What does Part P of Building Regulations mean – Advice from Electriman, North London Electricians

## 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

Need a qualified electrician in North London?

Electriman covers Mill Hill, Barnet, Finchley, Edgware, Enfield, Watford and surrounding areas. All work is Part P certified and fully insured.