Electrical work isn’t something most people want to get wrong. One dodgy connection, one poorly insulated wire, and the risks can escalate fast, fires, shocks, or worse.
In the UK, this is why building regulations step in, and tucked away in those rules is a specific section many homeowners and even landlords overlook: Part P.
It might sound like another bit of red tape, but Part P is arguably one of the most important safety measures in the domestic building world.
It governs how electrical work should be carried out and signed off, ensuring installations are safe for the people living with them. Ignore it, and the costs aren’t just financial, they can be life-threatening.
So, let’s unpack it. What Part P actually is, when it applies, and how to keep things simple while staying compliant.
What Is Part P Of The Building Regulations?
Part P sits within the wider Building Regulations for England and Wales (Scotland and Northern Ireland follow their own systems).
Its role is very clear: any electrical installation in a home must be designed and installed to protect people from fire and electric shock.
The rules came into effect back in 2005, a response to mounting concerns about unsafe domestic electrics.
Since then, tweaks have been made, but the underlying purpose hasn’t shifted, making sure electrical systems are safe from day one and remain that way.
It applies to anyone who has electrical work done in a domestic setting: owner-occupiers, landlords, and even contractors.
The responsibility doesn’t stop with the electrician; the person commissioning the work carries liability too. That’s often a surprise for homeowners who assume, “If the lights turn on, the job’s fine.”
Why Part P Matters (Safety & Legal Context)
The UK sees thousands of house fires every year, sparked by electrical faults. Add to that the annual tally of electric shocks and fatalities, and it becomes obvious why Part P isn’t just bureaucratic fuss.
Legally, failing to comply is a criminal offence. Local authorities can order you to remove or redo any non-compliant work, and fines aren’t unheard of.
Insurance companies can also refuse to pay out if an electrical fault causes damage, but the work wasn’t certified.
For homeowners, it can get even trickier when selling a property. Solicitors often ask for compliance certificates, and missing paperwork raises red flags for buyers.
For landlords, the stakes are higher still. There’s a legal duty of care, alongside mandatory Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs) every five years.
So, it’s not just about ticking a box. It’s about proving the electrics in a home are safe, today, tomorrow, and ten years down the line.
Scope Of Part P: What Work Is Covered?
Not all electrical jobs fall under the same rules. The regulations make a clear distinction between “notifiable” and “non-notifiable” work.
Notifiable Work
These are the bigger, riskier jobs that must be formally notified to building control unless a registered electrician self-certifies them:
- Installing a completely new circuit
- Changing a consumer unit (fuse board)
- Rewiring a property, whether fully or partially
- Electrical work in “special locations” like bathrooms, outdoors, or near swimming pools
Non-Notifiable Work
These tend to be smaller jobs, and while they still need to be safe, they don’t require notification:
- Replacing sockets or switches
- Adding a light fitting to an existing circuit
- Like-for-like replacements of accessories
Special Locations
Bathrooms, kitchens, and gardens bring extra risk factors, mainly because water and electricity don’t mix well. The closer the work is to taps, sinks, or external weather, the stricter the rules become.
How To Comply With Part P Rules
This is where many people get confused. The good news is, compliance is actually straightforward if you approach it the right way.
Using A Registered Electrician
The easiest route is to hire someone registered with a Competent Person Scheme, such as NICEIC, ELECSA, or NAPIT.
These contractors can self-certify their work, notify building control automatically, and issue a compliance certificate without hassle.
DIY And Non-Registered Electricians
Technically, homeowners can do certain electrical work themselves. The catch? If it’s notifiable, you must notify local building control in advance, who will then inspect and test the work. Fees apply, and in many cases, they cost more than simply hiring a registered electrician.
This is why DIY electrics are often more trouble than they’re worth. If a job isn’t tested and certified, you’re essentially gambling with both safety and legality.
Certificates And Documentation
There are a few different documents to know about:
- Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) : Issued for new installations or major alterations
- Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate (MEIWC) : For smaller, non-notifiable jobs
- Building Regulations Compliance Certificate : Issued when notifiable work has been properly certified
Keeping these safe is critical they’re your proof of compliance, and without them, you may run into problems later.
Common Mistakes With Part P Compliance
- Thinking all jobs are DIY-friendly
- Forgetting to notify building control before starting work
- Paying cash to unregistered “electricians” without asking for credentials
- Misplacing certificates or not asking for them in the first place
- Believing compliance doesn’t matter if “the electrics work fine”
These errors can all come back to bite. Sometimes years later, when you least expect it.
Consequences Of Ignoring Part P Rules
The consequences are real and varied:
- Lega l: Local authority fines and orders to redo non-compliant work
- Safety : Increased risk of fire or electric shock from hidden faults
- Financial : Insurance claims rejected; property value lowered; sales delayed
- Landlords : Possible prosecution, tenant claims, and revoked licences
It’s rarely worth the risk. Cutting corners on compliance almost always costs more in the long run.
Making Compliance Simple: Practical Tips
- Always check an electrician’s registration number before hiring
- Use the Competent Person Register to verify credentials
- Keep a folder for all electrical paperwork (certificates, EICRs, compliance notices)
- Plan ahead if you’re renovating, notify building control if necessary
- Budget for compliance from the start, it’s a requirement, not an optional extra
Future Of Part P & Electrical Safety
Electrical safety rules are tightening, especially in rental properties. Since 2020, EICRs have been mandatory for all rented homes every five years. Digital record-keeping is also becoming more common, with many electricians moving towards electronic certification.
Public awareness is likely to grow, too. Campaigns by organisations like Electrical Safety First aim to remind homeowners that electrics aren’t just about convenience, they’re about safety at the most fundamental level.
What To Do If You’re Unsure?
- Contact your local building control office, they’ll advise on notification requirements
- Use the Competent Person Register to find electricians in your area
- Book an EICR if you suspect past work wasn’t compliant
- Don’t leave it hanging, electrics are one area where procrastination can get expensive fast
Conclusion
Part P isn’t about making life difficult for homeowners or landlords. It’s about ensuring electrical installations are safe and fit for purpose. Compliance is easy if you know the rules, hire the right people, and keep the paperwork in order.
If you’re in the trade and want to sharpen your skills, tools like Tradefox provide realistic simulation training for electricians, plumbers, and other professionals, helping to improve confidence without risk.
At the end of the day, Part P makes sense. It protects people, homes, and investments. And when it’s handled properly, compliance becomes one less thing to worry about.
