Periodic inspections

A Periodic Inspection is an examination of the electrical installation to identify the deficiencies between the installation and the national safety standards for electrical installations.

Over time all electrical installations deteriorate so it is important that your installation is regularly checked.
This deterioration is due to a number of factors such as:

• Damage through wear and tear

• Corrosion

• Excessive electrical loading

• Aging

• Environmental influences

A Periodic Inspection is to prevent such factors.

Regular inspections can protect you your family and property from shocks, severe burns, death, fires and explosions.

According to government statics each year on average 10 people die and about 750 people are seriously injured. 

A Periodic Inspection will

• Reveal if any of your electrical circuits or equipment is overloaded.
• Find any potential electrical shock risks and fire hazards in your electrical installation.
• Identify any defective DIY electrical work.
• Highlight any lack of earthling or bonding.

 

A Periodic Inspection should be carried out

• When a property is being prepared to be let.
• When it is requirement implied by licensing authorities, public bodies, insurance companies, mortgagors and landlords.
• To assess compliance with the current IEE wiring regulations.
• On change of ownership or tenancy.
• After alterations to the original installation.
• Where there is a reason to believe that damage may have been caused to the installation.
• On change of use.

 

Maximum periods allowed between inspections

• 10 years for a domestic installation.
• 5 years for a commercial installation.
• 3 years for a industrial installation.
• 3 years for caravans.
• 3 years for external installation.
• 1 tear for swimming pools.
• 1 year for buildings open to the public.
• 1 year for caravan parks.
• 1 year for fire alarms.
• 3 months for short term installations.
• 3 months for site installations.

During a inspection

• The electrical installation will be check against the requirements of BSI7671 – requirements for electrical installations (IEE Wiring Regulations) –as amended. This is the national safety standard for electrical installations, and contains around 850 regulations.
• Adequacy of earthling and bonding.
• Suitability of the switchgear and control gear e.g. consumer unit.
• Serviceability of equipment e.g. switches, socket-outlets and light fittings.
• Type of wiring system and its condition e.g.  cables.
• Provision of residual current devices for socket- outlets that may be used to plug in electrical equipment used outdoors.
• Presence of adequate identification and notices.
• Extent of any wear and tear, damage or other deterioration.
• Changes in use of the premises which have led to, or might lead to, deficiencies in the installation.