Introduction

The wiring regulations specify the colours for the core insulation for all new wiring in electrical installations in the UK. Changes to these regulations are taking place between 31st March 2004 and 31st March 2006, with a gradual phasing out of the old colours and a phasing in of the new 'harmonised' colours. The overriding aim of this change is to bring the UK more closely in line with Europe.

So what does this mean for you?

Many of us with properties built before March 2004 will certainly have electrical wiring in the old colours (see diagram above), however all new electrical fittings such as ceiling lights, wall sockets, wall switches etc, will from March 2004 be manufactured using the new colour schemes.

These colour changes can cause confusion. For example;

• Blue is used for a neutral wire in the new ‘2 core and earth’ cable but in the existing ‘3 core and earth’ cable blue is one of the live wires.
• A similar situation applies for the black live wire in the new ‘3 core and earth’ cable which is used for the neutral wire in the current ‘2 core and earth’ cable.

When connecting an old cable to a new one, take your time and ensure that the correct wires are joined before reconnecting the power supply. If in any doubt contact an electrician to carry out the job for you.

• Connecting electrical cables
• Electrical cables & flexes
• Ring mains & lighting circuits

Do I need to tell my local council about any electrical work I have done?

You do not need to tell your local authority's Building Control Department about:

• Repairs, replacements and maintenance work
• Extra power points or lighting points or other alterations to existing circuits (except in a kitchen or bathroom, or outdoors).

You should inform them about most other work. The most common examples are;

• If you wish to make changes such as adding new circuits
• Any work (except repairs or replacements) in a room where there is water, ie Kitchen or Bathroom
• Any work outdoors (except repairs or replacements)

What do I do if the work requires notification?

In this instance you have 2 choices;

• Chose a registered, competent electrician who is a member of a competent person scheme. The work will then be notified to the local authority on your behalf and the electrician can provide you with the legally required certification, confirming the work to be safe in accordance with the new legislation.
• If the work is to be carried out by you, a friend or relative, or an electrician who is not a member of a competency scheme, the local authority's Building Control department must be notified directly. They will then send an Inspector to assess the work and provide you with the certification confirming the work to be safe.

Why should I use a registered installer from a Competent Person Scheme?

• Members of schemes can deal with all the new rules for you.
• Members are qualified to carry out electrical work.
• Members will give you a certificate to confirm their work follows the new rules.
• You will not have to pay Building Control charges.
• You will have the option of taking out an insurance-backed guarantee for the work.
• You will have access to a formal complaints procedure if you are not happy with the work.

Further information and useful links

• Electrical safety in the home
• Full guide to the building regulations
• Choosing a registered heating engineer

• Find an Electrician near you
• Find Electrical Inspection & Testing Services near you

• Electrical Safety (part P) (odpm.gov.uk)
• Part P Competent Person Scheme
• National Inspection Council for Electrical Insulation Contracting
• ELECSA (elecsa.org.uk)
• The Gas Safety Register (gassaferegister.co.uk)