The short answer
It depends on the job. Plug-in and like-for-like work you can usually do yourself — fitting smart bulbs, smart plugs, a hub or a voice assistant, or swapping a switch for a like-for-like smart switch, is non-notifiable. So is most extra-low-voltage wiring (under 50V) for thermostats, sensors and data cabling, though it must still meet the wiring standard BS 7671. You need a qualified (registered) electrician as soon as the work involves a new circuit, a consumer-unit change, or wiring in a bathroom or kitchen — that work is notifiable under Part P of the Building Regulations and must be certified or notified to building control. The rule of thumb: if you are running a new circuit from the fuse board, it is a job for a professional.
Smart home work spans everything from screwing in a bulb to rewiring lighting circuits, and the regulations only kick in at the wiring end. Here is where the line sits.
The rules in brief
- Smart bulbs / plugs / hubDIY (non-notifiable)
- Like-for-like switch swapDIY (non-notifiable)
- ELV wiring (<50V)DIY but must meet BS 7671
- New circuit / consumer unitregistered electrician (notifiable)
- Bathroom / kitchen wiringregistered electrician (notifiable)
What you can usually do yourself
Much of a basic smart home is plug-and-play and needs no electrician. Fitting smart bulbs, smart plugs, a hub or a smart speaker is just connecting devices. Swapping a switch or socket for a like-for-like smart equivalent — for example a standard switch for a smart dimmer — is non-notifiable. Installing extra-low-voltage wiring (below 50V) for thermostats, doorbells, sensors and data cabling is also non-notifiable because it operates at a safe voltage, although it must still comply with the wiring standard BS 7671.
When you need a registered electrician
You need a qualified electrician as soon as the work touches the mains wiring. Running a new circuit from the consumer unit is always notifiable, as are consumer-unit (fuse board) changes and new wiring in a bathroom or kitchen. This is notifiable work under Part P of the Building Regulations in England and Wales, which means it must either be done by an electrician registered with a competent-person scheme who self-certifies it, or be notified to and inspected by building control. Using a registered electrician means you get the certificate that proves the work is safe and compliant — important for safety, insurance and any future house sale.
| Job | Who can do it? |
|---|---|
| Smart bulbs, plugs, hub, speaker | You (non-notifiable) |
| Like-for-like switch / socket swap | You (non-notifiable) |
| ELV sensor / thermostat / data cabling | You, to BS 7671 (non-notifiable) |
| New lighting circuit / downlights | Registered electrician (notifiable) |
| Consumer-unit change | Registered electrician (notifiable) |
| Bathroom / kitchen wiring | Registered electrician (notifiable) |
General guidance for England and Wales — confirm your own case. Sources: Electrical Safety First and UK Part P guidance.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I install a smart home myself?
Much of it, yes. Fitting smart bulbs, plugs, a hub or a voice assistant, swapping a switch like-for-like, and running extra-low-voltage sensor or data cabling are all non-notifiable. But new circuits, consumer-unit changes and bathroom or kitchen wiring need a registered electrician.
What smart home work is notifiable under Part P?
Running a new circuit from the consumer unit, changing the consumer unit (fuse board), and new wiring in a bathroom or kitchen are all notifiable under Part P in England and Wales. This work must be certified by a registered electrician or notified to building control.
Do smart bulbs and plugs need an electrician?
No. Smart bulbs, smart plugs, hubs and voice assistants simply connect to existing fittings and sockets, so you can set them up yourself with no electrical work.
Sources & further reading
Figures on this page are typical UK ranges drawn from published sources and depend on your specific property. They are guidance, not a quotation.