Did you know there’s been a law in place since 2005 to help keep you safe from electrical accidents? It’s called Part P of the Building Regulations, and it was created to protect homeowners like you by ensuring electrical work is done safely.
Part P requires most electrical jobs to be handled by an electrician who is registered with a government-approved scheme. When the job’s done, your electrician will give you an Electrical Safety Certificate, and a Compliance Certificate. These certificates are your peace of mind, guaranteeing that the work meets all the necessary safety standards and regulations.
How does Part “P” affect me, the Homeowner?
It’s incredibly easy to take electricity for granted and granted most households would be lost without it, however, we should never forget just how dangerous it can be. Around 12,500 house fires, 750 serious injuries and 10 deaths are caused each year by unsafe electrics in the home.
Doing electrical work yourself isn’t just against the law—it could also put you and your family’s safety at risk. This is why Part P exists.
So, do I need an electrician for all electrical work?
No, not all work. Some work known officially as “minor work” can be undertaken yourself. “Minor work” is electrical work that doesn’t require the addition of a new circuit. Examples of this include replacing sockets or existing light switches and ceiling roses.
What work must be undertaken by a registered electrician?
Any work that involves running a new circuit, or any electrical installations in kitchens, bathrooms and gardens must be undertaken by a registered electrician. That’s because these spots are considered “special locations” where the risk of electric shock is higher.
Work in areas that must be undertaken by a registered electrician includes (but is not limited to):
If you are unsure, check with a registered electrician or your local building control office before starting any work.
What will happen if I don’t comply with Part P?
Failure to comply with Part P is a criminal offence. By failing to comply you won’t have a certificate to prove that your electrical work has been carried out by a registered electrician or that the work has been passed as safe. Because of this, it could also make it difficult to sell your property in the future as you won’t be able to produce evidence that the electrical work has been carried out in accordance with Building Regulations.
You could also face a fine of up to £5,000, and be forced by the local authority to pay to have the faulty work removed or put right.
Crannis Technology Services Ltd are here to help you with all your electrical needs. Give our friendly team a call today on 01793 629629.
