If you’ve had electrical work done — or you’re planning to — you might have come across the term Part P and wondered what it actually means.

And more importantly, why it matters to you as a homeowner.

Here’s the straight-talking guide. No jargon. No fluff. Just what you need to know to stay safe, legal, and protected.

So… What Is Part P?

Part P is a section of the UK Building Regulations that covers electrical safety in dwellings (i.e. your home). It came into force in 2005 and is all about making sure that any electrical work carried out in homes is done safely and to a recognised standard.

In short:
It’s the law that says certain types of electrical work must be done by a qualified person — and notified to building control.

What Does Part P Apply To?

It applies to all homes in England and Wales, including:

• Houses and flats (owner-occupied and rented)

• Outbuildings like garages, sheds, and garden offices

• Parts of commercial buildings used as dwellings (e.g. flats above shops)

And it covers specific types of electrical work, particularly:

• Work in bathrooms and kitchens

• Outdoor electrics (e.g. garden lighting, sockets)

• Installing new circuits or consumer units

• Any work near water (hot tubs, showers, etc.)

What Happens If You Ignore It?

If electrical work is done without following Part P regulations:

• It could invalidate your home insurance

• You might have issues when selling your home

• You could face fines or be forced to redo the work

• Most importantly, it puts your safety at risk

We’ve seen it plenty of times here in Exeter — DIY jobs done without notification, or unregistered electricians cutting corners. One homeowner had a new shower circuit run with no RCD protection and no paperwork. Not only was it dangerous, but the sale of their house fell through until it was sorted.

Do I Need a Registered Electrician?

Yes — for any notifiable work, it’s the only way to make sure the job’s legal, safe, and properly signed off.

As registered electricians at EPM, we:

• Carry out the work to British Standards (BS 7671)

• Issue an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC)

• Notify building control on your behalf

• Give you proof the job is compliant (which you’ll need for selling or insuring your home)

What Electrical Jobs Aren’t Notifiable?

Not every job needs to go through building control. Things like:

• Replacing light fittings or sockets

• Like-for-like swaps (e.g. cooker, hob)

• Adding a spur to an existing circuit (outside special locations)

But even with these, we still recommend using a pro if you’re unsure. Poor workmanship on even the smallest job can lead to major problems.

Final Word from EPM

Part P exists to protect you. It makes sure that any major electrical work is done right — not just legally, but safely.

If you’re unsure whether your job is notifiable, just ask us. We’re always happy to give a clear, honest answer — and if the work falls under Part P, we’ll handle the whole process so you don’t have to stress.

Thinking about electrical upgrades, garden lighting, or consumer unit replacements? Let's make sure it’s all done safely — and properly.