Närbild på händer med handskar som installerar ett vägguttag i en bostad.

Authorisation types

You can apply for three types of authorisation: A, AL and B. If you were authorised as an electrician under the old system, your authorisation is automatically converted to the new kind.

Authorisation types

These are the authorisation types you can apply for. If you were authorised as an electrician before 1 July 2017, read the section entitled "Old authorisation types" below for more details. The section explains which authorisation type your old authorisation will be converted into.

A Full authorisation

Covers all electrical installation work.

AL Authorisation for low voltage

Covers all electrical installation work in low voltage systems.

B Limited authorisation

Covers electrical installation work in low voltage systems limited to work in existing final circuits consisting of:

  1. installation and relocation of light fittings, switches and socket outlets with associated cables,
  2. permanent connection of electrical equipment which consumes electricity with associated connector, including the extension and connection of cables to the connector, and
  3. disconnection of electrical equipment which consumes electricity with associated connector and cables.

Old authorisation types

AB

Converted to A authorisation.

ABL

Converted to AL authorisation.

BB1, BB2 and BB3 Industry-specific

Converted to B authorisation.

ABH, ABX, BBX, BB3

Converted to the new authorisation system but keeping the same name and content as before.

BB3 Underground cable laying

Converted to the new authorisation system but keeping the same name and content as before.

Note that the electrical installation work previously covered by this authorisation type is subject to special arrangements from 1 July 2017.

Last reviewed: 2023-05-02