Domestic Installer
Why should I use a registered domestic installer?
Domestic Installer Scheme (Part P)
The Domestic Installer Scheme is the NICEIC approval for contractors undertaking work within the scope of Part P of the Building Regulations.
What is the Domestic Installer Scheme?
NICEIC's Domestic Installer Scheme is designed to enable registered contractors to comply with and work without hindrance under the Building Regulations Part P- Electrical Safety.
On 1 January 2005, an amendment to the Building Regulations cam into force in England and Wales which introduced Part P covering electrical which states that:
"Fixed electrical installations in dwellings shall be suitably designed, installed, inspected and tested so as to provide reasonable protection against their being a source of a fire or a cause of injury to persons."
This requirement applies only to fixed electrical installations in dwellings in England and Wales intended to operate at low voltage or extra-low voltage.
The regulations are administered by the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) under which all proposed electrical installation work in dwellings has to be notified to a building control body before work commences, except where:
- The proposed work in undertaken by a contractor authorised to self-certify compliance on completion of the work (known formally as a Prescribed Competent Person, which can be an individual or firm of contractors)
- The proposed work is minor, and it is not in a kitchen or in an area classified as a special location or a special installation as defined in Approved Document P
Property owners or developers commissioning electrical installation work that requires a building regulations certificate have the option of drawing upon the expertise of a Registered Contractor that employs a Qualified Supervisor.
Qualified Supervisors are individuals who have demonstrated competence through their qualifications, knowledge and experience of the building regulations and supervising/undertaking electrical installations to BS 7671.
Customers will gain an immediate benefit by using the services of a Registered Contractor because the certified installation does not require additional checks by local Authority Building Control departments. Under the scheme Building Control must accept a valid certificate of compliance relating to the work performed as a record of compliance with the building regulations. This should make the process of installation work in dwellings and certification of these installations more efficient for all parties involved.
The Prescribed Competent Person must be registered with a DCLG approved Scheme provider, such as NICEIC. NICEIC maintains an online register of Contractors making it easy for property owners and developers to find an NICEIC contractor in their area.