Understanding Part P of the Building Regulations for Electrical Work in England

What is Part P of the Building Regulations

Are you an electrician, associated trade professional or homeowner working on electrical installations in dwellings? It’s important that you understand the regulations that govern electrical work. Specifically, Part P of the government’s Building Regulations legislation related to electrical work carried out in domestic dwellings.

Part P is an approved document within the Building Regulations that gives guidance to persons undertaking electrical work completed within a dwelling in England and Wales.

This legislation outlines what electrical workers must comply with when completing electrical work within domestic dwellings.

The regulations are aligned with the 18th edition wiring regulations BS7671, this British Standard is recognised by the electrotechnical community as the benchmark for electrical installations in the UK.

Part P is important because it requires electricians, associated trade professionals and homeowners to deliver work sensitively to the potential risks their work poses to building occupants.

This focus is on reducing the likelihood of injury caused by fire or electric shock. By understanding the critical importance of these actions, electrical professionals can take all available steps to mitigate against hazard occurrence. Compliance with Part P ensures that electrical installations are safe, reliable, and aligned with industry standards.

Previously, England and Wales shared the same Building Regulations. However, in July 2014, the Welsh Building Regulations were amended, diverging from those used in England. Since July 2014, different regulations have been introduced to the Building Regulations that are only applicable to the relevant countries.

Anyone responsible for the work within the scope of Part  P of the Building Regulations may also be responsible for ensuring compliance with other parts of the Building Regulations. These include the following parts:

Part A. Structure

Depth of chases in walls, sizes of holes and notches in floor and roof joists

Part B. Fire Safety

Fire Safety of certain electrical installation. Provision of fire alarm and fire detection systems. Fire resistance of penetration through floors and wall. 

Part C. Site preparation and resistance to contaminants and moisture

Moisture resistance of cable penetrations through external walls.

Part D. Toxic substances

Cable jointing compunds, zinc-rich paint, use of solvents.

Part E. Resistance to the passage of sound

Penetrations through floors, ceilings and walls.

Part F. Ventilation

Ventilation rates for dwellings.

Part G. Sanitation, hot water safety and water efficiency

Electric water heating.

Part L1A. Conservation of fuel and power in new dwellings 

Electrical means of opening windows.

Part L1B. Conservation of fuel and power in existing dwellings

Energy-efficient lighting.

Part L2A. Conservation of fuel and power in new buildings other than dwellings

Power factor correction.

Part L2B. Conservation of fuel and power in existing buildings other than dwellings

Provision of energy meters.

Part M. Access to and use of buildings

Heights of switches, socket-outlets and consumer units.

Part P. Electrical Safety – Dwellings

All electrical work within dwellings, of which some is notifiable.

Part R. Physical infrastructure for high-speed electronic communication networks

Installation of data networks and equipment. 

Part S. Infrastructure for the charging of electric vehicles 

Provision of electric vehicle charging points in residential, non-residential and mixed use buildings. 

Notifiable & Non Notifiable Electrical Works...

What electrical work is notifiable in England?

The following are examples of electrical installation work in a dwelling, or associated with its surroundings, that is notifiable to a Local Authority Building Control in England:

  • circuit alteration or addition in a special location
    (Certain zones within a room containing a bath or shower, or a room containing a swimming pool or sauna heater)
  • installation of one or more new circuits
  • installation of a replacement consumer unit (fuse box)
  • rewire of all circuits
  • partial rewire
  • new full electrical installation (new build)

An alteration or addition to an existing circuit in a room containing a bath or shower is notifiable only where carried out in the space surrounding a bath or shower.

All electrical tasks within homes in England must adhere to the guidelines in Part P of the Building Regulations. Any electrical works identified as notifiable above must possess a Building Regulations Compliance Certificate.

We would recommend getting any electrical work completed by an electrician who is registered with one of the government-endorsed schemes such as the NICEIC or NAPIT.  

 

What electrical work is notifiable in Wales?

The following are examples of electrical installation work in a dwelling, or associated with its surroundings, that is notifiable to a Local Authority Building Control in Wales:

In general:

  • a complete new installation or rewire, or
  • the replacement of a consumer unit (fusebox); or
  • the installation of:
    • a new circuit, whether at low voltage (typically 230 V) or extra-low voltage);
    • a solar photovoltaic power supply;
    • electric ceiling or floor heating;
    • ­an electrical generator;
    • ­power / control wiring for a central heating system

In a special location, which is a room containing a bath or shower, swimming pool or a sauna heater:

  • wiring/equipment for telephone or extra-low voltage communications, information technology, control or similar purposes
  • a prefabricated equipment set and any associated leads with integral plug and socket connections (for example lighting)

In a kitchen (kitchen is a room or part of a room which contains a sink and food preparation) or special location. 

