UK households doing DIY at home face £5,000 fines over little-known law

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The electrician is warning Brits face financial penalties – if they break a little-known rule

An electrician is warning Brits that doing DIY at home could leave them at risk of a huge £5k fine. The electrician is warning Brits face financial penalties –if they break a little-known rule.

DIY electrics

The electrician is urging UK households not to get caught out. Building regulations Part P means it is illegal to carry out DIY electrics in “special locations” such as the bathroom or kitchen.

Certification

Failing to have the appropriate certification when significant electric work could mean you’re unable to sell your home. And it’s illegal – and could see households fined £5k.

Incredibly dangerous

An expert said: “Accidentally hitting one in a wall or floor is incredibly dangerous. If you’re planning to work on lots of DIY projects, it’s worth investing in a wire detector and learning how to use it correctly.”

“It’s important to remember that Part P of the UK building regulations make it illegal to carry out DIY electrics in the bathroom or kitchen.”

“It goes without saying that electricity is dangerous, so anything beyond changing a bulb, rewiring a plug or spur socket should be left to a qualified electrician.” Part P states that anyone carrying out electrical installation work in a home must make sure that the work is designed and installed to protect people from fire and electric shocks.

Building regulations Part P

Part P applies to any changes made to existing installations, including any parts that have been rewired. Electrical Safety First warns: “Electrical installation work must be carried out only by people who have the knowledge, skill and experience needed to avoid any danger to themselves and others.”