New rules for installing downlighters in your home

Building Regulations Part P was introduced on the 1 st January 2005 to ensure that people carrying out electrical work in homes were competent to do so .

Why was Part P introduced ?

To reduce the number of fires, deaths and injuries caused by faulty electrical installations.

To make it harder for cowboy electricians to leave electrical installations unsafe.

What should I do if I want down lighters installed ?

Employ an electrician or competent person that is registered to an approved Part P scheme and can give you the right electrical safety certificate on completion.

Or alternatively check with your local authority Building Control Department before starting the installation.

What will happen if I do not follow the Building Regulations ?

Your down lighters may not have been fitted safely and may cause a fire hazard.

In a flat, you may have considerably damaged the Fire Separating and Noise Insulation properties of the ceiling between you and your upstairs neighbours.

You will have no record of the work done.

You may have difficulty selling your home without the correct certificates.

Your local authority Building Control may insist that the faulty work is corrected.

And, in future, you may have difficulty, buying, selling, insuring and raising a mortgage on properties that do not have the correct electrical safety certificates

Snaplite meets all the requirements of Building Regulations, but must be fitted by a competent person

For more information

Telephone 0870 1226 236 or visit www.communities.gov.uk.

Part P can be downloaded free of charge from http://www.communities.gov.uk/index.asp?id=1131042

Purchase a printed copy for £15 from The Stationery Office (0870 600 5522) or visit www.tso.co.uk/bookshop