Part P registrations set for upturn

Industry commentators predict that the numbers of electrical contractors looking to register for domestic competent person schemes will start to pick up after 1 April. The volume of firms so far covered for self-certification of their work under the Building Regulations is worryingly low.

Phil Buckle, business development director at the NICEIC, said: “The period for completing electrical installations initiated before 1 January ends on 31 March, which is when the majority of firms will come forward to register. The NICEIC is well prepared for this second wave.”

Since Part P of the Building Regulations came into force on 1 January 2005, the NICEIC reports that it has received 15 000 requests from firms wanting to register with the NICEIC Domestic Installer scheme.

Jim Gracie, scheme director at the NICEIC said: “Over 700 electrical firms have registered since January, and a further 930 are in the final stages of registration. Around 17 640 Building Control certificates have been generated by the 11 180 businesses currently NICEIC registered domestic installers.”

Julian Carter, general manager of scheme operator ELECSA, said registrations were “exceeding our expectations”. He commented: “Our experiences with FENSA [the scheme for glazing contractors] suggest that eventually 75-80% of the market will be covered, but it takes time.”

The BSI is understood to be reviewing its offering to contractors. Currently, firms looking to register with its scheme must also apply for the Kitemark. There is a Kitemark licence fee as well as the assessment charges. BSI may look to offer Part P registration without the Kitemark. “The subject is under discussion at the moment,” confirmed Tina Tillard, Kitemark business manager at BSI. “However, we believe the Kitemark is a premier selling point.”

Many contractors are still confused by the new regulations. At a seminar hosted by Electrical & Mechanical Contractor at Sandown Park, Darrell Locke of the ECA and Bill Allen of BSI answered queries from contractors. Many areas are still being debated by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, including security lighting and the definition of common supplies. Even the issue of what qualifications are required of contractors is under consideration.