A change to existing Building Regulations ('Part P to the Building Regulations 2000') is due to come into force from 1st January 2005.

For the first time, any person carrying out electrical work in your home has a legal obligation to ensure that fixed electrical installations are suitably designed, installed, inspected, and tested so as to provide reasonable protection against being the source of a fire or cause of injury.

New installations as well as alterations and additions to existing installations will be covered. This can include electrical work carried as part of fitting a new kitchen in your home. This includes ensuring that the existing installation (i.e. the electrical installation in your home after the supplier's meter) meets British Standard’s requirements for safety. If your existing electrical supply will not safely support the electrical installation required for your kitchen this may require remedial work, which could cause extra cost or delay the fitting of your kitchen.

Any work that is carried out will need to be approved by your local authority's building control department, although your installer may be able to do this if they are certified to do so.

As part of having a new kitchen fitted in your home, remember to make arrangements to get your existing electrical installation checked before fitting of your kitchen is due to start - any problems found here need to be corrected before fitting to avoid any unforeseen delays and costs.