What Part P means to you, the consumer
In May 2003 the Government announced that it would introduce a new Part to the Building Regulations, Part P, which would bring domestic electrical installation work in England and Wales under the legal framework of the Building Regulations. It will, for the first time, place a legal requirement for safety upon electrical installation work in dwellings.
From 1 January 2005 it is now a legal requirement for all work on fixed electrical installations in dwellings and associated buildings to comply with relevant standards and be certified with the relevant paperwork. Cable colours changed around this date, so any new wiring is immediately recognisable.
There are two routes for those carrying out 'notifiable' electrical installation work in dwellings to demonstrate that they have complied with the requirements.
1. The first is to join a competent person self-certification scheme, of which there are 5
2. The second is to submit a building notice to the local authority.
Failure to comply with the Building Regulations is a criminal offence and local authorities have the power to require the removal or alteration of work that does not comply with the requirements.
Electrical contractors who register with a competent person self-certification scheme are able to self-certify compliance with the Building Regulations whenever they carry out 'notifiable' work. Persons who are not registered with a self-certification scheme - including DIYers - will need to notify or submit plans to a building control body, to which fees are applicable.
Notifiable work includes new installations, house re-wires, and the installation of new circuits. Notifiable work also includes additions to existing circuits in kitchens, bathrooms, outdoors and in other special locations.
I hope this has explained what Part P means to you, but should you require any further guidance please contact me.