It sounds like a simple job — add a few extra sockets in the lounge, move a light fitting in the kitchen, or put a new spotlight over the dining table. But as any good electrician will tell you, “simple” electrical work still needs to be done safely and properly documented.
So, do you actually need a certificate for small electrical jobs like these? The short answer is yes — in most cases, you should have one.
Here’s why, what type of certificate you’ll get, and when it really matters.
What the law says
In the UK, electrical work in homes and businesses must comply with the Building Regulations, specifically Part P, which covers electrical safety.
Part P doesn’t just apply to big jobs like rewiring or fitting a new consumer unit — it also applies to smaller work that affects an existing electrical circuit.
That means if you’re adding a new socket, light fitting, or switch, the work must be carried out by someone competent, and it must be tested and certified to prove it’s safe.
Even minor jobs can affect the safety of the whole system, which is why documentation matters.
The right certificate for small electrical work
If the job involves extending or altering an existing circuit — for example, adding a socket to an existing ring main or installing new lights from an existing loop — you should receive a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate (MWC).
This is a short but official document that confirms:
- The work complies with the BS 7671 Wiring Regulations
- It’s been tested for continuity, polarity, and insulation resistance
- The new or altered circuit is safe for continued use
It’s your written proof that the work was carried out correctly and safely.
If, however, the work involves installing a completely new circuit from the consumer unit, or work in a high-risk area such as a bathroom, you’ll need a full Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) instead.
When Building Regulations come into play
If you’re a homeowner in Overton, Preston Candover, or Oakley, and the work involves creating a new circuit or working in a special location like a bathroom or garden, it also falls under Part P notification.
That means the work must either be:
- Carried out by a registered electrician who can self-certify it (for example, through NICEIC or NAPIT)
- Or approved through your local council’s Building Control before and after completion
If your electrician is registered, they’ll handle all of that for you — and you’ll receive an official Building Regulations Compliance Certificate in the post a few weeks later.
Why the paperwork matters
Electrical certificates aren’t bureaucracy for the sake of it. They’re there to protect you.
Here’s why you should always insist on getting the right paperwork:
- It proves the work meets safety and legal standards
- It keeps your insurance valid in the event of a fault or fire
- It’s required by law for certain types of electrical work
- It helps if you sell or rent the property later — solicitors often ask for certificates
- It gives you peace of mind that your home or business is safe
If you don’t receive a certificate, you have no formal record that the work complies with UK standards — which can cause problems years down the line.
What to ask your electrician
Before any job starts, it’s worth asking:
- Will this work require a certificate?
- What kind of certificate will I receive?
- Are you registered with NICEIC or NAPIT?
- Will you handle the Building Regulations notification if required?
A reputable electrician should answer all of these clearly — and provide the right paperwork when the job’s complete.
How GU Solutions handles certification
At GU Solutions, every job — from installing new sockets in Ropley or upgrading lighting in Bentley to adding outdoor electrics in Cliddesden — is tested, certified, and fully compliant with the latest regulations.
We’re NICEIC Approved Contractors, which means we can self-certify domestic work under Part P and handle all Building Regulations notifications for you.
You’ll always get the correct certificate — whether it’s a Minor Works, an Installation Certificate, or a Building Regulations Compliance Certificate — and we keep digital copies on file in case you ever need them again.
Book your next electrical job with confidence
If you’re planning to add new sockets, upgrade lighting, or make any other electrical changes to your home or business in Basingstoke, Overton, Oakley, or the surrounding Hampshire villages, make sure it’s done safely and certified properly.
Call GU Solutions on 01256 473326 or send us a message to book your electrical installation or certification check.
We’ll carry out the work safely, issue the correct paperwork, and leave you with complete peace of mind that your installation is both legal and safe.
Because when it comes to electrics, doing it right costs less than doing it twice.