  • extension of an existing circuit within a kitchen or special location

Outside of the dwelling, the installation of:

  • a supply to a detached garage, shed or other outbuilding
  • a supply to an electric gate or pond pump
  • garden lighting
  • a socket outlet

All electrical tasks conducted within a dwelling in Wales must adhere to the specifications outlined in Part P of the Building Regulations. Additionally, any items categorised as notifiable above are legally obligated to possess a Building Regulations Compliance Certificate.

We would recommend getting any electrical work completed by an electrician who is registered with one of the government-endorsed schemes such as the NICEIC or NAPIT.  

What electrical work is non-notifiable in England?

  • Extending or altering a circuit that is not classed as a special location - examples of special locations are in a bathrooms, swimming pools and saunas.
  • Changing the single pendant down light in the lounge to spot lights.
  • Spuring off a ring main socket.
  • Adding a switched fused spur or connection to a circuit .
  • Adding an electric garage door from an existing supply or isolator.
  • Changing sockets and switches.
  • Changing an electric oven.
  • Installing or upgrading main or supplementary equipotential bonding.
  • Cabling at extra low voltage for signalling, cabling or communication purposes.
  • Repair or maintenance work.

What electrical work is non-notifiable in Wales?

  • Replacing electrical fittings e.g. socket outlets, light fittings, control switches.
  • Adding a fused or switched fused spur to an appliance like a heater. (but not in a kitchen, bathroom or outdoors)
  • Repair or maintenance work.
  • Adding a switched fused spur or connection to a circuit .
  • Installing or upgrading main or supplementary equipotential bonding.
  • Installing cabling at extra low voltage for signalling, cabling or communication purposes.

If you are not sure whether the work you want to undertake is notifiable or non-notifiable, you should contact your local authority building control department for advice, speak to a qualified electrician and do some investigation work yourself. A great source of information is the ‘Electricians Guide to the Building Regulations’.

Because minor electrical works also present a safety risk. Persons carrying out the work should give a Minor Works Certificate, meaning they have tested the work to ensure it is safe. As a homeowner, If you do the work yourself, you may wish to ask a qualified electrician to check it.

Getting Part P Qualified...

City & Guilds 2393-10 Qualification. The Government-sanctioned Document P (electrical safety) officially took effect on January 1, 2005. This marked a significant shift as the routine tasks of residential electrical installers were brought under the purview of Building Control, introducing new requisites and protocols.

Practitioners in domestic electrical installations must grasp the specific demands applicable to construction projects linked to their electrical undertakings. A comprehensive understanding of Building Control processes and adherence to prescribed procedures are essential.

The primary objective of this advanced level 3 qualification by City & Guilds is to empower electricians, associated trade professionals, newcomers and homeowners active in residential settings. They are tasked with comprehending how home electrical setups must align with pertinent Building Regulations. Notably, this qualification does not delve into the technical intricacies of meeting electrical requirements, a realm addressed by the City & Guilds Level 3 Certificate in the prerequisites for electrical installations – 18th edition wiring regulations BS7671

There are no prerequisites to enrol into the 2393-10 Part P qualification by City & Guilds. Candidates must, however, be over 18 when taking the final examination. 

In essence, this qualification aims to cater to the requirements of candidates within the Building Service Engineering sector, such as electricians. It seeks to validate their knowledge of Building Regulations governing electrical installations in residences and related areas in England and Wales.

It’s important to note that this qualification is exclusively intended for practitioners in England and Wales. Regulations in Scotland and Northern Ireland render it unsuitable for individuals planning on undertaking works in those regions.

On completion of this qualification, candidates may progress onto the following City & Guilds qualifications:

  • City & Guilds Level 3 Certificate in the Requirements for Electrical Installations. 18th edition wiring regulations BS7671 2018:2022 A2.
  • City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate in Fundamental Inspection, Testing and Initial Verification.
  • City & Guilds Level 3 Certificate in Inspection, Testing and Certification of Electrical Installations.
  • City & Guilds Level 3 Certificate in Design, Erection and Verification of Electrical Installations.
  • City & Guilds Level 4 Higher Professional Diploma in Building Services Engineering.

