Frequently Asked Questions

Construction sites

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).

For a garage to be considered exempt under Regulation 9 (Exempt Buildings & Work) of the Building Regulations 2010, the proposal must be detached from the dwelling house and contains no sleeping accommodation, the internal floor area must not exceed 30 square metres and the building must either be at least 1 metre from the boundary of its curtilage or constructed substantially of non-combustible material.

Though the construction of the garage may be exempt from the provisions of the Building Regulations 2010, the electrical installation associated with this is not. To establish that the electrical installation is in accordance with the requirements, it is suggested that the services of a qualified electrical contractor be employed who is registered on a self certification scheme for Part P of the regulations (Electrical Safety) and is able to provide you with an electrical certificate which confirms the design installation and testing of the system is in accordance with BS 7671.

For a carport to be considered to be exempt under Regulation 9 (Exempt Buildings & Work) of the Building Regulations 2010, the proposal must be open on at least two sides and the internal floor area does not exceed 30 square metres.

Though the construction of the carport may be exempt from the provisions of the Building Regulations 2010, the electrical installation associated with this is not. To establish that the electrical installation is in accordance with the requirements, it is suggested that the services of a qualified electrical contractor be employed who is registered on a self certification scheme for Part P of the regulations (Electrical Safety) and is able to provide you with an electrical certificate which confirms the design installation and testing of the system is in accordance with British Standard 7671.

For a conservatory to be considered to be exempt under Regulation 9 (Exempt Buildings & Work) of the Building Regulations 2010, the proposal must only be single storey, constructed at ground level and the internal floor area must not exceed 30 square metres. In addition glazing in critical locations must be toughened or laminated safety glass in accordance with British Standard 6206.

When the conservatory is attached to an existing dwelling provision must be made to limit the loss of heat from the dwelling. Ways of meeting the requirement would be:

a) to retain the existing separation where the opening is not to be enlarged; or

b) to provide separation by new windows and/or doors having a Window Energy Rating (WER) of Band C or better or a U-value of at least 1.6W/m2k (Watts per metre square kelvin).

Where an opening into the proposal is to be opening is enlarged or newly created as a material alteration an application will be required for the structural alteration only.

Though the construction of the conservatory may be exempt from the provisions of the Building Regulations 2010, the electrical installation associated with this is not. To establish that the electrical installation is in accordance with the requirements, it is suggested that the services of a qualified electrical contractor be employed who is registered on a self certification scheme for Part P of the regulations (Electrical Safety) and is able to provide you with an electrical certificate which confirms the design installation and testing of the system is in accordance with British Standard 7671.

For a porch to be considered to be exempt under Regulation 9 (Exempt Buildings & Work) of the Building Regulations 2010, the proposal must only be single storey, constructed at ground level and the internal floor area must not exceed 30 square metres. In addition glazing in critical locations must be toughened or laminated safety glass in accordance with British Standard 6206.

When the conservatory is attached to an existing dwelling provision must be made to limit the loss of heat from the dwelling. Ways of meeting the requirement would be:

a) to retain the existing separation where the opening is not to be enlarged; or

b) to provide separation by new windows and/or doors having a Window Energy Rating (WER) of Band C or better or a U-value of at least 1.6W/m2k (Watts per metre square kelvin)

Where an opening into the proposal is to be opening is enlarged or newly created as a material alteration an application will be required for the structural alteration only.

Though the construction of the porch may be exempt from the provisions of the Building Regulations 2010, the electrical installation associated with this is not. To establish that the electrical installation is in accordance with the requirements, it is suggested that the services of a qualified electrical contractor be employed who is registered on a self certification scheme for Part P of the regulations (Electrical Safety) and is able to provide you with an electrical certificate which confirms the design installation and testing of the system is in accordance with British Standard 7671.

Yes, but if you use an installer registered on the Competent Person Scheme below, all procedural matters will be dealt with as standard.

  • CIGA (Cavity Insulation Guarantee Agency Limited)

Yes, an application for Building Regulations Approval for the installation of replacement windows, doors and/or roof-lights will be required, unless the installer is registered on one of the following Competent Person Schemes:-

  • BM Trada Certification Limited,
  • British Standards Institution (BSI),
  • CERTASS Limited,
  • Fensa Limited or
  • NETWORK VEKA Limited.

However, where an opening is to be enlarged an application for Building Regulations approval will be required irrespective of the fitters registration on one of the a fore mentioned schemes.


Yes, where the loading upon the roof is to be increased by more than 15 percent, appropriate strengthening works or replacement of roofing members must be undertaken. However where the roof loading is to be significantly decreased, appropriate works to the roof structure and anchorage must be undertaken to prevent uplift of the roof under wind loading. The only exception to this is if the work is to be carried out and completed by a company registered on the following competent person scheme:-

  • NFRC (National Federation of Roofing Contractors Limited)

Yes, a Full Plans or Building Notice application for Building Regulations Approval will be required.

Please consider, if making a Planning Application, that the requirements of the Building Regulations may have an effect on the design and appearance of the building.

Yes. A Full Plans or Building Notice application for Building Regulations Approval will be required.

Please consider, if making a Planning Application, that the requirements of the Building Regulations may have an effect on the design and appearance of the building.

Yes, a Full Plans or Building Notice application for Building Regulations Approval will be required.

Please consider, if making a Planning Application, that the requirements of the Building Regulations may have an effect on the design and appearance of the building.

No, but any external lighting or power points will unless they are installed by a registered electrician. To ensure the electrical installation meets the requirements, it is suggested that the services of a qualified electrical contractor be employed who is registered on a self-certification scheme for Part P of the regulations (Electrical Safety) and is able to provide you with an electrical certificate which confirms the design installation and testing of the system is in accordance with British Standard 7671.

Yes, a Full Plans or Building Notice application for Building Regulations Approval will be required.

Please consider, if making a Planning Application, that the requirements of the Building Regulations may have an effect on the design and appearance of the building.

An application for Building Regulations Approval for the installation in a building of a system to produce electricity, heat or cooling, by micro generation or from renewable sources will be required, unless the installer is registered on one of the following Competent Person Schemes for the installation of micro generation and renewable technologies:-

  • Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors (Certification) Limited (APHC),
  • Building Engineering Services Competence Accreditation Limited (BESCA),
  • British Standards Institution (BSI),
  • Benchmark Certification Limited (CORGI),
  • ECA Certification Limited (ELECSA),
  • HETAS Limited,
  • NAPIT Registration Limited (NAPIT),
  • Ascertiva Group Limited (NICEIC),
  • Stroma Certification Limited (STROMA).

Please note that it is possible for the installer to be registered on one of the above competent person schemes but not be registered for works to micro generation and renewable technologies, it is therefore important that you ensure that their scheme registration is appropriate to the work that is to be undertaken.

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