Do I need Building Regulations approval to carry out electrical work in my house?

Yes, unless the work is carried out, inspected and tested by a company registered on one of the following competent persons schemes:-

In dwellings

(i) Full competence schemes covering any electrical installation work in a dwelling, including lighting systems

  • BESCA (Building Engineering Services Competence Accreditation Limited),
  • BSI (British Standards Institution),
  • CORGI (Benchmark Certification Limited),
  • ELECSA (ECA Certification Limited),
  • NAPIT (NAPIT Registration Limited) or
  • NICEIC (Ascertiva Group Limited).

(ii) Defined competence schemes

These schemes are designed primarily for those who do electrical installation work as an adjunct to or in connection with their primary work activities - for example, in connection with gas installations kitchen or bathroom fitting, or fire alarm or security system installations.

  • APHC,
  • BESCA (Building Engineering Services Competence Accreditation Limited),
  • CORGI (Benchmark Certification Limited),
  • ELECSA (ECA Certification Limited),
  • NAPIT (NAPIT Registration Limited),
  • NICEIC (Ascertiva Group Limited) or
  • OFTEC (Oil Firing Technical Association Limited).

In buildings other than dwellings

(i) Lighting systems

  • BESCA (Building Engineering Services Competence Accreditation Limited),
  • ELECSA (ECA Certification Limited),
  • NAPIT (NAPIT Registration Limited),
  • NICEIC (Ascertiva Group Limited) or
  • STROMA (Stroma Certification Limited).