Category Archives: Information

What are the main changes in the latest Part P 2013 edition of the Building Regulations?

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There are two main changes in the latest version of Part P of the Building Regulations. The first change relates to the range of electrical installation work which requires notification. The range has been reduced, previously work in kitchens and outdoors was notifiable. Under the new regulations, unless the work requires the provision of a new circuit and is not in a special location it will not require notification.

The other major change is regarding the use of a registered third party to certify notifiable work. In the previous edition of the Building Regulations, an electrical contractor carrying out work covered by Part P but not registered with a competent persons scheme was required to notify Local Authority Building Control (LABC). It would then be down to LABC to consider if the proposed works were acceptable under Building Regulations. Under the current edition of Part P, any installers which are not registered with a competent person scheme, are required to get work signed off by a registered third-party.

Part P – What types of electrical work are notifiable?

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The introduction of the latest version of Part P was introduced on 6 April 2013, the range of works requiring notification has been reduced.

Notifiable works

  • The installation of a new circuit
  • The replacement of a consumer unit
  • Any addition or alteration to an existing circuit in a special location

Non- notifiable works

  • All other work is considered non-notifiable, namely additions and alterations to existing installations outside special locations, maintenance, replacement and repair work.

Special locations and installations

  • A room containing a bathtub or shower
  • A room containing a swimming pool or sauna heater.

A special location means:

  • A room containing a bath or shower, the space surrounding a bath tap or showerhead where the space extends vertically from the finished floor level to a height of 2.25 metres or the position of the showerhead where it is attached to a wall or ceiling at a height higher than 2.25 metres from that level or horizontally where there is a bathtub or shower tray, from the edge of the bath tub or shower tray to a distance of 0.6 metres. Or where there is no bath tub or shower tray from the centre point of the shower head where it is attached to the wall or ceiling to a distance of 1.2 metres.

Wiring Matters Issue 84 – March 2021

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It’s time to take a look what’s inside Issue 84 (March 2021) of Wiring Matters.

Estimating the age of an electrical installation

This article by Richard Giddings (IEng MIET ACIBSE) looks at how useful it is to be able to establish the approximate age of an electrical installation, whether needing this information for reporting purposes, work or just plain curiosity. Electrical testing alone is insufficient to give an installation’s exact age although, in some instances, it can assist. Instead, recognizing certain details will be a great skill which can be honed by experience.

Island mode earthing arrangements: New Guidance in the Second Edition of the IET Code of Practice on Electrical Energy Storage Systems

Introducing the concept of prosumer’s electrical installations (PEIs), and operating modes for a electrical energy storage systems (EESS) and examining the earthing arrangements for island mode operation for PEIs with EESS. By Graham Kenyon CEng MIET and Dr Andrew F Crossland CEng PhD.

The all-new 5th edition of the IET Code of Practice for In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment

In this article, James Eade, author of the 5th edition, continues his brief insight into the changes to this important Code, now available from the IET.

Broken PEN

Don’t panic, this article is not about broken ballpoint pens, it is concerning broken PEN conductors in PME earthing arrangements. By Michael Peace CEng MIET.

The history of colour identification of conductors

We consider identification of conductors by colour as the norm today, but it wasn’t always the case, as prior to 1916 conductors were not typically identified by colour. By Michael Peace CEng MIET.

What’s in Wiring Matters Issue 83 [November 2020]

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Let’s take a look at what you can find in Issue 83 of Wiring Matters (November 2020)

The impact of Amendment 2 of the 18th edition (BS 7671:2018+A2:2022)

In this article, we look at the impact that some of the proposed changes in the draft for public comment (DPC) will have on electrical installations. We focus on Chapter 42, Chapter 44 and the new Chapter 82.

COVID-19 and how it has changed the way we work

Steven Devine talks about some of the effects that COVID-19 has had on the industry.

Current-carrying capacity of cables installed in concrete cable troughs

A discussion regarding the maximum number of cables that can be installed in a pre-formed concrete cable trough?

How I became a Chartered Engineer

Michael Peace shares his experience of becoming a Chartered Engineer.

Section 514 identification and notices in the Amendment No. 2 Draft for Public Comment

The draft for public comment (DPC) of Amendment No. 2 to BS 7671:2018 contains proposed changes to Section 514 Identification and notices. This article provides an overview of those proposed changes, and the reasons behind them.

Sponsored: Surge Protection – what you need to know

Surge protection devices (SPD) are a requirement under the 18th Edition of the Wiring Regulations and essential in protecting equipment from damage. Here, Dominick Sandford, Director and Head of Merchandising & Marketing at ElectricalDirect explains the requirements.

Wiring Matters – Issue 79 – March 2020

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Issue 79 (March 2020) of Wiring Matters includes articles on Amendment 1 to BS 7671, the private rented sector, the Electrotechnical Assessment Specification and the return of our Mythbusters column.

Amendment number 1 to BS 7671:2018+A1

Amendment 1 of BS 7671:2018 was published at the beginning of February this year and may be implemented immediately. The amendment concerns Section 722 of BS 7671:2018 (electric vehicle charging installations). In this article, we give a brief overview of some of the main changes to Section 722.

The Electrotechnical Assessment Specification – January 2020 Edition

The Electrotechnical Assessment Specification (EAS) Committee is made up of a wide range of experts who are passionate about the electrotechnical industry. It includes representatives from the competent person scheme providers, certification and registration bodies, industry trade associations, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, the Health and Safety Executive, Electrical Safety First and the IET (which also provides administrative support to the committee).

Mythbuster #5 – Will any old terminal block do?

In this issue, James Eade investigates terminals and connectors.

The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020

Between 17 February and 16 April 2018, the government invited comments on the Electrical Safety Standards Working Group’s decision to make a recommendation to introduce mandatory inspection and testing for private rented properties.

Getting important labelling right leaves a lasting impression

What you leave behind after an installation speaks volumes. While electrical labelling is most importantly about safety, it should also be convenient, professional, time-saving, making your life easier and leave a lasting impression with your customers.

You can read the full story’s here