Part P Notifiable Electrical Work (Part P) 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What document is issued for minor electrical works (not involving new circuits)?
- Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate (MEIWC) (Correct answer)
- Electrical Installation Certificate
- Electrical Installation Condition Report
- Part P Building Regulations certificate
Correct answer: Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate (MEIWC)
A Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate is appropriate for minor additions or alterations to existing circuits, such as adding an additional socket outlet, provided the work does not involve a new circuit.
Question 2: What is an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)?
- A periodic inspection report that assesses the condition of an existing electrical installation against the current edition of BS 7671, identifying deficiencies (Correct answer)
- A certificate issued for new work
- A certificate for Part P self-certification
- A manufacturer's test report for electrical equipment
Correct answer: A periodic inspection report that assesses the condition of an existing electrical installation against the current edition of BS 7671, identifying deficiencies
An EICR (previously called a Periodic Inspection Report) assesses an existing installation's condition, identifying items that do not comply with BS 7671 or present a danger, and classifying them with codes (C1, C2, C3, FI).
Question 3: What does a 'C1' classification on an EICR mean?
- Danger present — immediate remedial action required (Correct answer)
- Potential danger — urgent investigation required
- Improvement recommended
- Further investigation required before classification
Correct answer: Danger present — immediate remedial action required
A C1 (Code 1) on an EICR indicates a danger present that requires immediate action — the inspector should advise the client to take immediate action to make the installation safe.
Question 4: What does a 'C2' classification on an EICR mean?
- Potentially dangerous — urgent remedial action required (Correct answer)
- Immediate danger present
- Minor improvement recommended
- The item could not be assessed
Correct answer: Potentially dangerous — urgent remedial action required
C2 indicates a potentially dangerous condition requiring urgent attention, but not presenting an immediate danger; remedial work should be carried out as soon as possible.
Question 5: What is the recommended EICR interval for a privately rented domestic property?
- Every 5 years or at each change of tenancy (Correct answer)
- Every 10 years
- Every year
- Only on change of ownership
Correct answer: Every 5 years or at each change of tenancy
The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 require an EICR at least every 5 years (or sooner at the next change of tenancy) for privately rented properties.
Question 6: What must a landlord do with an EICR for a rented property?
- Provide a copy to existing tenants within 28 days, to new tenants before they move in, and to the local authority if requested; carry out any remedial work within 28 days (Correct answer)
- Keep it on file only
- Only act on C1 items
- Provide it to the tenant only if they request it
Correct answer: Provide a copy to existing tenants within 28 days, to new tenants before they move in, and to the local authority if requested; carry out any remedial work within 28 days
Under the Electrical Safety Standards (Private Rented Sector) Regulations 2020, landlords must provide the EICR to tenants, carry out remedial work for C1 and C2 items within 28 days, and provide proof of completion to tenants and the local authority.
Part P Notifiable Electrical Work (Part P) 2
What document is issued for minor electrical works (not involving new circuits)?