Table of Contents 

1. What is Part P of the Building Regulations?
2. How does Part P apply to DIY & home alterations?
3. What is Trustmark?
4. What / who is the IEE...?
5. What / who is NAPIT...?

What is Part P..?

Background

In May 2003 the Government announced that it would introduce a new Part to the Building Regulations, Part P, which would bring domestic electrical installation work in England and Wales under the legal framework of the Building Regulations. It will, for the first time, place a legal requirement for safety upon electrical installation work in dwellings, although the sector is highly regarded for its high levels of conformity with its chief standard, BS 7671.

It was announced that Part P would only be introduced in law when self-certification schemes were in place to ensure competency of the work undertaken. Such schemes are now in place.

Part P of the Building Regulations became a legal requirement on January 1st 2005.

The requirements

Part P places two requirements;

Design, installation, inspection and testing of electrical installations

Reasonable provision shall be made in the design, installation, inspection and testing of electrical installations in order to protect persons from fire or injury.

Provision of information

Sufficient information shall be provided so that persons wishing to operate, maintain or alter an electrical installation can do so with reasonable safety.

To obtain a copy of the 'Approved Document P' dealing with Electrical Safety in Dwellings, visit the web site below on:-

http://www.communities.gov.uk/index.asp?id=1131042

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How does Part P apply to DIY & home alterations?

Part P applies to all electrical work in dwellings, whether carried out by professionals or DIYers.

Some DIY work will require the submission of a building notice to the local authority and the payment of a building control fee.

Some minor electrical work will not be notifiable. Examples include adding a lighting or power point to an existing circuit, adding a spur to an existing circuit or replacing a light fitting just so long as they are not in a 'special location' or bathroom / kitchen etc.

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What is Trustmark...?   

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What / who is the IEE....?

The Institution of Electrical Engineers or IEE (pronounce: I-double-E or I-E-E) is the former name of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). The IET is one of the world’s leading professional societies for the engineering and technology community, with more than 150,000 members in 127 countries and offices in Europe, North America and Asia-Pacific. The IET provides a global knowledge network to facilitate the exchange of ideas and promote the positive role of science, engineering and technology in the world. It was founded in 1871 and is the largest professional engineering society in Europe. The IET plays a key role in the electrical installation industry in terms of standards and safety and is known for its independent and trusted voice in this sector. It manages the national committee JPEL/64 which prepares and updates the regulations for the safety of electrical installations in buildings, and publishes the standard BS 7671:2008, the IEE Wiring Regulations.

http://www.theiet.org/

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What / who is NAPIT... ?

The National Association of Professional Inspectors and Testers provides an independent professional trade body for electrical inspectors, electrical contractors, electricians and allied trades throughout the UK.  NAPIT is one of the fastest growing Government Approved Register holders for Part P Registered Domestic Electrical Installers.

All NAPIT electricians and contractors, who carry out work without supervision, are individually qualified and registered, so you'll never get the situation where an unqualified electrician could be carrying out work which might get signed off (sometimes unseen) by someone else.

http://www.napit.org.uk/
 

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