If you’re planning any electrical work in your home, you might be wondering:
“Do I need a certificate for this?”
The short answer? Sometimes yes, sometimes no — but when you do need one, it’s not optional.
Here’s a no-nonsense guide to which electrical jobs need certification in the UK, and why it matters more than most people realise.
What Do We Mean by “Certified”?
In the UK, electrical work that’s notifiable under Part P of the Building Regulations needs to be:
Carried out by a qualified electrician
Tested and certified
Notified to your local building control
This results in either:
An Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) for major work, or
A Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate (MEIWC) for smaller jobs
If you’re having notifiable work done, you should also receive a Building Regulations Compliance Certificate — usually sent out by NICEIC or NAPIT.
So, What Needs to Be Certified?
Here’s a breakdown of electrical work that needs certification:
Full rewires or partial rewires
– Always notifiable. Needs EIC, testing, and building control notification.
Consumer unit (fuse box) replacement
– Definitely needs certification and building regs sign-off. No exceptions.
New circuits
– Any time a brand-new circuit is installed, whether for a cooker, shower, EV charger, garden office, or extension.
Electrical work in bathrooms or outdoors
– Any additions or changes in special locations (like bathrooms, wet rooms, or gardens) may need to be certified — especially if it involves new wiring or a circuit extension.
Extensions, loft conversions, garage conversions
– If they involve new electrics, these fall under building control, and electrical work must be certified as part of that.
EV charger or solar installations
– All require certification, and installers must be registered under a competent scheme.
What Doesn’t Usually Need Certification?
Some minor work is classed as non-notifiable. That includes:
Replacing socket fronts, switches or light fittings (like-for-like)
Adding sockets to an existing ring (in safe locations)
Installing ceiling lights where no new circuit is required
Even though this work doesn’t need to be notified, a lot of electricians will still test it and issue a Minor Works Certificate.
Just because it’s not notifiable doesn’t mean it’s safe to DIY. We’ve been called out to plenty of “small” jobs that turned into partial rewires because something went wrong.
Why Certification Matters
It proves the work was carried out safely and legally
You’ll need it for insurance, renting, or selling your home
It protects you and your family from unsafe electrics
It ensures your work complies with Part P regulations
If an electrician can’t provide certification? Walk away.
Need Work Done in Exeter or Devon?
We’re fully qualified, Napit registered, and certified to carry out all domestic electrical work — from fuse board upgrades to kitchen rewires.
We always test and issue the correct certificates, and we’re happy to talk you through what’s required before any work starts.
Final Thoughts from EPM
If you’re not sure whether a job needs to be certified, don’t guess — ask.
We’re happy to take a look, explain your options, and give you clear, honest advice. Whether it’s a big install or a small job, we’ll always make sure it’s done safely and by the book.
