We carry out electrical inspection and testing on all types of installations. Give us a call for a quote.
What is electrical inspection and testing?
Electrical inspection and testing was in the past referred to as a periodic electrical inspection. This is now referred to as an electrical installation condition report or sometimes it is called an electrical safety report or electrical inspection report.
The electrical installation condition report is where a competent electrician will carry out visual inspections and electrical testing of an electrical installation either in a domestic setting or in a commercial or industrial premises and produce a report from the findings.
The visual inspection includes looking at all the accessible cables, the distribution board, consumer units, switch gear, switches, sockets and lights etc. Generally for the electrical accessories a percentage sample of these accessories are looked at. They are inspected for any damage, overheating and incorrect installation methods.
The electrical testing is mainly conducted at the consumer unit board and readings would also need to be taken at different sockets, lights etc. Many of the tests which would be carried out on a new installation are executed enabling the electrician to test:
1. Earth continuity on the circuits and the accessories. Should there ever be a situation where the appliance became live the earth would help prevent electric shock.
2. Installation resistance tests to check there is no breakdown in the installation on the cables. If there are low readings on this test, it could indicate the need for a rewiring of that circuit.
3. Testing of circuit breakers and RCDs to ensure their correct operation and that switch off within the required disconnection times.
When do I need an electrical inspection report?
This varies on the type of premises being tested and inspected. Generally domestic installations need to have an electrical installation condition report carried out once every 10 years as a minimum. This could be more frequent if there is a change of occupancy in the property as might be the case in rented accommodation. Also residential accommodation or multiple occupancy would need an electrical inspection report at a minimum of every five years. Industrial units and offices, shops and educational establishments would need to be inspected on a more frequent basis for obvious reasons.
What do I get for my electrical inspection report?
The content of the electrical installation condition report is quite detailed. It contains a section about the details of the property, details of the supply of electricity into the property. There is a details checklist of all the different parts of the electrical installation which are graded as C1, C2, C3. These indicate the severity of any fault
These indicate the severity of any noncompliance’s in the installation. The electrical inspection report also contains a schedule of test results showing all the detail test results of the installation.
Not only do you receive an official Electrical Installation Condition Report but you also have the peace of mind that your electrical installation is safe and in a satisfactory condition for continued use.
Who should carry out the electrical inspection and testing?
Only a qualified and registered competent electrician should carry out the electrical test and inspection. Check that they are registered with the appropriate competent persons scheme such as NICEIC, Elecsa, or Napit. Remember when you receive a quote only about half of the time you pay for will involve the work on-sit carrying out the inspection and testing. The other half of the time you pay for will be used by them to collate the information and complete the detailed electrical certificate. For a domestic electrical installation condition report, it is generally one day’s work for the electrician to complete all the inspecting and testing on site and write up the report.
