Householder information

Competent Persons Scheme Electrical Self-Certification

In January 2005, Part P of the Building Regulations came into force. These regulations introduced safety standards to electrical installations within domestic properties.

This means that, with few exceptions, any electrical work undertaken in your home such as the addition of a new electrical circuit or any work in your kitchen, bathroom or garden area must be notified to the Local Authority Building Control for inspection. It even includes work that has been carried out professionally, by you or another family member or friend.

Five organisations have been authorised by the government to oversee their member electricians;- BRE Global Ltd, BSI Product Services, ELECSA Ltd, Napit Certification Ltd and NICEIC Group Ltd.

By using a contractor who is registered with a Competent Persons Scheme (Commonly referred to as 'Part P Registered') the contractor will be able to self-certify that the work meets the required standards and that it has been notified to the local authority.

All approved contractors have been independently assessed to ensure that they operate to the highest safety standards. If the work you've had done is affected by Part P, your contractor will notify their governing body of the job done and you will receive a building compliance certificate from them so that you know that the work has been registered with your Local Authority Building Control.

You will almost certainly have to produce this certificate at a later date.

By using an approved contractor you have additional security by providing you the opportunity of obtaining a warranty for the work that has just been completed.