ELECTRICAL · ENGLAND & WALES

Part P — Electrical Safety

IN SHORT

Some domestic electrical work in England & Wales is 'notifiable' and must be signed off.

Part P of the Building Regulations covers electrical safety in dwellings in England and Wales.

Notifiable work includes installing a new circuit, work in a bathroom or shower room zone, and consumer unit replacement. Adding a socket or light to an existing circuit outside special locations is usually NOT notifiable.

You have two legal routes for notifiable work: use an electrician registered with a competent person scheme (NICEIC, NAPIT, etc.) who self-certifies, or notify your local authority Building Control BEFORE starting and pay for inspection.

Getting this wrong can mean enforcement action and real trouble selling your home — buyers' solicitors ask for the certificates.

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This is guidance, not legal advice — always check with your local Building Control before starting work.