of the installer in the relevant search box. For all
other types of work, contact the Competent Person Scheme operators directly; their details are on the back page.
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