Whose round is it?

Last summer my son-in-law purchased one of these "outside power breaker sockets". It consisted of a pre-assembled kit comprising a waterproof 13 A socket with a gland to several metres of armoured cable which was connected to a waterproof junction box via another gland. This converts to a flexible cable with 13 A plug and built-in rcd. Comprehensive instructions were supplied with the kit.

Because it plugs into an existing socket and incorporates an rcd its use does not infringe Part P. Obviously, it could be installed directly to the house wiring but this is clearly prohibited in the instructions.

I am not an electrical installer but I have a degree in electronic and electrical engineering, am a member of the IEE and hold C&G 2381/2391certificates. I have always carried out my own electrical works in my house but with the introduction of Part P, I now have to either notify the local authority and pay to have my work inspected and tested or employ an electrician, probably less qualified than myself. Meanwhile, after a one-day course kitchen fitters can self-certify installations in the most hazardous areas of the house.

As Steve Taylor points out, the likes of B&Q still display electrical items such as shower units with fitting instructions. More education of the public is still required on Part P. I would like the scheme to acknowledge the competent individual, not undertaking work for payment, to be able to self-certify.

Graham Dudman, BSRIA