Part P, Electrical rules

"Home electric regulations"

The rules

If you are planning to extend or alter the electrical installation in your home, such as providing extra sockets in the kitchen, or adding new ceilings lights, don't attempt the installation yourself. Ensure you employ a competent electrician. The Government introduced a new law in January 2005, which demands that most electrical work in UK households is only carried out by a ‘competent' person.

Up to now, the electrical industry has maintained relatively high safety standards, aided by voluntary controls such as those practiced by NICEIC Approved Contractors. But with an increasing use and variety of electrical equipment and appliances in our homes, it is not surprising that we are exposed to an increased risk of electric shock and fires caused by faulty electrical installations.

In fact according to Government statistics, every year 5 deaths and over 500 injuries are caused by faulty electrical installations in the home. Added to this, 12,500 fires caused by electrical faults, resulting in 25 deaths and 590 injuries every year, so it is not difficult to see why an electrical safety law needs to be enforced.

"The changes to the law are welcomed by NICEIC", says Director General, Jim Speirs. "Safe electrics in the home can be the difference between life and death for you and your family, but they are often overlooked in the long to-do list when buying, renovating or converting a house."

The NICEIC carries out regular assessments of its registered electrical contractors to ensure that they are and continue to be ‘competent' to carry out electrical installations. Electrician and DIY TV presenter, Gavin Lowe, is currently undergoing the assessment process with the NICEIC. He says: "It's hard for anyone to spot a cowboy from the good electrician, because most of the work is hidden away. So it's great news that householders will soon be able to sleep easy knowing for sure that they are dealing with a competent electrical contractor."

By reading this you have already made a conscious effort to use a ‘competent' electrician. Power Distribute is such a company.

Electrical safety law in a nutshell

What is the electrical safety law?

Electrical safety requirements will be included in a new Part P will be listed as Part P of the Building Regulations. The Building Regulations deal with the health and safety of people in and around buildings by providing functional requirements for building design and construction.

The law will state that any persons carrying out fixed electrical installations in households in England and Wales must ensure that electrical installations are:

Designed and installed to afford appropriate protection against mechanical and thermal damage, and so that they do not present electric shock and fire hazards to people

Suitably inspected and tested to verify that they meet the relevant equipment and installation standards

What is a fixed electrical installation?

Many improvements carried out in the home include some form of fixed electrical installation. For example, a new kitchen may require your electrician to install additional sockets, extra lighting and appliances. A fixed installation is the wiring and appliances that are fixed to the building, such as sockets, switches, consumer units (fuse boxes) and ceiling fittings.

Who is responsible for ensuring that the electrical work carried out in my home meets safety requirements?

You are. It will be a legal requirement for homeowners and landlords to be able to prove that all fixed electrical installations and alteration work have been carried out and certified by a competent person. That is, by an electrician registered with a Government approved body such as the NICEIC.

How will I benefit from the electrical safety law being introduced?

You can expect to have safer, better quality electrical installation work because all electrical contractors will be working to BS 7671, the national safety standard. You will also be further protected against unsafe work as all electrical contractors will be required to offer their customers the option of additional protection through an insurance-backed warranty. Furthermore, if you use an NICEIC electrical contractor, you will benefit from the Complaints Resolution scheme.

When will the electrical safety law be enforced?

The Government will introduce electrical safety, Part P of the Building Regulations on 1 January 2005. For more information, download the ODPM's consumer leaflet: www.odpm.gov.uk/electricalsafety

For example our spotlight company, Power Distribute Limited is an approved domestic installer and will be able to carry out all electrical works, and as being a current member of the NICEIC you will also have peace of mind.

Who to look for when finding an electrician.

There are currently five 'Full Competence' Schemes which have been approved and came into operation on 1 January 2005.

Competent Persons Self-certification Schemes

(a) Full competence schemes

NICEIC Certification Services Limited

This scheme, which is known as the Domestic Installer Scheme, is designed for those who wish to be able to self-certify all types of electrical work in dwellings either as an electrical contractor or as part of an ancillary trade activity. The scheme began formal operation on 1 January 2005.

For more information on this scheme see www.niceic.org.uk

BRE Certification Limited

This scheme, operated with the support of the Electrical Contractors Association and the Institution of Electrical Engineers, is primarily designed for those whose main business is electrical contracting and those who wish to be able to self-certify all types of electrical work in dwellings. The scheme began formal operation on 1 January 2005.

For more information on this scheme see www.partp.co.uk

British Standards Institution

This scheme, which will be known as the Kitemark Scheme for electrical installation work, is primarily designed for those whose main business is electrical contracting and those who wish to be able to self-certify all types of electrical work in dwellings. The scheme began formal operation on 1 January 2005.

For more information on this scheme see www.kitemarktoday.com

ELECSA Limited

This scheme, operated with the support of the British Board of Agrement, is primarily designed for those whose main business is electrical contracting and those who wish to be able to self-certify all types of electrical work in dwellings. The scheme began formal operation on 1 January 2005.

For more information on this scheme see www.elecsa.org.uk

NAPIT Certification Limited

This scheme is designed primarily for those whose main business is electrical contracting and will allow its members to self-certify all types of electrical installation work in dwellings. The scheme begain formal operation on 1 January 2005.

For more information on this scheme see www.napit.org.uk