Part P Building Regulations Part P — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under Building Regulations Part P, which of the following types of electrical work in a dwelling is classified as notifiable?
- Replacing a light switch on an existing circuit
- Installing a new circuit in a kitchen (Correct answer)
- Adding a socket outlet to an existing circuit in a bedroom
- Replacing a damaged socket outlet like-for-like
Correct answer: Installing a new circuit in a kitchen
Installing a new circuit anywhere in a dwelling is notifiable work under Part P and must be either carried out by a registered competent person (e.g., registered with NICEIC, NAPIT, or ELECSA) or notified to the local Building Control Body before work commences. Kitchens are also special locations, making this doubly notifiable.
Question 2: Which of the following is NOT a recognised competent person scheme for self-certification of electrical work under Part P?
- NICEIC
- NAPIT
- ELECSA
- City & Guilds (Correct answer)
Correct answer: City & Guilds
City & Guilds is an awarding body for qualifications, not a competent person scheme. The recognised competent person schemes that allow self-certification of notifiable electrical work under Part P include NICEIC, NAPIT, ELECSA, and others approved by the Secretary of State. Registration with a scheme allows electricians to self-certify without involving Building Control.
Question 3: What is the maximum penalty for carrying out notifiable electrical work without notification or competent person registration under Part P?
- A warning letter from the council
- Up to £5,000 fine
- Up to £50,000 fine and potential prosecution (Correct answer)
- No penalty exists
Correct answer: Up to £50,000 fine and potential prosecution
Non-compliance with Building Regulations Part P can result in prosecution by the local authority with fines of up to £50,000 in a magistrates' court. Additionally, the homeowner may be required to have the work inspected and potentially removed or corrected, and it can cause problems when selling the property if a Building Regulations compliance certificate cannot be produced.
Question 4: Under Part P, which special location in a dwelling always requires notifiable work if new circuits or consumer unit changes are involved?
- Living rooms
- Bedrooms
- Bathrooms, kitchens, and gardens/outdoors (Correct answer)
- Loft spaces used for storage
Correct answer: Bathrooms, kitchens, and gardens/outdoors
Bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor locations are classified as special locations under Part P. Any new circuit work, consumer unit replacement, or installation of equipment in these areas is notifiable. This is because these locations present increased risk of electric shock due to the presence of water, damp conditions, or reduced body resistance.
Question 5: A homeowner wants to replace their consumer unit (fuse board). Under Part P, what is required?
- No notification needed as it is maintenance
- The work is notifiable and must be done by a registered competent person or notified to Building Control (Correct answer)
- Only an electrician's invoice is needed as proof
- A planning permission application is required
Correct answer: The work is notifiable and must be done by a registered competent person or notified to Building Control
Consumer unit replacement is always notifiable work under Part P (Approved Document P, 2013 edition). It must be carried out by a Part P registered competent person who can self-certify, or alternatively, a Building Control notification must be made. The new consumer unit must comply with BS 7671 and include RCD protection as required by the 18th Edition.
Question 6: What document must be issued to the homeowner upon completion of notifiable electrical work under Part P?
- A minor works certificate only
- A Building Regulations compliance certificate and an Electrical Installation Certificate (Correct answer)
- A verbal confirmation of completion
- A gas safety certificate
Correct answer: A Building Regulations compliance certificate and an Electrical Installation Certificate
Upon completion of notifiable electrical work, the homeowner must receive a Building Regulations compliance certificate (from the competent person scheme or Building Control) and an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) as required by BS 7671. These documents are essential for proving compliance and will be needed when selling the property.
Part P Building Regulations Part P
Under Building Regulations Part P, which of the following types of electrical work in a dwelling is classified as notifiable?