Document L is part of the Building regulations for England and Wales that sets the standards for energy efficiency in buildings. Similar standards are applicable in Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. As part of the Worldwide Kyoto agreement, the UK Government has committed to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide. Almost half of the carbon dioxide emissions in the UK are generated from energy that’s used to heat, light and cool buildings. The revisions to Document L cover the construction of new dwellings (houses) and non-domestic buildings, such as offices and public buildings. In addition, work on existing housing, such as replacement windows installed as home improvements and conservatories not separated from the house are also covered.

Every Vantage window and door installation will be inspected by the Local Planning Officer and a Local Authority certificate will be issued. A small fee will be required to cover the ‘L’ regulation cost, this is paid separately and directly by the client to the Local Authority.

Part P came into effect in England and Wales on 1 January 2005

It is a legal requirement for all work on fixed electrical installations in dwellings and associated buildings to comply with relevant standards. The relevant UK standard is BS 7671: 2001, 'Requirements for electrical installations' (The IEE Wiring Regulations 16th Edition). BS 7671 covers requirements for design, installation, inspection, testing, verification and certification.

• in a dwelling;
• in the common parts of buildings serving one or more dwellings, but excluding power supplies to lifts;
• in a building that receives its electricity from a source located within or shared with a dwelling, and
• in a garden or in or on land associated with a building where the electricity supply is from a source located within or shared with a dwelling.

The term dwelling includes houses, maisonettes and flats. It also applies to electrical installations in business premises that share an electricity supply with dwellings, such as shops and public houses with a flat above.

The common parts of buildings include access areas in blocks of flats such as hallways and shared amenities in blocks of flats such as laundries and gymnasiums.

Part P applies to electrical installations located in outbuildings such as detached garages, sheds and greenhouses.

Part P applies to parts of electrical installations located on land around dwellings such as garden lighting.

Part P applies to electrical installations that operate at voltages not exceeding 1000 V a.c.

Notifiable work includes new installations, house re-wires, and the installation of new circuits. Notifiable work also includes additions to existing circuits in kitchens, bathrooms, out-doors and in other special locations.

Electrical contractors who register with a competent person self-certification scheme will be able to self-certify compliance with the Building Regulations whenever they carry out 'notifiable' work. Persons who are not registered with a self-certification scheme - including DIYers - will need to notify or submit plans to a building control body, unless the work is non-notifiable.

• BRE Certification Limited;
• BSI - British Standards Institution, ;
• ELECSA Limited,
• NAPIT Certification Ltd, and
• NICEIC Certification Services Limited.

These schemes are aimed at those carrying out electrical installation work as the primary activity of their business.

Vantage electrical contractors are able to self-certify their work under the NICEIC Certification Services Limited scheme.