Regulations That Apply to Rewiring

Rewiring a property in the UK isn’t just about replacing old cables. It must follow strict national standards to ensure the work is safe, legal and fully certified. These rules apply to both domestic and commercial properties, and help protect people, property and equipment from electrical hazards.

At SM Electrical, we follow all current UK regulations for rewiring homes, rental properties and commercial buildings across Wolverhampton, the West Midlands, Staffordshire and Shropshire. In this guide, we explain the key regulations that apply during the rewiring process and why they matter.

BS 7671: The IET Wiring Regulations

All rewiring in the UK must comply with BS 7671, also known as the IET Wiring Regulations. This is the primary standard that governs how electrical systems are designed, installed and tested.

Key requirements of BS 7671 include:

• Correct cable sizes and types for each circuit

• Proper circuit protection using RCDs, RCBOs or MCBs

• Safe placement of sockets, switches and accessories

• Correct earthing and bonding for fault protection

• Insulation resistance and polarity testing after installation

BS 7671 is updated regularly to reflect advances in safety and technology. SM Electrical ensures all rewiring complies with the latest edition at the time of installation.

Part P of the Building Regulations

Part P applies to electrical safety in dwellings and forms part of the wider Building Regulations in England and Wales. It is a legal requirement that covers many types of electrical work, including rewiring.

What does Part P require?

• All electrical work must be designed and installed safely

• Work must protect users from fire and electric shock

• Certain types of work, including full or partial rewiring, are classed as notifiable

• Notifiable work must be signed off by a registered electrician, or approved by local building control

SM Electrical is fully registered to self-certify notifiable work under Part P. This means our clients don’t need to deal with the council, we handle all certification and notification as part of the job.

Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC)

Every full rewire must be followed by proper testing and certification. One of the most important documents is the Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC).

This confirms that:

• The work has been completed in accordance with BS 7671

• The installation has been fully tested and passed

• The electrician is suitably qualified and competent

The EIC includes test results, circuit schedules, and a declaration of compliance. You should keep this document safe, as it may be required for insurance, letting, or future building work.

Building Regulations Compliance Certificate

If the work is notifiable under Part P (such as a full rewire), you must also receive a Building Regulations Compliance Certificate.

This certificate is issued:

• By your electrician’s registration body (e.g. NICEIC)

• After the work has been self-certified as compliant

• Within 30 days of the work being completed

This is a formal legal record that the installation complies with the UK Building Regulations. You may need it when selling or remortgaging the property.

Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (Commercial)

In commercial settings, rewiring also falls under the wider scope of UK health and safety law. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 requires employers and property owners to ensure that electrical systems are safe for employees, contractors and the public.

This includes:

• Using competent contractors for electrical work

• Following up-to-date standards (BS 7671)

• Maintaining and inspecting systems regularly

• Ensuring any rewiring does not introduce new risks

Failure to comply could result in enforcement action by the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) or invalidate business insurance in the event of an incident.

Electricity at Work Regulations 1989

These regulations apply to all electrical systems in the workplace, including rewired circuits.

Key duties include:

• Ensuring all electrical systems are safe to use

• Preventing electrical danger through design and maintenance

• Ensuring installations are suitable for the working environment

• Only using trained professionals to carry out work

When rewiring a commercial or industrial space, SM Electrical designs the system to comply with these regulations from the start, minimising risks and keeping your business compliant.

Fire Safety and Emergency Systems

In some commercial buildings, rewiring may involve fire alarms, emergency lighting, or sprinkler system integration. These elements must follow separate regulations, including:

• BS 5839 (fire alarm systems)

• BS 5266 (emergency lighting)

If any of these systems are affected or upgraded during rewiring, SM Electrical ensures all related works meet the relevant British Standards. We also coordinate with fire risk assessors and building control where needed.

Commercial Certifications and Schemes

While domestic properties require Part P compliance, commercial and industrial clients may also benefit from:

• Periodic Inspection Reports (after large-scale rewiring)

• NICEIC certification for commercial works

• Records for insurance and facilities management

We provide all documentation following rewiring to help clients meet ongoing safety and compliance requirements.

Working With a Registered Electrician

The simplest way to meet all regulations is to hire a qualified, registered electrician. SM Electrical is fully certified and experienced in all aspects of domestic and commercial rewiring. We handle:

• Design to BS 7671

• Safe installation using approved materials

• Testing, certification and notification

• Ongoing advice on compliance

We’re also up to date with all regulation changes, including amendments to the Wiring Regulations and Part P updates.

Final Thoughts

Rewiring is not just a technical task, it’s a regulated process that must follow strict UK standards. Whether you're a homeowner, landlord or business owner, it’s your responsibility to ensure the work is compliant and properly certified.

At SM Electrical, we manage every stage of the process, from planning and installation to testing and certification - in full compliance with BS 7671, Part P, and all applicable regulations.

We serve customers across Wolverhampton, the West Midlands, Staffordshire and Shropshire. If you're planning a rewire and want it done right, we’re here to help.

This article is for general guidance only. Every property is different. For advice on your specific situation, always consult a qualified electrician.