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Changes to Building Regulations

 
DO CONSUMERS HAVE ENOUGH PROTECTION WHEN IT COMES TO BUILDING WORK

 

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ARE YOU PLANNING TO CARRY OUT ANY ELECTRICAL WORK?
 
The introduction of Part P of the Building Regulations means that electrical work carried out in 'Dwellings' is designated as a controlled service or fitting and must be notified to the local Building Control Body.
 
Applications must be made before work starts, unless it is to be carried out by a 'Competent Person' who is on an Approved Register, and who is capable of 'self certifying' their own work. In cases where a Competent Person is used, Building Control Section will receive notification after completion of the works.
 
These persons will be registered with either:-
1. BRE Certification Ltd.
2. British Standards Institution.
3. ELECSA Ltd.
4. NICEIC Certification Services Ltd.
 
The scope of the electrical work covered in Part P that may affect private homeowners includes:
 
New Installations, plus;
  •  Alterations
  •  Additions
  •  All electrical work in Kitchens (except accessory changes)
  •  All electrical work in bathrooms (except accessory changes)
  •  Power supplies to Sheds, Greenhouses, other Detached Buildings
  •  Floor and Heating systems
  •  Extra Low Voltage systems
  •  Generators
  •  Swimming pools
  •  Saunas
  •  Photovaltaic systems (Solar Panels)
  •  Power Supplies in gardens (outside lights, pond pumps etc)
 
There are certain works that are excluded from the scope of the new regulations, and are considered 'Minor Works'. These include minor repairs to existing fittings, or adding extra sockets or light fittings to an existing circuit (please note that any electrical work in kitchens/bathrooms or other wet areas is not considered minor work, see above)
 
Any installer on the approved list wishing to self certify their work must use BS 7671:2001 as the standard by which compliance with Part P can be achieved. Any deviation from this standard will require a Building Regulation application to be made.
 
If a person chooses to use the Councils Building Control Department, the applicant/building owner will be requested on completion to supply an installation and commissioning test certificate completed by a person competent in respect of the inspection and testing of such installations as required by British Standards 7671.
 
Any person who undertakes work on domestic electrical installations to which Building Regulations applies and fails to follow one of the above procedures may;
 
(a) Potentially put their health and safety and that of others at risk,
(b) Be liable for a fine,
(c) Possibly invalidate the home insurance,
(d) Encounter problems with any future sale of the property.
 
If you are considering DIY electrical work, please be aware that this new Regulation is equally applicable to that work.
 
If you have any queries on the application of this new Building Regulation to electrical works you may be considering, please call your local office located in Havant who will be happy to provide advise Tel 023 9244 6573, Fax 023 9244 6588,
 
Application forms and charge details are available by post or from reception.
 
 
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