Part P Notification Calculator — Notifiable Electrical Work

Since the Building Regulations 2010 were amended by SI 2012/3119 (effective 6 April 2013), only three categories of work are notifiable under Part P: (1) installing a new circuit; (2) replacing a consumer unit; and (3) new wiring in a special location (bathroom/shower zones 0-2, swimming pool, sauna, or similar). EV charger installation and solar PV connections are notifiable because they involve new circuits. Outdoor electrical work (garden lighting, shed supplies) and kitchen socket additions to an existing circuit are NOT automatically notifiable — though both must still comply with BS 7671.

Part P special locations are bathrooms and shower rooms (BS 7671 Section 701 zones 0-2), swimming pools and paddling pools (Section 702), and saunas/hot rooms (Section 703). New wiring in these rooms is notifiable. Outdoor locations (gardens, outbuildings) are NOT Part P special locations — that exemption was removed by SI 2012/3119 effective 6 April 2013. Outdoor installations must still comply with BS 7671 Section 7 for IP ratings, RCD protection and cable burial depths, but are not notifiable on location grounds alone.

A CPS (competent person scheme) registered electrician can self-certify their work complies with Building Regulations without involving Building Control. They must be registered with an approved scheme (NICEIC, NAPIT, ELECSA, Stroma). They issue certificates and notify the local authority directly. No additional Building Control fee.

Uncertified notifiable electrical work is a Building Regulations offence. It will be flagged when selling the property and the buyer's solicitor will require certificates. You may need retrospective Building Control regularisation (more expensive than original notification) or an Electrical Installation Condition Report proving the work is safe.

Yes. There is no legal requirement for electrical work to be done by a qualified electrician. However, if the work is notifiable, you must either use a CPS registered person (who self-certifies) or notify Building Control before starting and have the work inspected. DIY electrical work must still comply with BS 7671.