What Electrical Work Can You Do After Completing a Domestic Installer Course?
Once you’ve completed a Domestic Electrician Course or the full Domestic Electrician Package, you’ll be qualified to carry out a wide range of electrical work in domestic settings. But it’s important to understand where the legal boundaries are — particularly under Part P of the Building Regulations.
Electrical work in the home falls into two main categories: non-notifiable (minor works) and notifiable (major works). This guide explains the difference between them, what you can safely and legally do as a qualified Domestic Installer, and when you’ll need to involve building control or a registered electrician.
Understanding Part P of the Building Regulations
Part P was introduced to make sure all electrical work in homes is safe and meets national s tandards. It sets out when work must be inspected and certified, and who is qualified to do it.
As a Domestic Installer, you can complete certain jobs independently and issue your own installation certificates for minor work. Larger or higher-risk installations, however, still need to be notified to your Local Authority Building Control (LABC) or signed off by a registered electrician.
Before starting any project, make sure you’ve carried out a proper risk assessment — an essential step in demonstrating compliance and maintaining safety. For guidance, see Risk Assessment – Lesson 4.
Non-Notifiable (Minor) Electrical Work
Non-notifiable work — also called minor works — refers to tasks that don’t require notification to building control. They usually involve small extensions, alterations, or like-for-like replacements on existing circuits.
Once the work is complete, you can issue a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate directly to your customer.
Typical non-notifiable work includes:
- Adding new socket outlets or lighting points to an existing circuit.
- Replacing switches, fittings, or damaged cables.
- Installing new lights or sockets in non-special locations.
- Upgrading fittings for improved energy efficiency.
These types of jobs can be carried out in most areas of the home, such as:
- Living rooms
- Bedrooms
- Kitchens
- Dining areas
- Hallways
- Lofts
- Porches and garages
- Gardens (for low-voltage equipment or lighting)
As with any physical work on site, proper manual handling techniques are crucial — particularly when lifting heavy materials or equipment. Review Manual Handling – Lesson 4 for safe lifting and movement practices.
Special Locations and Restrictions
Some areas in the home are classed as special locations under Part P because they present a higher risk of electric shock or water exposure. These include:
- Bathrooms and shower rooms
- Swimming pools or saunas
- Hot tubs and outdoor water features
Electrical work in these spaces is generally notifiable, except for simple like-for-like replacements (e.g., swapping an existing downlight for a new, IP-rated equivalent).
For example, installing a new extractor fan in a bathroom would count as notifiable work, whereas replacing a damaged fitting with a certified equivalent would not.
Examples of Non-Notifiable Work
Living Room: Homeowners often want extra socket outlets for TVs or smart devices. As long as the existing circuit is suitable, you can add new outlets to the ring circuit or run a spur — provided it’s correctly fused and tested.
Kitchen: Replacing old fluorescent lights with modern LED downlights can be done as a minor alteration, assuming the existing cable is in good c ondition and the load remains within safe limits.
In both cases, the work falls under minor works certification, meaning you don’t need to notify the local authority.
Notifiable Electrical Work
Notifiable work is classed as “building work” under the Building Regulations and must be formally approved through building control or signed off by a registered electrician.
This ensures the installation complies with both BS 7671 Wiring Regulations and safety requirements under Part P.
Common examples of notifiable work include:
- Installing a new circuit (e.g., for a cooker, EV charger, or outbuilding).
- Consumer unit changes or upgrades.
- Full or partial re-wires.
- Electrical work in bathrooms or other special locations.
If you’re not registered with a Part P scheme, you’ll need to submit a Building Notice to your local authority before work starts. Once complete, the council will inspect and issue a Building Regulations Compliance Certificate.
Registered electricians — those who are members of schemes such as NICEIC, NAPIT, or ELECSA — can self-certify their own notifiable work without going through local building control.
Becoming a Registered Electrician
To become a registered electrician capable of self-certifying your work, you’ll need both e xperience and the right qualifications. These typically include:
- The 18th Edition Wiring Regulations (BS7671) qualification.
- A Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Electrical Installations.
- A Level 3 Inspection & Testing qualification.
Completing our Part P Building Regulations or Online Part P Course will also give you a strong understanding of the certification process and compliance responsibilities.
While registration isn’t legally required for all domestic work, joining a Part P scheme helps you demonstrate professionalism, win customer confidence, and operate more efficiently.
Working Safely as a Domestic Installer
Every job, whether minor or notifiable, must be carried out with safety as the top priority. This includes:
- Using correct isolation procedures before working on any circuit.
- Verifying test results using appropriate equipment.
- Maintaining proper PPE and workspace safety.
For refresher guidance, review Safe Isolation – Lesson 1, which covers safe isolation procedures and electrical testing fundamentals.
