Building Regulations For England and Wales

From 1 January 2005, people carrying out electrical work in homes and gardens in England and Wales will have to follow the new rules in the Building Regulations.

It requires electrical work carried out in or around a home (domestic residence) i.e. kitchens, bathrooms, outside, new circuits, and communal areas (shared by more than one family) be completed by a "competent person" or you to notify Building Control 3 days before you start and pay a fee as set by your local council.

The new rules have been introduced to reduce the number of deaths, injuries and fires caused by faulty electrical installations and to make it harder for 'cowboy builders' to leave electrical installations in an unsafe condition.

"Competent Person" is a electrical installation business that will issue a certificate and if the work requires notify the local building control and pay a small fee.

By not following these new rules:

• The electrical installation might not be safe.
• You will have no record of the work done.
• Your local authority's Building Control Department may insist that you put right faulty work.

For more information please see the www.communities.gov.uk for further details.

Or print the free explanatory booklet on building regulations at www.communities.gov.uk/electricalsafety

It is important to check the flow chart on the Communities.gov.uk website before you start any electrical work. Click here to view the flow chart.