Electrical work in and around dwellings is subject to Building Regulations requirements in England. Part P requires reasonable provision in the design and installation of electrical installations to protect people from fire and injury.
Why electrical design should start before construction
Extensions often add sockets, lighting, kitchen equipment, heating controls, external supplies, EV or PV interfaces and new circuits. Coordinating these with the architectural layout helps avoid clashes and allows the electrical strategy to reflect how the spaces will actually be used.
Part P and Building Regulations
Approved Document P explains the Building Regulations approach to electrical safety in dwellings, including when work is notifiable and the routes available for compliance. The installer and building-control route need to be appropriate to the actual work.
Design is not the same as installation certification
Electrical design calculations can support cable sizing, protective-device selection and circuit design, but installation, inspection, testing, notification and certification must be carried out through the appropriate competent installation/compliance process.
Coordinate electrical work with PV and energy design
Where PV, batteries, electric heating, heat pumps or significant new loads are proposed, electrical design should be coordinated with supply capacity, distribution-board arrangements and the wider energy strategy.
Archi Project scope
Electrical design calculations can be included where expressly defined in the project quotation. Electrical installation, testing, certification and statutory notification are separate from the architectural design service.
Frequently asked questions
Does Archi Project install the electrics?
No. The architectural service can include agreed design calculations, but installation, testing and certification are separate.
Does Part P apply only to new houses?
No. Part P applies to relevant electrical installations in or attached to dwellings and associated locations covered by the regulations.
Can the electrician change the design?
The final installed system must be designed, installed, inspected and tested appropriately. Any changes should be coordinated with the wider project requirements.
Official sources
These are the principal official sources used for this guide.