The Part P building regulations require certain electrical work in homes in England to be notified to building control. That includes a new circuit and a consumer unit replacement. Using a registered electrician lets them self-certify and notify for you. Simple repairs and like-for-like swaps are generally not notifiable.
At a glance
- Applies to: electrical work in dwellings in England
- Notifiable: new circuits, consumer unit replacement, some work in bathrooms
- Not notifiable: repairs, like-for-like replacements, many minor additions
- Two routes: registered electrician, or building control application
- You receive: a building regulations compliance certificate
What is Part P of the Building Regulations?
The Part P building regulations are the section of the Building Regulations that deal with electrical safety in homes in England. Its aim is that fixed electrical installations in dwellings are designed, installed, inspected and tested so that they protect people from fire and shock.
The detailed guidance is in Approved Document P, which points to BS 7671, the IET Wiring Regulations, as the technical standard. Wales has its own equivalent, so this guide covers England.
Which electrical jobs are notifiable under the Part P building regulations?
As a general guide, you need to notify building control, or use a registered electrician who does it for you, for:
- installing a new circuit, such as for a cooker, shower, EV charger or garden supply
- replacing a consumer unit (fuse box)
- some alterations and additions in special locations, such as within the zones of a bathroom or shower room
The rules change from time to time and the detail matters, so check the current Approved Document P or ask an electrician before you start.
What electrical work does not need notifying?
Many everyday jobs do not need notifying, although they must still be done safely and to BS 7671:
- repairs, replacements and maintenance, such as replacing a damaged socket, switch or light fitting like for like
- adding a socket or light to an existing circuit, outside special locations, where the circuit is still properly protected
- replacing a cable for a single circuit that has been damaged
Under the Part P building regulations, “not notifiable” does not mean “anyone can do it”. Work still has to be safe, and an installation that is not tested can be dangerous even when no certificate is needed.
How does Part P compliance work in practice?
- Registered electrician route. An electrician registered with a competent person scheme such as NAPIT self-certifies the work and notifies building control on your behalf. You receive a compliance certificate and an electrical certificate.
- Building control route. If the work is done by someone who is not registered, the owner has to apply to the local authority, pay a fee, and arrange for the work to be inspected and tested by a third party.
The first route is usually quicker and keeps the paperwork in one place. The second can cost more and delay the job, and building control can ask for work to be opened up for inspection.
Why does the paperwork matter?
Buyers’ solicitors, insurers and landlords regularly ask for evidence that notifiable work was done properly. Without it, a sale can stall or an insurance claim can be disputed. Keep your compliance certificate and electrical installation certificate with the deeds.
All of our notifiable work is registered with building control as part of the job. If you are planning a rewire or a consumer unit upgrade, the paperwork is included.
