ELECTRICS – DOMESTIC PROPERTY ONLY

Do I need to submit a Building Regulation Application to undertake electrical work?
On 1 January 2005 regulations (Part P) were introduced to control electrical installations in domestic properties, including garages, sheds, conservatories etc. that may otherwise be exempt from the Building Regulations.

A Building Regulation application is not necessarily required as there are three different, but equally acceptable, ways of satisfying the regulations.

Option One
Use an electrician who is registered to self certify under a part P competent persons scheme (NICEIC, ELECSA, ECA Certification Ltd, BSI, NAPIT). You will not need to submit a Building Regulation application or pay any charge to the Council. However, you should ask to see evidence that the electrician is a member of such a scheme before any work is undertaken.

It is the responsibility of the governing body will notify the Council that work has been undertaken. The Council will keep a record of any installation but will not carry out any inspection on site.

Option Two
Submit a Building Notice application for the proposed work and confirm on the application form that you will appoint a suitably qualified electrical contractor who can certify compliance with BS 7671.

Once the work has been verified you should forward paperwork given to you to the Building Control Department and we will then vet the documentation to ensure it has been completed correctly and that the certifying electrician is suitably qualified.

Please refer to our charges schedule to obtain the correct charge for using this option, unless the electrical work forms part of larger application i.e. an extension for which charges will have been paid.

Option Three
Submit a Building Notice application for the proposed work and confirm on the application form that you wish Building Control to ensure that you meet the requirements of Part P.

We will engage a suitably qualified electrical contractor who will check the installation and be able to confirm to us whether or not Part P has been satisfied. You will be advised at what stages you must notify us in order that the inspection and testing can be carried out.

Please refer to our charges schedule to obtain the correct charge for using this option

Need further information?
More detailed advice is available via our guidance note.