H and A Electrical Contractors

On January 1st 2005 the Government introduced a new Part P to Schedule 1 of the Building Regulations for England & Wales. Part P states that all electrical installations whether in domestic, commercial or industrial premises must be installed in accordance with BS-7671 (up until 1992 known as The IEE Regulations), this has not changed. BS-7671 is mandatory and deals with everything that makes up a safe electrical installation such as cable and fuse sizes, earth bonding, selection of equipment, method of installation, special locations like bathrooms and caravan sites and it also covers inspection and testing.

However, this is not the case within the domestic sector as for years electrical installations have been done by all sorts of non qualified people including DIY'ers, kitchen fitters, general builders and handy men. 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 are 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.

So with this in mind, in addition to the other electrical regulations, Part P of the Building Regulations now applies to electrical installations in the following:

• Dwellings, houses and flats
• Dwellings and business premises that have a common supply - for example shops and public houses with a flat above
• Common access areas in blocks of flats such as corridors and staircase
• Shared amenities of blocks of flats such as laundries and gymnasiums
• Part P also applies to parts of the above electrical installations for example
• In or on land associated with the building for fixed lights and pond pumps in garden
• In outbuildings such as sheds, detached garages and greenhouses

This new regulation affect every homeowner and landlord in England and Wales because with very few exceptions it has made electrical installations within domestic premises a "Controlled Service" which means Building Control has to be notified.

"Approved Document P"

Most electrical work of any significance requires a certificate under Part P. This includes;

• Adding a new circuit
• Work other than like for like replacement in certain rooms such as kitchens and bathrooms
• Work other than like for like replacement outdoors
• Changes to circuit protection including replacement of a consumer unit.

A certificate can be obtained in one of two ways;

1. Use an Electrical Contractor registered on an approved self certification scheme. If a certificate is required then one will be issued automatically. On the ELECSA scheme we use a certificate is issued once the work is complete and then you will receive acknowledgement by ELECSA of the notified work and given the option of taking out an extended warranty which lasts six years from when the work is completed
2. Consult the building control department of your local council before starting work and follow their instructions. There will be a fee for this service - commonly over £140.

N.B. Keep Part P certificates safe! When you sell your property the purchaser's solicitor will ask for them.