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When building a new home, there are several things to take into consideration. From the construction to the final fixtures, every little detail is critical in creating a space that is functional, comfortable, and efficient.
Out of all the things that need to be carefully planned and executed, the electrical system is one of the most important. It includes all the electrical wiring and installations required to power a property. From the lights to the appliances, everything depends on the property’s electrics and how well all its components have been installed.
Creating a checklist of all the electrical installations for a new build makes it easier to stay organised and make sure that there are no oversights when it comes to critical installations. From the lighting circuits to the consumer units, power outlets, and the property’s wiring, having a proper plan ensures a result that is both compliant with the electrical standards and in line with the homeowner’s needs.
Electrical planning is a critical part of any new building, whether it is a residential, commercial, or industrial property. Strategic planning and proper installation ensure that all the electrical components are safe to use, compliant with the current safety regulations, and capable of supporting the changing electrical needs of the user.
Faulty electrical installations continue to be a serious issue causing accidents, injuries, and in serious cases, even death. For this reason, special importance is given to reducing these risks in the form of wiring regulations in the UK. The BS 7671 is a comprehensive set of rules and guidelines for the proper design, installation, and maintenance of all electrical systems.
These regulations cover everything, including the proper selection and installation of the electrical wiring, as it forms the basis of a healthy electrical system. They include detailed information on the type of wiring as well as the right method for installing and removing wires and protecting them from any physical damage.
In addition to guidelines and best practices, they also include procedures for getting electrical safety certificates, which are a necessity for several types of electrical work in the UK.
Here are all the reasons why it is so important to carefully plan all electrical work and follow an electrical installation checklist for new builds:
Electrical planning in new builds significantly reduces the level of risk and ensures the safety of all electrical installations and components. It reduces the risk of fire hazards – a serious issue that is caused by poor wiring and overloaded circuits, and electrocution risks caused by improper grounding and exposed wiring.
Proper electrical planning ensures that all the installations are energy efficient and sustainable. This includes LED lights, solar panels, energy-efficient appliances, and smart home technology. An energy-efficient property not only lowers utility bills but also reduces the property’s carbon footprint. A well-planned electrical system also considers scalability and leaves room for future upgrades and expansions.
As a property owner, it is your responsibility to ensure all the electrical work and installations comply with UK electrical regulations, which dictate how the electrical work must be carried out. Non-compliance can lead to legal action in the form of heavy fines and penalties. It may also lead to increased insurance premiums and delays in the finalisation of the new build.
Electrical safety regulations in the UK are very strict, and adhering to them is mandatory for all property owners. It is your responsibility to make sure that all electrical installations on your property meet the electrical safety standards. They cover all aspects of the new build’s electrical system and include the wiring, earthing, and installation of electrical safety devices.
The key regulations governing electrical safety in the UK, for new builds as well as existing properties, are:
The wiring regulations BS 7671 are the industry standard for electrical installations and wiring in the UK. Considered one of the most important documents for electricians, the regulations provide guidelines for the design, installation, and maintenance of electrical systems, as well as any additions and alterations to existing installations.
Part P of the Building Regulations pertains especially to electrical installations in homes and dwellings and focuses on electrical safety. They include new electrical installations, alterations and additions to existing installations, and any repair work. They mandate that all notifiable electrical work, which refers to all the electrical installations that require the local building control authority, must be carried out by a registered and certified electrician.
The HSE provide the basic guidelines on electrical safety, particularly in commercial settings. Most of them, however, can also be applied to residential buildings. To meet these guidelines and to adhere to the law, it is mandatory to conduct regular maintenance and safety inspections of all electrical installations on the property.
Every component of an electrical system plays an integral part in how well it works and how efficient it is. Ensuring that the electrical system is not just up and running, but also safe and efficient, has great benefits for the property owners as well as the occupants of the property.
Missing out on key installations can lead to safety issues, increased costs, and inconvenience. They can lead to issues such as overloading and frequent power outages, both of which can disrupt regular operations and pose safety risks and hazards.
In a new build, a poorly planned electrical system can increase both costs as well as maintenance issues. For example, fixing any wiring issues after construction has been completed can be more expensive than doing it correctly from the start. This leads to not just unplanned and unnecessary expenses but also project delays.
Last, but not least, poor electrical planning of a new build – and missing out key installations – can adversely affect the value of the property. Buyers and tenants may not see the property as “ready to move in” if it lacks basic electrical installations such as adequate circuits and power outlets. As a result, they may prioritise other better-planned and fully functional properties to invest in.
