Finance Editor, Kael Tripton Ltd - LBS MBA - Verified against FCA Handbook: 14 June 2026
Quick answer
Part P covers electrical safety in dwellings. Notifiable work: new circuits, consumer unit upgrades, additions in kitchens, bathrooms and outdoors. Non-notifiable: like-for-like replacements and additions to existing circuits outside special locations. The easiest route is to use a Part P registered electrician who self-certifies. DIY notifiable work must be notified to Building Control.
What Is Part P and When Does Electrical Work Need to Be Notified?
Direct answer
What electrical work is notifiable under Part P of the Building Regulations?
Part P (Approved Document P, gov.uk) requires notification for: new circuits, consumer unit (fuse board) upgrades, and additions in special locations (bathrooms, kitchens, outdoors, swimming pools). Replacing like-for-like sockets, switches or ceiling roses is not notifiable. Use a Part P registered electrician to self-certify notifiable work, or notify Building Control if doing the work yourself.
Determine if your work is notifiable
New circuits, consumer unit upgrades, and additions in special locations (bathrooms, kitchens, outdoors) are notifiable. Like-for-like replacements and additions to existing circuits outside special locations are not.
Use a Part P registered electrician for notifiable work
A registered electrician self-certifies the work and issues a certificate, without you needing to apply to Building Control. Find a registered electrician at niceic.com, napit.org.uk or elecsa.co.uk.
For DIY notifiable work -- apply to Building Control
Notify before starting work. Building Control will inspect on completion and issue a completion certificate.
Obtain the electrical certificate on completion
The Part P certificate is important documentation for house sales. Keep it with your property documents.
Test and inspect all new work
All new electrical installations must be tested and inspected by a competent person before being energised.
| Work type | Notifiable? | Route |
|---|---|---|
| Installing a new circuit anywhere | Yes | Use Part P electrician or notify BCB |
| Upgrading consumer unit | Yes | Use Part P electrician or notify BCB |
| Adding socket to existing circuit (not special location) | No | No notification needed |
| Any work in bathroom/shower zone | Yes if new circuit or addition | Use Part P electrician |
| Replacing like-for-like socket or switch | No | No notification needed |
| Outdoor electrical work (new circuit) | Yes | Use Part P electrician or notify BCB |
Related KT guides
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Part P of the Building Regulations?
Part P of the Building Regulations (Approved Document P) covers electrical safety in dwellings. It applies to electrical installation work in domestic premises including houses, flats and garden buildings used as living space. Part P was first introduced in January 2005 following concerns about the safety of DIY electrical work. The current edition came into force in January 2013 and significantly reduced the scope of notifiable electrical work.
What electrical work requires notification under Part P?
Under Part P 2013, notifiable electrical work in dwellings includes: installing a new circuit, upgrading a consumer unit (fuse board), adding a circuit to a special location (kitchen, bathroom, outdoors, garden). Work that is not notifiable includes: replacing like-for-like components (switches, sockets, ceiling roses, consumer units), adding sockets or lights to existing circuits outside special locations, and installing electric heating or electric floor heating.
What are special locations under Part P?
Special locations are areas with increased electrical risk due to the presence of water or reduced body resistance. They include: zones around baths and showers (zones 0, 1 and 2 around the bath or shower enclosure), swimming pools, hot tubs, saunas, and outdoor installations. New circuits and additional points in special locations are notifiable under Part P. Work in kitchens and outdoors that involves new circuits is also notifiable.
Can I do my own electrical work under Part P?
Yes. DIY electrical work in dwellings is permitted provided it complies with the Building Regulations and BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations 18th edition). For notifiable work, you must notify the local authority Building Control before starting work. For non-notifiable work (replacing sockets, switches, like-for-like), no notification is required. The most practical route for most notifiable work is to use a Part P registered electrician who self-certifies the work.
What is a Part P competent person scheme?
Part P competent person schemes allow registered electricians to self-certify their own electrical work in dwellings without needing to notify Building Control. Registered electricians issue a BS 7671 Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) or Minor Works Certificate after completing work. Major schemes include NAPIT, NICEIC and Elecsa. Homeowners receive a Building Regulations compliance certificate from the scheme operator within 30 days of completion.
Primary sources
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