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Are You Taking the P…?
hen it comes to electrical Regulations so you know it is safe and legal.
W
work, it is not always best Alternatively, you can opt to carry out electrical
to do it yourself as you work yourself but only if you can inspect and
not only run the risk of it test that it is safe for use. To comply with the law
being highly dangerous, you must notify your local building control office
but failing to meet vital legal requirements. before you begin any work and pay the
Here, home improvement expert Linda Barker appropriate fee for them to inspect the work,
and voluntary regulatory body for the electrical after which you will receive an electrical safety
contracting industry NICEIC, tell you what you certificate if confirmed as safe.
need to know. As with a lot of Building Regulations, while
Self building or renovating an existing Part P covers most electrical work in your home
property, particularly if it is your first, can be there are certain relaxations. Minor work
very exciting and it can be easy to get carried (which doesn’t involve the addition of a new
away with all the changes you want to make circuit, for example adding new sockets or light
and the vision for how you want it to look. switches to an existing circuit) does not have to
However, while you may have paid for the bricks be done by a registered electrician and you do modern water features presents a new risk for
and mortar, what many do not realise is that this not need to notify your local building control DIYers, but water and extremes of weather can
doesn’t mean you are free to do anything you office. However, it must still comply with the make equipment deteriorate faster so
want to your home. There is a whole host of wiring regulations to make sure it is safe, so if installations need professional attention.
legal regulations surrounding home As a final thought, while it
improvements you need to get to
“Ensure the electrician is registered
may be all too tempting to try to
grips with before you get started. improve your home, without
Looking at electrics, Part P of the with a government approved scheme” Part P, you might not be able to
Building Regulations was introduced move. If you don’t have a Part
by the Government in 2005 to prevent you don’t know exactly what you’re doing, it is P certificate to prove that work has been carried
accidents caused by faulty electrical jobs and still best left to the professionals. out by a registered electrician (or that the work
most work carried out in your home must meet Common sense is essential when deciding has been passed as safe by your local building
its requirements. whether to go it alone or not. Kitchens and control office) it may cause problems when it
Part P offers two viable options for self bathrooms, for example, are known in the trade comes to selling your home. Also, it is a
builders and homeowners looking to have as special locations and unless you are only criminal offence to carry out work that does not
electrical work done. The first and safest replacing accessories, NICEIC really does comply with Building Regulations and you
choice is to use an electrician registered with a recommend that work in these areas requires a could face a maximum fine of £5,000.
government approved scheme, such as NICEIC, registered electrician. Water and hot surfaces Remember, DIY is a great way to save money
to carry out your electrical work. are not a good mix with electrics, especially in and personalise your home but, if in doubt, ask
After completion your electrician will issue you kitchens where there are so many appliances. for professional advice before you start.
with a Part P certificate to confirm the work Gardens are another high risk area.
meets the requirements of the Building The growing popularity of outdoor lighting and
229
NICEIC
See inside back cover for Reader Enquiry Card or go online: www.sbhonline.eu
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