Notifiable and non-notifiable work
Approved Document P sets out which jobs need to be notified. If the work is not on the list it still has to be done safely and to the wiring regulations; it just does not need building control to know about it.
- Notifiable: a new circuit, for example for an electric shower, cooker or EV charger.
- Notifiable: replacing a consumer unit.
- Notifiable: any addition or alteration to circuits in a special location, such as a room containing a bath or shower.
- Not notifiable: like-for-like replacement of sockets, switches and light fittings, and adding a socket to an existing circuit outside a special location.
The certificates you should be given
For notifiable work by a registered electrician you should receive an Electrical Installation Certificate (or a Minor Works Certificate for smaller jobs) and, within a few weeks, a Building Regulations compliance certificate from their scheme. Keep them with the property documents.
If the paperwork is missing when you come to sell or let, a conveyancer or letting agent may ask for it. Retrospective sign-off is possible through building control but is slower and dearer than getting it right first time.
Wales and the rest of the UK
Wales has its own version of Part P, and Scotland and Northern Ireland have separate building regulations. This page describes the position in England.