DIY electrical work
Part P of the Building Regulation rules do not prevent DIY
electrical work. However, it is strongly recommend that you get
professional advice from a qualified electrician, preferably a
member of a Competent Persons Scheme. When 'Doing It Yourself'
you must provide evidence that the work has been carried out
in accordance with BS7671. You will also need to submit an
application with your specifications and the appropriate fee.
When electrical work is completed, a qualified electrician
should carry out a test of the installation and provide you with a
test certificate. This certificate will have to be submitted to
Building Control before a "Completion Certificate" can be issued to
confirm satisfactory installation. A Completion Certificate is a
very important document that will be needed should you ever sell
your house.
With this in mind, it may be cheaper and quicker to employ a
competent person to undertake the works.
What is the Competent Persons Scheme?
This scheme enables electricians to self-certify their own
electrical work. A competent person has demonstrated under the
scheme that they have the necessary knowledge, skill and experience
of the type of electrical work to be undertaken to enable them to
carry out the work in accordance with the Building Regulations.