What electrical work can I do myself?

Question

I want to do some basic wiring work around the house myself. What's actually covered by part P and what can a non certified person legally do?

Nick · Accepted Answer

I wouldn't recommended doing any electrical work urself, it can kill.

Daniel · Answer

It’s a tricky one, because part p of the building regs only really applies to a “competent fully qualified electrician”

But as far as electrical installation goes, you could legally wire a full house regardless if your a electrician or not, it would just have to be signed off with a EICR by a fully qualified approved electrician

Brad · Answer

Notfiable works include wiring in special locations (like bathrooms) as well as installation of a new circuit.

Nikunj · Answer

Part P covers electrical work in domestic properties in England and Wales. A non-certified person can do minor electrical work if they are competent and the work is safe, but certain jobs are notifiable to Building Control.

Notifiable work usually includes new circuits, consumer unit changes, and work in special locations like bathrooms or outdoor supplies.
Small jobs like replacing accessories or light fittings may be non-notifiable, but they still need to comply with BS 7671 and be properly tested.

Best advice: if you’re unsure, use a registered electrician — especially for consumer units, bathrooms, outdoor circuits, EV chargers, solar, or anything involving earthing and RCD protection.

Mark · Answer

None really....... If you want to be cover by your insurance. No such thing as basic wiring, you need to be more clear in what you intend to do from cable selection, 1st fix, 2nd fix and protection for that circuit of course the installation termination is paramount.

Elvis · Answer

Nothing with electrics if you don't know how and expecially when not certified

Paul · Answer

Part P is an English and Wales regulation, if your Scottish we are governed by the Building regulations BS7671 in particular Standard 4.5 Electrical safety

However 
Generally straightforward DIY territory: replacing a light fitting like-for-like, replacing a switch or socket accessory like-for-like, changing a damaged faceplate, wiring a plug, replacing a ceiling rose, or similar maintenance work. The work still needs to be safe and compliant. Possible for a non-scheme person, but competence/testing becomes the real issue: adding a socket to an existing circuit, adding a lighting point, extending an existing circuit, installing a fused spur, altering fixed wiring. These jobs need correct design, earthing/bonding considerations, RCD protection where required, and proper inspection/testing—not merely “it works when switched on.”

Therefore I wouldn’t go running new circuits or accessing fuse boxes if not trained to do so.

Daniel · Answer

In your own home, It comes down to competence and capability. It's hard to say where you would fit on the scale for either. I would recommended if you do work yourself having it tested by a qualified electrician after.

What electrical work can I do myself?

Follow Us

Cookies

Manage Cookies

Essential cookies

Analytics & Tracking

Advertising