Since January 2005 electrical work in domestic locations has been covered by Part P of The Building Regulations 2000. This was introduced in order to apply a level of safety to the domestic sector which had been hitherto un-regulated - sometimes with tragic consequences.
In essence the rules now require all but the most basic electrical work to be undertaken by a qualified person, be notified to the local Building Control Department, have an appropriate certificate issued to confirm compliance with the regulations, and a record of tests and measurements taken. (The rules also require that new installations have diagrams, labels, maps and/or other information necessary as to make the system unambiguous.)
This requires an electrician with membership of a Part P self-certification scheme (such as the NICEIC Domestic Installer scheme)
There are 3 types of certificate:
The Electrical Installation Certificate is issued for new installations or major work on existing installations. Also work in Special Locations - which includes rooms with running water (kitchens, bathrooms, swimming pools, etc) and any exterior installation (ponds, garden lights etc)
The Minor Electrical Works Certificate is issued for other repairs, replacements or modifications in non-Special Locations.
The Periodic Inspection Report is designed to determine whether an electrical installation is in a safe and satisfactory condition for continued service. The inspection comprises a detailed examination of the installation without dismantling (or with partial dismantling as required)
supplemented by appropriate tests to provide for:-
· the safety of occupants against the effects of electric shock
· protection against damage to property by fire and heat arising from an installation defect
· confirmation that the installation is not damaged or deteriorated so as to impair safety
the identification of installation defects and departures from the IEE Regulations that may give rise to danger.
It is recommended that a domestic dwelling is tested every 10 years, and a residential property
be tested every 5 years, or upon a change of occupancy.
