Regs for extending RFC and lighting circuit

[BarnabyT]

Hi

Can anyone tell me if extending a ring final into a new room and likewise with a lighting circuit - is work that has to carried out by a registered electrician? I'm having a side extension and want to extend the 1st floor ring into a new bedroom and to extend the ground floor ring into a new dining room.

The house was rewired 18 months ago and I helped the sparky do it. I have a lot of experience in wiring and electronics, but I don't hold the relevant qualifications to certify. But, I'm wondering if extending existing circuits is notifiable. I won't be adding any new circuits. Building control are involved so don't wanna do anything that will prevent the final sign off. But at the same time, I'm really struggling to afford stuff at the moment so I'm trying to reduce costs where I can.

 

[BlueLoo]

Does anyone actually take any notice of this ******?

If you know what you are doing, just do it.

"I lost the receipt for the sparky who did this... Cash job, etc"

Industrial protectionism at its worst

 

[mikeey84]

It is not notifiable work.

I did the same during some work where building control were involved, and all they wanted was a certificate for the new cooker circuit. They were not bothered by the new sockets and lights in the slightest.

 

[SUNRAY]

If building control are involved, the part P section of the application will have been filled in explaining how you are complying.
Anything different is by negotiotion with BC.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

Are you asking because you are considering doing this work yourself, or getting someone unqualified in?

 

[SUNRAY]

It is not notifiable work.

I did the same during some work where building control were involved, and all they wanted was a certificate for the new cooker circuit. They were not bothered by the new sockets and lights in the slightest.

There are many out there with a very different tale to tell.

 

[BarnabyT]

I would like to do it myself. I rewired the house 18 months ago with a mate who is an NICEIC and I've done a fair bit of work with him over the years. He's now living in the south of France so I cant really call in a favour.....even tho he owes me a few

All I really wanted to know is whether its notifiable or not as its adding about 3 sockets to two ring finals.

I've got access to testing equipment and have no issues carrying out the testing.... but I don't know if that's acceptable or not. In fact, I did the testing on the house rewire but my mate submitted the report.

 

[EFLImpudence]

but I don't hold the relevant qualifications to certify.

There is no such qualification.

Anyone is allowed to fill out an electrical installation certificate.

As the work is not notifiable there is no "submitting" involved.

 

[BarnabyT]

So u believe I can get on with it? Just not sure what I'll say to the BCO if he asks about the electrics.

 

[EFLImpudence]

That depends on your individual BCO. They are not consistent.

What has been proposed for the electrical work? Is it included?

 

[ericmark]

Ask the LABC, it is their call. I found it does not matter what the building regulations say, they can both require items not included and wave the requirement to items which are included.

I had the talk with my LABC inspector who at first wanted all the work inspected by an electrician of their selection, but then after a talk changed his mind and said the installation certificate completed by me was OK, having first looked at our test equipment which showed we had the ability to inspect and test.

He also insisted I fit an extractor fan which was not required by the regulations.

After submitting and having a set of plans accepted by the LABC they are responsible for site safety, so they can stipulate what they want, if the LABC was not involved then in England likely you would not need to notify, but once the LABC is involved it is down to their inspector what is allowed.

By time it came for my mothers house to be rewired all my test equipment was either out of calibration or damaged so looking at a £500 bill for new test equipment, added to that was the LABC charges, and by time I took away the cost of parts supplied by the electrical firm I was paying them so little extra is was simply not worth my DIY'ing the work even with all the qualifications required. Plus speed, and at around £700 a week for mothers care home any delay would be expensive.

Seem to remember there was a tick box as to if a scheme member used for the electrical work, what did you put down?

 

[mikeey84]

There are many out there with a very different tale to tell.

Oh I don't doubt it.

I was expecting him to say something, as I'd just finished 1st fix when he came round, but it's luck of the draw, as each bco that came commented on something different the others didn't mention

 

[BarnabyT]

That depends on your individual BCO. They are not consistent.

What has been proposed for the electrical work? Is it included?

There is nothing on the plans relating to the electrical installation. The plans and building control drawings only detail the construction of the structure. Window and door requirements, insulation requirements, lintel and steel requirements etc, but nothing at all in relation to the electrical installation.

 

[BarnabyT]

Does anyone actually take any notice of this ******?

If you know what you are doing, just do it.

"I lost the receipt for the sparky who did this... Cash job, etc"

Industrial protectionism at its worst

I share your view, but they kind of have u over a barrel when it comes to issuing a completion certificate.

 

[BarnabyT]

Just found the following on the building control paperwork.....


'All electrical work required to meet the requirements of Part P (Electrical Safety) must be designed, installed and tested by a person competent to do so.

Prior to completion, the Council should be satisfied that Part P has been complied with. This may require an appropriate BS 7671 electrical installation certificate to be issued for the work by a person competent to do so'.

So, if I did the work and provided an updated set of test results the BCO might accept them. I suppose I'll have to have a chat with them before I do anything.