24 Hour Electrician, service in Knolton

---

In the UK, certain types of electrical work are deemed "notifiable" under Part P of the Building Regulations. This means that these works must be reported to the local Building Control Body (BCB) to ensure they meet specific safety standards set out in the regulations. Notifiable work typically requires inspection and certification to confirm that the work has been carried out safely and in accordance with applicable standards.

Categories of Notifiable Electrical Work

1. New Circuit Installations

• Full Rewiring: Replacing all wiring in a property is always notifiable due to the comprehensive nature of the work.
• Installing New Circuits: Adding new electrical circuits to a property, whether for lighting, sockets, or other uses, requires notification.

2. Alterations to Existing Circuits in Special Locations

Special locations are areas where the risk of electric shock is higher due to the presence of water or other conductive substances. These areas include:

• Bathrooms: Work within proximity to baths, showers, or sinks, including the installation of electric showers, heated towel rails, and extractor fans.
• Kitchens: Significant alterations or additions in close proximity to water points, like installing new circuit-fed appliances.
• Garden Areas: Any outdoor electrical installations such as garden lighting, power to sheds, outbuildings, or ponds.
• Swimming Pools and Saunas: Any electrical work associated with the vicinity of swimming pools, hot tubs, or saunas.

3. Consumer Unit (Fuse Box) Changes

• Replacement of Consumer Units: Replacing an old or faulty consumer unit with a new one to maintain safety and functionality.

4. Installation of Overhead Lines

• Work that entails installing or extending electrical wiring or cabling that runs overhead.

5. Installation of New Electrical Appliances in Special Locations

• Showers: Installing new electric showers.
• Other Fixed Appliances: Installing cookers or water heaters that require their own dedicated circuit.

Non-Notifiable Electrical Work

Some electrical work is generally not notifiable, including:

• Replacing sockets, switches, and light fittings: Like-for-like replacements do not require notification.
• Replacing the cable for a single circuit only: As long as it doesn’t extend to a special location.
• Adding sockets or light fittings to existing circuits: Provided they are not in special locations.
• Minor Repairs: Such as replacing a damaged cable or fixing a single socket.

How to Notify Electrical Work

There are two main routes to notify electrical work:

1. Self-Certification by a Registered Competent Person:
• Competent Person Schemes (CPS): Qualified electricians can self-certify their work if they are members of a recognized CPS such as NICEIC, NAPIT, or ELECSA. The electrician will notify the local authority on behalf of the homeowner.
2. Local Authority Building Control (LABC) Notification:
• If the electrician is not registered under a CPS, the homeowner must notify their local building control department before work begins. The LABC will either inspect the work themselves or hire a third-party inspector. Note that fees will apply for this service.

Consequences of Not Notifying Work

Failing to notify notifiable work can have several consequences:

• Legal Repercussions: Homeowners may be subject to fines and enforcement actions.
• Safety Risks: Poorly done electrical work without proper inspection can pose significant safety hazards.
• Property Sale Complications: When selling a property, you may need to provide certificates of compliance, which could complicate sales if unnotified work has been done.

Conclusion

Understanding what electrical work is notifiable under UK regulations is essential for compliance, safety, and ensuring high-quality workmanship. Whether you're a homeowner, landlord, or contractor, being aware of these requirements will help you in planning and executing electrical projects responsibly. When in doubt, consulting a registered competent electrician can provide clarity and ensure all work meets the necessary standards and legal requirements.