Part P of the Building Regulations is the section of UK law that requires all electrical installation work in dwellings to be safe and carried out to the correct standard. It covers most new circuits, consumer unit replacements, and work in kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoors. Either a registered competent person (such as an NICEIC or NAPIT electrician) must complete the work, or it must be notified to your local authority building control for inspection before use.
🏠Homeowner view
What Part P Means for You as a Homeowner
Part P of the Building Regulations came into force in England and Wales on 1 January 2005. It is the law that makes domestic electrical installations subject to the same building control oversight as structural work, plumbing, and gas installations. In simple terms, it means that certain electrical jobs in your home must either be done by a qualified registered electrician or officially approved by your local council.
Why does it exist?
Before Part P, there were no formal controls on who could carry out electrical work in homes. Unsafe DIY and cowboy installations caused house fires and electrocutions. Part P closed that gap.
What work does Part P cover?
Replacing a consumer unit (fuse board)
Installing a new circuit — such as adding a socket circuit or electric shower
Any electrical work in a bathroom or shower room
Any electrical work outdoors — garden sockets, outbuildings, EV chargers
Any work in a kitchen (if adding a new circuit)
Work on special installations — solar PV, underfloor heating
What work is generally exempt?
Like-for-like replacement of sockets, switches, and light fittings (away from bathrooms and kitchens)
Adding extra sockets by extending an existing circuit (outside special locations)
How is compliance proved?
A registered competent person (electrician registered with NICEIC, NAPIT, ELECSA, etc.) self-certifies the work and issues you an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC). They also notify building control on your behalf. If you use a non-registered contractor, the work must be notified to your local authority building control before it starts, and an inspector must sign it off.
What should you check as a homeowner?
Ask your electrician for their scheme registration number before work begins
Always insist on an EIC — keep it safe with your property documents
Check the NICEIC or NAPIT register online to verify your electrician
Never skip notification — unpermitted work can cause problems when selling your home and may void your insurance
If you are unsure whether your planned work needs notification, contact a registered electrician or your local authority building control department.