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Part P FAQs

  • What is 'Part P'?

    Part P of the Building Regulations imposes the requirement that:

    "Reasonable provision shall be made in the design, installation, inspection and testing of electrical installations to protect persons against fire or injury."

    Where an electrical installation is provided, extended or altered, sufficient information shall be provided so that persons wishing to operate, maintain or alter the installation in the future can do so reasonably safely.

  • Why has Part P been introduced?

    Part P has been introduced to reduce the risk of death and injury caused by electricity or fires started by electrical faults.

  • Does it apply to me?

    If you carry out electrical installation work in dwellings, it almost certainly applies to you.

  • What are the consequences for electrical contractors?

    All fixed installation work in dwellings has become a 'controlled service' under the Building Regulations.

    Unless the work is carried out by a Competent Person for Part P, it will have to be notified to the Local Building Control office – before work commences – in order that they may inspect the work during construction and upon completion.

    This will apply to all work carried out, professionally or as DIY, with the following exceptions:

    • where the proposed work is to be undertaken by a Competent Person for Part P authorised to self-certify
    • where the work is of a minor nature and is not in a kitchen or a special location.

  • What should electrical contractors do?

    An electrical contractor wanting to be able to self-certify compliance with Part P and wishing to avoid the complications and costs of using Building Control, should consider becoming a Competent Person.

  • What are the benefits of becoming a Competent Person?

    Competent Persons would save on the time and trouble associated with the submitting of building notices to, and having their work inspected by, Building Control and, as a consequence, they would not incur
    building notice and inspection fees.

  • What are the costs of becoming a Competent Person?

    To become a Competent Person for Part P, a firm is assessed for its competence to work in compliance with BS 7671 and the Building Regulations. On becoming a Competent Person, the work of the firm is monitored by means of annual surveillance visits.

    Fees are chargeable both for the initial assessment and the subsequent, shorter surveillance inspections (for further information on fees, please go to www.elecsa.co.uk ).

  • When did Part P come into effect?

    Part P came into effect on 1 January 2005.

  • What is the requirement of Part P?

    The electrical safety requirement in Part P of the Building Regulations is simply that:"Fixed electrical installations in dwellings shall be suitably designed, installed, inspected and tested so as to provide reasonable protection against their being the source of a fire or a cause of injury to persons".

    The requirement applies to fixed electrical installations in dwellings intended to operate at low voltage or extra-low voltage.

    The requirement applies to alterations and extensions to existing electrical installations in dwellings as well as to new construction.

  • What do I need to do to comply with Part P?

    Compliance with Part P of the Building Regulations will be achieved by following the safety rules and the applicable regulations in the IEE Wiring Regulations BS 7671, and the guidance published in the IEE On- Site Guide.

    Part P requires electrical installation work to be inspected and tested during and on completion to verify that it is safe (e.g. for compliance with BS 7671).