What the rules say
Part P of the Building Regulations covers electrical safety in homes in England. Notifiable work includes installing a new circuit, replacing a consumer unit, and adding to or altering a circuit in a room with a bath or shower. It has to be done by an electrician registered with a competent person scheme, or notified to building control before work starts.
Other work, such as replacing a light fitting, switch or socket like for like, isn't notifiable. It must still meet the wiring regulations (BS 7671), so if you're not confident, use an electrician.
Changing a light fitting
Not notifiable when it's like for like outside a bathroom. Make sure the circuit is isolated at the fuse box, metal fittings are earthed, and the fitting is suitable for where it's going. Heavy chandeliers need a fixing that can take the weight. In bathrooms, fittings must have the right IP rating for their zone.
Fitting a smoke alarm
Battery smoke alarms are a simple DIY job. Mains-wired, interlinked alarms involve wiring and often a circuit, so they're a job for an electrician, and landlords need to meet the smoke and carbon monoxide alarm regulations.
Installing a Ring or video doorbell
Battery doorbells need no wiring. Wired video doorbells usually connect to an existing low-voltage doorbell transformer. If there isn't one, a new transformer has to be connected to the mains, which is a job for an electrician.
Installing an oven or hob
Some single ovens plug into a standard socket. Most hobs, range cookers and double ovens need a dedicated cooker circuit and cooker switch. Connecting to an existing cooker circuit is straightforward for an electrician; a new cooker circuit is notifiable work.
Ceiling fans and extractor fans
Fans need a secure fixing and a suitable supply. Bathroom extractor fans must suit the zone they're in, and new work in a bathroom is notifiable.
Jobs that always need an electrician
- New circuits, including for an EV charger, electric shower, garden room or cooker.
- Replacing a fuse box or consumer unit.
- New electrical work in a bathroom or shower room.
- Rewires.
- Anything with scorch marks, burning smells or a fault you can't explain.
Need a hand?
E.A Electrician Ltd is a North London electrical company based in Wood Green, N22, rated 5.0 from 32 Google reviews. See our small electrical jobs service, or call 07871 056970 for a free estimate.
Quick answers
Do I need an electrician to change a light fitting?
Not legally, if it's like for like outside a bathroom, but it must be done safely: circuit isolated, metal fittings earthed and a suitable fitting. If you're unsure, use an electrician.
Do I need an electrician to install a smoke detector?
Not for battery alarms. Mains-wired, interlinked alarms should be fitted by an electrician.
Do I need an electrician to install an oven?
Not if it plugs into a standard socket. Ovens and hobs that need a cooker circuit should be connected by an electrician, and a new circuit is notifiable work.
Do I need an electrician to install a Ring doorbell?
Not for battery models. Wired models usually use an existing doorbell transformer; if there isn't one, an electrician needs to fit one.
Published by E.A Electrician Ltd. Last updated 1 November 2026.