Home electrical work still allowed?

[Hammer]

I heard a few months ago that electrical work (re-wiring, replacing light fittings etc) was going to be controlled by law, much the same as gas work needs to be done by a corgi registered person.

Then I read in the Times at the weekend that this was a complete load of tosh that was just rumours spread by the tabloids.

Anyone know what the score is?

[FastBarry]

Not too sure what the score is but hope this link helps -

http://www.diydoctor.org.uk/projects/partp.htm

Sounds like big brother and the nanny state interfering again. Sure there are some DIY'ers out there who don't know one end of a screwdriver from another but for us competent people who is to know anyway if we do a bit of additional electrical work like replacing a light fitting.

Presumably a complete re-wire would involve fitting a new fuseboard and you would have to get the electricity board to come and commission it and they would carry out a check and test anyway.

But for minor jobs your'e right sounds like a load of tosh.

[Tweed]

The electricity suppliers supply stops at the meter. You wouldn't have to get them involved, and I doubt if they would check your internal wiring for you. It seems proposals are afoot to certify electrical installations, to appease insurance companies.

[ICEMANSAV]

Part P of the builiding regulations came into effect in January 2005. This forms the electrical regulations regarding domestic electrical supplies and wiring you can view here for more info http://air-conditioning-forum.global-cooling.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=40 or here for the IEE regulations, just follow the links on the page http://www.iee.org/Forums/forum/messageview.cfm?catid=205&threadid=4026n cheers

[Hammer]

Hmm, thanks guys, seems that it is concerned mostly with kitchens / bathrooms / gardens so most indoor stuff should be OK. 'Tis a shame that they are interfering with us competent DIYers. Not particularly clear though, is it?

[ursula62]

It depends what you want to do. But basically, since 1 Jan 2005 certain things need to be certified by a professionally qualified electrician.

If you just want to add a spur to the lighting circuit then you don't need to get this certified.

However, if your work is in a location involving water, e.g. kitchen, bathroom or external wiring, then you need the work certified safe by someone who has the appropriate qualification. It's been suggested that to get this certified would cost almost as much as paying the professional to do the job for you!

Any electrical work in your house done since 1 Jan 2005 will need a certificate when you sell the property.

[kempie]

Why not just say you did the work before 2005.

[ICEMANSAV]

Most lighting and electrical appliances are date stamped so that would not work.