The electrical work and installation in a new build is broken down into two main stages: first fix and second fix. The proper execution of both is necessary for the system to be fully functional and compliant with electrical safety standards.
First fix electrical work includes all the work to be done in the initial installation phase. The groundwork and foundation of the electrical system are laid down, which includes installing the cables, wiring, and circuits. It is done before any plastering work and in conjunction with any central heating or plumbing work.
First fix electrics can be messy since they require lifting the floorboards and drilling holes in the walls and ceilings to ensure all the wiring is hidden. Due to the disruptive nature of the work involved, it is very important to plan out everything in advance to prevent any inconveniences down the line.
The second fix installation phase starts right after the first fix is completed. When the cables, wiring, and circuits have been installed, the walls and ceilings are plastered so that the electrician can move on to the next step. It includes all the finishing touches, such as installing the switches, outlets, and light fittings to make the property and the electrics fully functional.
Since the work is carried out in flow with the second fix beginning right after the first ends, it is best to plan for both phases before any sort of work begins, which includes determining your requirements and setting a budget for the job.
A new build electrical checklist benefits not just the planners and developers of a property, but also the buyers, investors, and tenants, as it ensures that the property is functional, efficient, compliant, and ready to invest in.
A great starting point for creating a checklist is by drawing a complete plan of the property with all the rooms clearly labelled, including the positioning of major electrical appliances and equipment such as the refrigerator, dishwasher, and washing machine.
Accurately determining the electrical load of the property is an important step in the planning process, as it ensures the electrical system can easily handle the property’s power demands. This includes not just assessing the total energy consumption of the electrical installations and appliances but also accounts for additional loads and future expansion. Once that is done, you can easily determine the number of circuits and the positioning of the lights, switches, and sockets.
Here is a checklist of all the key installations you must not miss in a new build:
While this checklist covers most of the basic installations required in a new build, it is not an absolute one and must be tailored according to every property’s individual needs. Each new build has certain specifications and considerations that need to be taken into account when planning and executing the electrical work and installations.
Some of the electrical installations in this list are mandatory, while others are required for future-proofing the property, such as smart lighting controls and prewiring for security systems, EV charge points, and solar PV systems.
An electrical consumer unit is one of the most important components of the electrical system. It acts as the main control and distribution centre for the property’s power supply and includes various components, including the mains switch, circuit breakers, and residual current devices (RCDs).
The key functions of a consumer unit include:
There are different types of consumer units available, and determining the best one for your new build generally comes down to the property’s size, expected power consumption, and the number of circuits required.
When choosing a consumer unit for your new build, make sure you assess your current and future needs and determine the number of circuits required. A standard electrical system generally includes specific circuits for lighting, appliances, and other electrical components such as sockets.
When planning to install lighting circuits, make sure the system is well-designed to ensure safety, efficiency, and functionality that goes beyond basic illumination. Correctly installing lighting circuits in a new build prevents overloading and ensures safety in all areas of the property, including high-risk ones such as the bathroom and kitchen.
Keep in mind any future installations and upgrades, such as smart lights and automated systems and opt for a system that supports energy-efficient LED lights. Install appropriate dimmers that are compatible with modern lights and install multiple circuits for dividing the different areas of the property into separate zones.
The importance of multiple lighting circuits cannot be emphasised enough. It allows for independent control of various lighting areas and makes it easier to repair any faults and issues without affecting the entire property. It makes it easier to set timers and smart controls in specific zones and supports multiple-occupancy properties.
To ensure that nothing is missed out during the electrical installations in your new build, hire a certified electrician with the required skill, expertise, and experience to carry out all the work in compliance with the electrical safety regulations in the UK.
We have been providing electrical services to residential, commercial, and industrial properties for over 40 years and are specialists in all aspects of electrical installations, maintenance, and testing.
All our work is fully insured, and we work to meet the standards set by the NICEIC to make sure all your electrical installations meet the current regulations, and all the notifiable work is signed off by the local authorities.
If you have unplanned issues within your home or business, we can provide a call-out service to rectify and solve any problems, such as circuit tripping, loss of power, broken items that need repairing, or to check if you feel something is unsafe or a potential hazard.
Our team can generate a Visual Inspection Report (VIR) to identify anything visual that does not comply with the standards or looks unsafe, as well as a full Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) where we will identify and test each circuit to make sure they are not deteriorating and are safe for use within the current standards and regulations set by the BS 7671.
We can also provide PAT testing of appliances to make sure that any items such as kettles, computers, and microwaves are safe for use in the home and workplace.
Contact us here or call us at 0800 612 3001 to get in touch with our professional electricians for more information on new build electrical checklists and the key installations you must not miss!
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