Put simply, Part P is a section of the building regulations. In 2005 the Government introduced electrical safety rules into the building regulations for England and Wales. With the introduction of this, most fixed electrical installation work in homes must, by law, meet the building regulations.

Part P states that anyone carrying out electrical installation work in a home must make sure that the work is designed and installed to protect people from fire and electric shocks.

All electricians carrying out work in England and Wales must comply with Part P.

Part P applies to any changes made to existing installations, including any parts that have been rewired. In April 2013 further changes were introduced, reducing the range of electrical installation work that is notifiable. For notifiable work the local authority building control must be informed of the changes being made. With the latest revision key areas of notifiable work that were removed were kitchens and outdoors.

If you would like to know more about Part P, more details can be found on the Electrical Safety First website or the Communities and Local Government website.