If you are planning to carry out electrical work in your home, such as installing extra sockets in the kitchen, or adding new ceilings lights, don't attempt the installation yourself, and ensure the electrician you employ is qualified. The Government is introducing a new law in January 2005, which demands that extensive electrical work in UK households is only carried out by a ‘competent' person.
Up to now, the electrical industry has maintained relatively high safety standards, aided by voluntary controls such as those practiced by NICEIC electrical contractors. But with an increasing use and variety of electrical equipment and appliances in our homes, it is not surprising that we are exposed to an increased risk of electric shock and fires caused by faulty electrical installations. Electrician and DIY TV presenter, Gavin Lowe, is currently undergoing the assessment process with the NICEIC. He says: "It's hard for anyone to spot a cowboy from the good electrician, because most of the work is hidden away. So it's great news that householders will soon be able to sleep easy knowing for sure that they are dealing with a competent electrical contractor."
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What is the electrical safety law?
Electrical Safety will be listed as Part P of the Building Regulations. The Building Regulations deal with the health and safety of people in and around buildings by providing functional requirements for building design and construction.
The law will state that any persons carrying out fixed electrical installations in households in England and Wales must comply with BS 7671, the national safety standard for electrical installations.
That is, the work must be ‘suitably designed, installed, inspected and tested so as to provide reasonable protection against them being the source of a fire or a cause of injury to persons'.
What is a fixed electrical installation?
Many improvements carried out in the home include some form of fixed electrical installation. For example, a new kitchen may require your electrician to install additional sockets, extra lighting and appliances. A fixed installation is the wiring and appliances that are fixed to the building such as sockets, switches, consumer units (fuse boxes) and ceiling fittings.
Who is responsible for ensuring that the electrical work carried out in my home meets safety requirements?
You are. It will be a legal requirement for homeowners and landlords to be able to prove that all fixed electrical installations and alteration work have been carried out and certified by a competent person. That is, by an electrician registered with a Government approved body such as the NICEIC.
How will I benefit from the electrical safety law being introduced?
You can expect to have safer, better quality electrical installations because all electrical contractors will be working to BS 7671, the national safety standard. You will also be further protected against unsafe work as all electrical contractors will be required to offer their customers the option of additional protection through an insurance-backed warranty. Furthermore, if you use an NICEIC electrical contractor, you will benefit from the Guarantee of Standards and Complaints Resolution scheme.
When will the electrical safety law be enforced?
The Government plan to introduce electrical safety, Part P of the Building Regulations by 1 January 2005