On completing the Part P course and final examination, candidates will not be considered qualified electricians or be able to complete Part P certificates for notifiable electrical works. However, they will be able to demonstrate they have an academic understanding of their obligations electrically within a dwelling and if they have appropriate practical competency in electrical installations, they may be able to understand non-notifiable works. 

You can book the course and many others with MJ Electrical Training. 

The Part P course can be taken online, and the final examination can be either taken from one of our many centres or at home, being remotely invigilated by City & Guilds.

Candidates will need a copy of the ‘Electricians Guide to the Building Regulations’ for the course material and final examination. The following is a link to Amazon should you need a copy: https://amzn.to/3SVg5qg

 

Joining a government backed competent person scheme...

The UK Government introduced Competent Person Schemes (CPS) to provide individuals and businesses with the option to self-certify their work’s compliance with Building Regulations. This serves as an alternative to submitting a building notice or engaging an approved inspector. In essence, what this means is the ability to issue customers with a Part P certificate after the completion of a notifiable work within a dwelling. 

To qualify as a Competent Person, one must be registered with a scheme approved by MHCLG (Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government). The MHCLG’s website lists the authorised schemes for reference. www.gov.uk/building-regulations-competent-person-schemes/overview

Two main CPS schemes are available for qualified electricians to join the NICEIC or NAPIT.  If you are considering joining a CPS scheme, you will need to meet certain criteria academically and practically. Each scheme has varying requirements depending on your current experience and qualifications but in general, you will need a minimum of an NVQ L3 in electrical installations hold the latest version of the wiring regulations BS7671 and complete the CPS assessment.

The following lists are some of the qualifications you may need to achieve to successfully join a CPS scheme. You should contact either NAPIT or the EICNIC.

 

⚡️ Level 3 Certificate in Installing, Testing and Ensuring Compliance of Electrical Installations in Dwellings

⚡️ Level 3 Certificate in Inspection, Testing, Design and Certification of Electrical Installations

⚡️ Level 3 Domestic Electrician apprenticeship standard, incorporating end point assessment of competence AM2D and Level 3 Electrotechnical in Dwellings Qualification

⚡️ Level 3 Installation Electrician / Maintenance Electrician apprenticeship standard, incorporating end point assessment of competence AM2S and Level 3 Electrotechnical Qualification (Installation) or (Maintenance)

⚡️ Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Installing Electrotechnical Systems and Equipment (buildings, structures and the environment), includes integrated AM2 assessment of competence

⚡️ Building Services Engineering (Level 3) – Electrotechnical Installation + AM2 assessment of competence

⚡️ SVQ 3 in Electrical Installation at SCQF Level 7 + FICA assessment of competence

⚡️ Level 3 Diploma in Electrotechnical Studies and Practice (Military Engineering) + AM2 assessment of competence

⚡️ Level 3 NVQ in Electrotechnical Services – Electrical Installation (Building and Structures)

⚡️ Level 3 Diploma in Electrotechnical Services

⚡️ Level 3 IVQ Advanced Diploma in Electrical Installation + AM2 assessment of competence

⚡️ Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Electrotechnical Services (Maintaining Electrotechnical Systems)

⚡️ Level 3 NVQ Electrotechnical Services (Installation, Buildings and Structures)

⚡️ NVQ Level 3 Electrical Installation Engineering + AM2 assessment of competence

⚡️ Level 3 Certificate in Electrical Installation Work C Course

⚡️ Installing and Commissioning Electrotechnical Systems: Electrician at Level 3 + FICA assessment of competence

⚡️ SVQ Electrotechnical Services (Electrical Installation Building and Structures) Level 3 + FICA assessment of competence

⚡️ SVQ Electrical Installation Level 3 + FICA assessment of competence

⚡️ SJIB Craftsman Certificates + FICA assessment of competence

⚡️ Joint Apprenticeship Council Electrical Contracting Industry in Scotland Craftsman’s Certificate

⚡️ Certificate in Electrical and Electronic Craft Studies

⚡️ The Part Two Certificate in Electrical Installation Work + AM2 assessment of competence

⚡️ Electrical Installation Theory and Practice Part 2 + AM2 assessment of competence

