Building Regulations (Part P)
Covers electrical safety in dwellings. Most electrical work in homes must comply with Part P of the Building Regulations.
Electrical safety & regulations
A simple guide to UK electrical safety and regulations
Understand the key rules, standards and legal requirements for electrical work in the UK. Whether you’re a homeowner or looking for an electrician, this guide explains what you need to know to stay safe and compliant.
Why electrical safety matters
Electrical work that isn’t carried out correctly can be dangerous and may lead to electric shocks, fires or damage to property. UK regulations and standards are in place to ensure electrical installations are safe, reliable and carried out by competent people.
Key regulations and standards
Electrical work in the UK is covered by a number of regulations and standards. Here are the most important ones to know about.
BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations)
The national standard for electrical installations in the UK. It sets out the requirements for the design, installation and inspection of electrical systems.
Competent Person Schemes
Schemes such as NICEIC and NAPIT allow qualified electricians to self-certify that their work complies with Building Regulations.
Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
A thorough inspection and test of an existing electrical installation to assess its safety and condition. Commonly required for rented properties and recommended for older homes.
When do you need an electrician?
You should always use a qualified electrician for:
New installations
e.g. new builds, extensions or additional circuits
Major electrical work
e.g. rewiring, consumer unit upgrades
Work in special locations
e.g. bathrooms, kitchens or outdoor areas
Safety inspections
e.g. EICR for landlords or older properties
Fault finding and repairs
to keep your home or business safe
Frequently asked questions
Get answers to common questions about electrical safety and regulations in the UK.
What is Part P of the Building Regulations?
Part P is the part of the Building Regulations that covers electrical safety in dwellings in England and Wales. It requires electrical work in homes to be designed and installed so that people are protected from fire and injury. Some types of work are notifiable, which means they must be certified as compliant, for example by an electrician registered with a Competent Person Scheme. Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own building standards.
Do I need a qualified electrician for small jobs?
We recommend using a qualified electrician for any work on fixed wiring, however small. Not every small job is notifiable under the Building Regulations, but electrical work in a home should still be carried out safely and to BS 7671, the IET Wiring Regulations. If you are not sure whether a job needs to be notified, ask a registered electrician or your local authority building control before work starts.
What is an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)?
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is the report produced after a qualified person inspects and tests the existing electrical installation in a property. It records the condition of the installation and notes any damage, deterioration or defects that could be a safety risk and need attention.
How often should an EICR be carried out?
It depends on the property. In the private rented sector in England, an EICR is required at least every 5 years. For owner-occupied homes, a periodic inspection is commonly recommended about every 10 years, or when the occupancy changes. Other parts of the UK have their own rules for rented homes, and the electrician carrying out the inspection may recommend a shorter interval for an older installation.
What happens if electrical work doesn’t comply with regulations?
Non-compliant electrical work can be unsafe and may need to be put right. Where notifiable work does not comply with the Building Regulations, local authority building control can take enforcement action. Missing certificates can also cause problems when you come to sell the property.
How can I check if an electrician is qualified?
Ask which scheme the electrician is registered with, then check that scheme’s own register. Schemes such as NICEIC and NAPIT have a search on their website where you can look up a business and confirm its current status. Make sure the registration covers the type of work you need, and ask for the relevant certificate when the work is finished.
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