Roger J Goldfinch & Sons

What you may know as “Part P” is described by a government approved document in the Building Regulations, which are Law.

Approved Documents Generally Relevant to Electrical Installations

A - Structure
B - Fire Safety
E - Resistance of the Passage of sound
F – Ventilation
L1 – Conservation of Fuel and Power in Dwellings
M – Access to and use of Buildings
P - Electrical safety

More information on these and other approved documents can be found on the Governments Building Regulations web site www.planningportal.gov.uk

“Approved Document P”

Most electrical work of any significance requires a certificate under Part P. This includes;

• Adding a new circuit
• Work other than like for like replacement in certain rooms such as kitchens and bathrooms
• Work other than like for like replacement outdoors
• Changes to circuit protection including replacement of a consumer unit.

A certificate can be obtained in one of two ways;

1. Use an Electrical Contractor registered on an approved self certification scheme. If a certificate is required then one will be issued automatically. On the NICEIC scheme we use, this is usually received within a month and the fee is only £3. It includes a six year guarantee that our work complies with all relevant and related building regulations.
2. Consult the building control department of your local council before starting work and follow their instructions. There will be a fee for this service – commonly over £100.

N.B. Keep Part P certificates safe!  When you sell your property the purchaser’s solicitor will ask for them.

“Approved Document L1 “

You should refer to this document for;

• New Dwellings
• Extensions
• Loft Conversions
• Exterior lighting

Clearly it is in your own interest to conserve energy wherever possible as you are paying for it. Some light fittings installed to comply with Approved Document L1 are not user friendly and are often replaced shortly after installation. The potential is to destroy the energy saving aspect of the fitting as well as costing money to fit. We recommend that you should agree at the design stage which fittings will not only comply with the regulations but also meet your personal needs.

Further information on energy conservation can be found on our energy efficient lamps page.