Periodic Inspection and Testing
What is an electrical installation condition report or periodic inspection?
An Electrical installation condition report or Periodic Inspection is an inspection on the condition of an existing electrical installation, to identify (in order of priority) any deficiencies against the national safety standard for electrical installations.
Why is an electrical installation condition report or periodic inspection needed?
Every electrical installation deteriorates with use and age. It is critical to maintain these installations to ensure that the safety of users is not put at risk and that installations remain in a safe and serviceable condition.
When is an electrical installation condition report or periodic inspection needed?
This depends on the premise type. It is recommended that Electrical installation condition reports or periodic inspection and testing is carried out at least every:
- 5 years for commercial properties. This can either consist of a 100% inspection every 5 years or broken down to rolling programme of 20% inspections every year. Using the latter method ensures that the installation is checked once a year for faults.
- 10 years for domestic properties.
What happens during an electrical installation condition report or periodic inspection?
Our engineer will check the electrical installation against the requirements of BS 7671 – Requirements for Electrical Installations ( IEE Wiring Regulations ) – as amended, which is the national safety standard for electrical installations.
The periodic inspection will take into account all relevant circumstances including the following factors:
a) adequacy of earthing and bonding
b) suitability of the switchgear and controlgear
c) serviceability of equipment
d) type of wiring system and its condition
e) provision of residual current devices for socket-outlets that may be used to plug in electrical equipment used outdoors
f) presence of adequate identification and notices
g) extent of any wear and tear, damage or other deterioration
h) changes in use of the premises which have to led to, or might lead to, deficiencies in the installation.
We provide an electrical installation condition report (EICR) as part of the inspection.
What is an Electrical installation condition report (EICR)?
An Electrical installation condition report (EICR) is a formal method of recording the findings of the periodic inspection.
The main purpose of a EICR is to report on the safety condition of an existing installation. It should describe the overall condition as either ‘satisfactory’, in which case no immediate remedial work is required, or ‘unsatisfactory’ which means remedial work is required to make the installation safe to use.
Where a EICR describes the installation as ‘unsatisfactory’, the next thing to look at is ‘Observations and Recommendations for Actions to be Taken’. This is where any departures from BS 7671 are recorded, and a code to indicate the urgency of the action needed is given. These codes are ranged from 1- 3 with 1 being the most serious.
Commercial Electrical Testing can provide the EICR in paper format, or digitally on CD-ROM in PDF format in a short time period so why not call today on 07814 905733.
