Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about electrical work, regulations and what to expect when hiring a qualified electrician.
Do I need a qualified electrician?
Yes. Under Part P of the Building Regulations, most electrical work in homes must be carried out by a qualified, competent person or inspected by building control. Using a registered electrician such as an NICEIC approved contractor ensures the work is safe, compliant, and properly certified.
What is Part P?
Part P is the section of the Building Regulations for England and Wales that covers electrical safety in dwellings. It requires that electrical installation work is designed and installed to protect people from fire and electric shock. Notifiable work must either be done by a registered competent person or inspected by your local building control body.
What is an EICR and do I need one?
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a formal inspection of the fixed electrical wiring in a property. It identifies any damage, deterioration, or conditions that could be dangerous. Landlords are legally required to have an EICR carried out every five years. Homeowners are advised to have one done at least every ten years, or when buying a property.
What does NICEIC approved mean?
NICEIC (National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting) is the UK's leading voluntary regulatory body for the electrical contracting industry. An NICEIC approved contractor has been assessed to ensure they meet rigorous technical and safety standards, and can self-certify their work without needing building control inspection.
How do I know if my house needs rewiring?
Common signs include frequent blown fuses or tripping circuits, discoloured or cracked sockets and switches, a burning smell from outlets, flickering lights, and the presence of old rubber or lead-sheathed cabling. If your property is more than 25-30 years old and has never been rewired, it is worth having an electrician carry out an inspection.
What is RCD protection?
A Residual Current Device (RCD) is a safety device that quickly switches off electricity if there is a fault. It can protect against electric shock and reduce the risk of electrical fires. Modern consumer units should include RCD or RCBO protection on every circuit. If your fuse board does not have RCD protection, upgrading it is one of the most important safety improvements you can make.
Do I need a certificate after electrical work?
Yes. After any notifiable electrical work, you should receive either an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) or a Minor Works Certificate. These confirm the work has been tested and complies with BS7671 wiring regulations. Keep these certificates safe as they may be required when selling your property or for insurance purposes.
How often should I have my electrics tested?
The recommended intervals depend on the property type. For homeowners, every ten years is advised. Landlords must have an EICR every five years by law. Commercial premises are typically inspected every five years, and swimming pools or similar special locations every year. An electrician may recommend a shorter interval if issues are found.
What is the difference between a fuse board and a consumer unit?
They serve the same purpose — distributing electricity around your property and providing circuit protection. A consumer unit is the modern equivalent of an older fuse board. Modern consumer units use MCBs (Miniature Circuit Breakers) and RCDs instead of rewirable fuses, providing much better protection against electric shock and fire.
Can I do any electrical work myself?
Minor work such as replacing light fittings, switches, and sockets on existing circuits is generally permitted for homeowners, provided it is done safely. However, any work in kitchens, bathrooms, or outdoors, any new circuit installation, and any work involving the consumer unit is notifiable under Part P and should be carried out by a qualified electrician.