You should also follow best practices in equipment setup and physical handling. Our Manual Handling – Lesson 6 resource offers practical steps to prevent strain and injury while carrying out domestic electrical work.
Becoming a qualified Domestic Installer opens the door to a variety of safe, compliant electrical work — from small upgrades to larger installations under supervision or registration.
Remember:
- Minor works = self-certified, non-notifiable.
- Major works = notifiable, must be signed off.
- Always follow Part P and BS 7671 to ensure compliance and safety.
As your skills grow, joining a recognised Part P scheme allows you to handle a wider range of work independently and build a more professional reputation in the trade.
Elec Training provides the qualifications and technical knowledge to help you progress — from beginner to fully registered electrician. Learn more about our courses at https://elec.training/ and take your next step toward a professional electrical career.
FAQs
What electrical work am I legally allowed to do after completing the Domestic Installer Course?
After completing a Domestic Installer Course, you are qualified to perform a range of domestic electrical work, including design, installation, testing, and certification of low or extra-low voltage systems in homes, such as wiring, inspecting, and repairing. This covers both minor (non-notifiable) tasks like replacing sockets or lights and notifiable work like new circuits, provided you comply with Part P of the Building Regulations by either notifying local authorities or joining a competent person scheme for self-certification. However, for full qualification beyond domestic settings, additional credentials like an NVQ Level 3 are recommended.
What’s the difference between notifiable and non-notifiable electrical work under Part P?
Notifiable work under Part P includes higher-risk tasks such as installing new circuits, replacing consumer units, or any electrical installations in special locations like bathrooms or kitchens, which must be reported to local building control or self-certified via a competent person scheme. Non-notifiable (minor) work encompasses lower-risk activities like adding sockets or lights to existing circuits outside special areas, which do not require notification but must still comply with safety standards and Part P requirements. The distinction ensures safety, with notifiable work potentially facing fines up to £5,000 if non-compliant.
Can I replace sockets and lighting fittings without being Part P registered?
Yes, replacing sockets and lighting fittings is generally considered non-notifiable minor work under Part P, so it can be done without registration, provided the work complies with Building Regulations and is performed competently to avoid safety risks. However, if the replacement involves new circuits, special locations, or alterations that could affect safety, notification or registration may be required, and certification like a minor works certificate is advisable.
When do I need to notify Local Authority Building Control (LABC) about electrical work?
You must notify LABC before starting notifiable electrical work, such as new circuits, consumer unit replacements, or installations in special locations, if you are not registered with a competent person scheme that allows self certification. Notification ensures compliance with Part P, with inspections required during and after the project; failure to notify can lead to enforcement actions.
What counts as a “special location” in domestic electrical installations?
Special locations in domestic electrical installations are areas with increased risk of electric shock due to water or conductive materials, including bathrooms, shower rooms, kitchens, swimming pools, saunas, and outdoor areas like gardens or porches. These require stricter safety measures under Part P and BS 7671, often making work notifiable, with specific zoning and protection requirements.
Can I install new circuits or consumer units after completing the Domestic Installer Course?
Yes, after completing the course, you can install new circuits or consumer units in domestic settings, as it provides the necessary skills for such notifiable work. However, these are notifiable under Part P, requiring notification to building control or self-certification through a competent person scheme, along with issuing an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC).
How do I issue a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate?
To issue a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate (MEIWC), a competent person must complete the form after performing and testing minor additions or alterations to an existing circuit (no new circuits), documenting details of the work, inspections, and test results to confirm compliance with BS 7671. The certificate is provided to the client, with copies retained, and is not suitable for major works like new installations.
What qualifications do I need to become a Part P registered electrician?
To become a Part P registered electrician, you typically need a Level 3 Diploma in Electrical Installations, the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations qualification, inspection and testing credentials (e.g., C&G 2391), and an NVQ Level 3 for full qualification, along with joining a competent person scheme like NICEIC or NAPIT after assessments. Practical experience and insurance are also required for scheme membership.
Is joining a Competent Person Scheme (CPS) like NICEIC or NAPIT mandatory?
No, joining a CPS is not mandatory to perform electrical work, but it is required if you want to self-certify notifiable installations under Part P without notifying local building control each time. Schemes ensure competence, insurance, and compliance, offering benefits like credibility, but unregistered installers must notify authorities and may face additional fees or inspections.
How can Elec Training help me progress from Domestic Installer to fully qualified registered electrician?
Elec Training offers a progression pathway through courses like Level 2 and 3 Diplomas, NVQ Level 3, 18th Edition Wiring Regulations, Inspection and Testing, and specialized training in EV Charging Installation, building on domestic installer skills to achieve full qualification and scheme registration. These programs provide hands-on training and qualifications needed for competent person schemes and broader electrical work.# FAQ: Electrical Work and Qualifications After Domestic Installer Course in the UK