⚡️ Electrical Installation Competencies Part 2 + AM2 assessment of competence

⚡️ Electrical Installations Work Services + AM2 assessment of competence

⚡️ The Electrician’s Certificate

⚡️ Level 3 Electrotechnical in Dwellings Experienced Worker Qualification and AM2ED assessment of competence

⚡️ Level 3 Electrotechnical Experienced Worker Qualification + AM2E assessment of competence

⚡️ Level 3 in Electrotechnical Services Experienced Worker + AM2 assessment of competence

⚡️ Level 3 Diploma in Electrotechnical Services Experienced Worker Assessment Route + AM2 assessment of competence

💡 Level 3 Award in the Requirements for Electrical Installations BS 7671:2018

💡 Tailored Award in Design and Verification of Electrical Installations

💡 Customised Award in Requirements for Electrical Installations to BS 7671 (18th Edition) (2018)

🪛 Level 3 Award in Initial Verification of Electrical Installations

🪛 Level 3 Award in the Initial Verification and Certification of Electrical Installations

🪛Level 3 Award in Initial and Periodic Inspection and Testing of Electrical Installations

🪛 Level 3 Award in Electrical Installation Inspection, Testing, Certification and Reporting

🪛 Level 3 Award in the Initial Verification, Periodic Inspection, Testing, Condition Reporting and Certification of Electrical Installations

🪛 Level 4 Award In the Design and Verification of Electrical Installations (QCF)

🪛 Tailored Award in Design and Verification of Electrical Installations

🪛 Customised Award in Inspection & Testing (including periodic inspection) of Electrical Installations to BS 7671 (18th Edition) Course

🪛 Level 3 Award in Approving Electrical Installation Work in Dwellings in Compliance with Building Regulations

🪛 Level 3 Certificate In Installing, Testing and Ensuring Compliance of Electrical Installations in Dwellings

🪛 Level 3 Award in the Initial Verification and Certification of Electrical Installations

🪛 Level 3 Certificate in the Design, Erection and Verification of Electrical Installations Part 3

🪛 Level 3 Award in the Initial Verification and Certification of Electrical Installations (QCF)

🪛 Level 3 Award in the Initial Verification and Certification of Electrical Installations

🪛 Level 3 Diploma in Electrical Testing and Commissioning

🪛 Level 3 Certificate in Inspection, Testing, Design and Certification of Electrical Installations

🪛 Level 3 Certificate in the Certification of Electrical Installations (design, erection and verification of electrical installations)

🪛 Level 3 Diploma in Inspecting and Testing Electrotechnical Systems and Equipment

🪛 Level 3 Certificate in Design, Erection and Verification of Electrical Installations

🪛 Level 3 Certificate in Inspection, Testing and Certification of Electrical Installations

🪛 Level 3 Certificate in Design, Erection and Verification of Electrical Installations

🪛 NAPIT Certificate in Inspection and Testing

🪛 NAPIT Certificate in Inspection and Testing

🪛 Design and Verification of Electrical Installations

What does signing off of the work actually mean...

The phrase signing off work is misused in the electrical industry. Often confused with issuing a Part P certificate for a notifiable work completed within a dwelling. Many electricians and associated trade professionals often are looking for ways to sign off work and are unaware of Part P and the requirements within the building regulations. When you complete notifiable or non-notifiable works within a dwelling, you must complete a certificate confirming that the installation complies with BS7671. Both the minor works certificate for non-notifiable works and the electrical installation certificate for notifiable works contain boxes for signatures, which would imply a place to sign off the installation. 

However, to complete these works, a competent person must complete the design, installation and inspection. And for a notifiable installation, this should be notified the local building control, this can either be completed by directly going to the LBC or through membership to one of the approved government-backed competent person schemes such as the NICEIC or NAPIT and the issuing of a Part P certificate.  

The model forms are open source and available through the IETs website. The blank model forms are for certification and reporting and are suitable for printing out and filling in by hand. They are available in PDF format using the following links… 

Test your Part P knowledge with a Free Part P Practice Test...

Subscribe to our blog...

Company No. 11349893 VAT No. 361 6125 17
City & Guilds Centre No. 007744
IOSH Approved Training Provider 4651

Social media
Instagram Facebook Twitter Envelope
Quick links

Copyright © MJ Electrical Training. All rights reserved. Terms | Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy

Shopping Cart