Part P Regulations Explained
What is Part P?
You may have heard electricians talk about Part P — it’s a section of the Building Regulations that covers electrical safety in domestic properties. Part P of the UK Building Regulations applies to most electrical work in homes, ensuring that installations are safe and compliant. Any work that affects electrical circuits or involves fixed wiring must follow these regulations.
Notifiable Electrical Work Under Part P
Some types of electrical work must be reported to the local authority building control unless carried out by a registered electrician.
Examples of notifiable work include:
• Installing a new circuit
• Replacing a consumer unit
• Electrical work in special locations such as bathrooms
• Certain outdoor electrical installations such as hot tubs and EV chargers
Using a Part P registered electrician allows the work to be self-certified and the building regulations notification handled for you.
Certification and Building Regulations Notification
When notifiable electrical work is completed, the electrician must test the installation and issue the appropriate electrical safety certificate.
This will usually be either:
• An Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) for new circuits or major electrical work
• A Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate (MEIWC) for smaller alterations or additions
If the work is notifiable under Part P, a registered electrician will then notify the work online through their Part P scheme provider (such as NICEIC, NAPIT or a similar competent person scheme).
The scheme provider passes the notification to the relevant local authority building control department for the area where the work was carried out.
You will then receive a Building Regulations Compliance Certificate, usually within a few weeks, confirming that the work has been properly registered under the Building Regulations.
It is important to keep these certificates for your records, as they are often requested by solicitors or estate agents if you sell your property in the future.
Work You Can Do Yourself
Minor work such as replacing a light switch, socket faceplate, or fitting a light usually doesn’t require Part P notification. However, anything involving new wiring inside walls or ceilings must comply with the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations.
Why Choose a Part P Registered Electrician
• Safety first – reduces the risk of fires and electric shocks
• Full compliance – ensures your work meets current wiring regulations. Under Part P of the Building Regulations, compliance is mandatory for certain electrical work in the home.
• Insurance friendly – your home insurance may require Part P compliance
• Professional certification – a registered electrician provides a certificate proving the work is legal
How to Find a Part P Registered Electrician in the UK
• Look for trustworthy listings online
• Ask for certification or registration number
• Check the government-approved register
How Electricians Become Part P Registered
• Qualified background – electricians must hold an NVQ, C&G or equivalent in electrical installation.
• 18th Edition Wiring Regulations qualification – ensures they understand the latest UK wiring standards.
• Part P training course – a recognised course covering UK Building Regulations, safe practices, and legal requirements.
• Assessment and certification – passing both written and practical assessments to demonstrate competence.
• Joining a government-approved Part P scheme – such as NICEIC, ELECSA, or NAPIT, which allows them to issue certificates for compliant work.
• Yearly assessments and ongoing compliance – registered electricians must complete annual checks or reviews to stay up to date with regulations and maintain registration.
• Minimum insurance – must hold at least £2 million public liability insurance to cover any potential damages or accidents.
• Paperwork and record-keeping – must maintain a risk assessment system, complaints register, and retain certificates for a minimum of 6 years to comply with regulations.
Why Choose RW Currion Electrical For Your Electrical Work?
• Fully qualified and insured
• Clear explanations — no jargon
• Work completed to the latest BS 7671 standards
• Safety-first approach to protect your home, family, and electronics
• All installations come with full certification and are emailed for your records.
Honest advice on any electrical work required
Call now: 07740 100378 or request a quote online