If you are planning to extend or alter the electrical installation in your home, such as providing extra sockets in the kitchen, or adding new ceilings lights, don't attempt the installation yourself. Ensure you employ a competent electrician.
The UK Government introduced a new law from January 2005, which demands that most 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 Approved 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.

In fact according to Government statistics, every year 5 deaths and over 500 injuries are caused by faulty electrical installations in the home. Added to this, 12,500 fires caused by electrical faults, resulting in 25 deaths and 590 injuries every year, so it is not difficult to see why an electrical safety law needs to be enforced.

The NICEIC carries out regular assessments of its registered electrical contractors to ensure that they are and continue to be ‘competent' to carry out electrical installations.

Electrician and DIY TV presenter, Gavin Lowe underwent 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 be able to sleep easy knowing for sure that they are dealing with a competent electrical contractor."

By looking at this website, you have already made a conscious effort to use a ‘competent' electrician. Starlight Electrical applied to be put on the NICEIC Domestic Installer Scheme in December 2004 and acheived accreditation in February 2005.
What you now need to do is gain a better understanding of how the new law affects you, your friends and family.

What is the electrical safety law?

Electrical safety requirements will be included in a new 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.

How will I benefit from the electrical safety law being introduced?

You can expect to have safer, better quality electrical installation work 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.

When will the electrical safety law be enforced?

The Government introduced electrical safety, Part P of the Building Regulations on 1 January 2005.

For further information please use the link below:
http://www.niceic.org.uk/technicalapprovals/buildingregs/disscheme/

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