Domestic Electrical Installer (DEI)

Overview

The LCL Domestic Electrical Installer (DEI) qualification (also known as the Part P Installer Certificate) is designed to give professionals the knowledge and hands-on skills required to safely carry out non-notifiable domestic electrical installation work in compliance with UK Building Regulations and BS 7671 standards.

Important note: This qualification is not intended to turn you into a full electrician. Instead, it is suited for individuals whose primary trade is something else (e.g. heating engineers, kitchen fitters, builders) who wish to legally and competently perform certain domestic electrical tasks.

What You’ll Learn

During the DEI course, you will cover both theoretical and practical modules. Key topics include:

 

Module / Topic

Description

Electrical safety, legislation & standards

Covering relevant UK regulations, wiring standards, definitions and responsibilities.

Building Regulations & Part P

Understanding how electrical installation fits into Building Regulations, especially domestic compliance.

Electrical theory & calculations

Ohm’s Law, power law, voltage drop, cable sizing, load calculations.

Earthing, bonding & protective devices

Proper earthing systems, protective bonding, types of RCDs, etc.

Safe isolation procedures

Ensuring circuits are de-energised and safe for work.

Domestic circuit planning & installation

Wiring lighting circuits, socket circuits (radial, ring), spurs, consumer units, showers, external circuits, etc.

Special Locations

Bathrooms, outdoors, kitchens: additional precautions and rules.

Inspection, testing & commissioning

Using test instruments, verifying installation integrity, commissioning, issuing test certificates.

Fault finding & unsafe installations

Identifying and remedying common faults, recognising dangerous conditions.

Documentation, certification & notification

Completing test record forms, part P notification where needed, compliance certification.

Basic understanding of three-phase systems

For awareness and minor applications.

On successful completion, you’ll be awarded the LCL Awards Domestic Electrical Installer Certificate (2022), valid for 5 years.

Duration & Format

  • Guided Learning Hours: Typically a 5-day intensive course.
  • Delivery Mode: A mix of classroom/theory sessions + workshop practicals.

Assessment Methods:
  • Practical observed tasks (on wiring boards / circuits)
  • A written or online multiple-choice exam (approx 40 questions
  • Scenario/design tasks 

Entry Requirements

  • No formal prerequisites are typically demanded.
  • However, basic literacy, numeracy and a level of practical aptitude (willingness to do hands-on wiring) are expected.
  • It is strongly recommended that absolute beginners first take a foundation electrical course before enrolling.

This course is especially suitable for tradespeople (plumbers, builders, heating engineers, kitchen installers) wanting to expand into electrical work.

Outcomes & Limitations

After completing the DEI course, you will be competent to perform a wide range of domestic electrical works (lighting circuits, socket circuits, consumer unit replacement, etc.) within the limits of the qualification.

However, there are important caveats:

  • You cannot self-certify major notifiable work unless you are registered under a Competent Person Scheme (CPS) or are supervised by a qualified supervisor.
  • Some tasks (e.g. large scale rewires, industrial or commercial installations, solar PV integration) are outside the scope of DEI.

To be eligible for CPS membership (so you can self-certify domestic work), you’ll usually need additional qualifications (e.g. LCL Level 3 Certificate in Installing, Testing & Ensuring Compliance) and experience.

Total Cost:

  • £770 + VAT.

Why Choose This Course

  • Fast, focused route to gaining legal qualification for domestic electrical work
  • Industry-recognised certification via LCL Awards
  • Combines underpinning theory with hands-on practical training
  • Enables individuals whose core trade is elsewhere to legally and competently expand into electrical tasks

Please contact us for more information.