In 2005 the government introduced Part P of the Building Regulations in order to reduce the number of deaths injuries and fires caused by faulty electrical installations. Part P affects all electrical work carried out in dwellings.

Since it's introduction people carrying out electrical work in homes and gardens in England and Wales should follow the requirements set out in Part P of the Building Regulations to ensure that they are complying with the law. These rules are designed to ensure that electrical work is safe.

A Competent Person is a firm that has been approved by one of the government-approved Part P schemes as sufficiently competent to self-certify that its work complies with the Building Regulations.

A registered firm is not required to notify a building control body of its proposals to carry out electrical installation work before it begins or to have the work inspected on completion. This reduces costs for the customer as the additional charges for calling out a building control body can be avoided.

If a firm wishes to become a Competent Person it must first be assessed to ensure it meets the conditions of registration including the required levels of competence.

The minimum standard of technical competence required is as follows:

• Electrical work in dwellings is designed installed inspected and tested to the standard required by BS 7671

Applicants for a Part P Competent Person Scheme are assessed to be able to work to these standards

Why should I use a Competent Person?

Using a ‘competent person' ensures that:

• You do not have to pay Building Control charges
• You have the option of taking out an insurance-backed guarantee for the work
• You have access to a formal complaints procedure if you are not happy with the work

Failing to comply with the Building Regulations is an offence. If you decide to use a firm that has not registered as a Competent Person you must inform your local Building Control office prior to any work starting and arrange for it to be inspected and certified by your local authorities Building Control office.