Industrial Electric System Periodic Inspections
Periodic inspection is a condition of an existing electrical installation, in order to recognise and list faults that do not comply with the national safety standards.
Periodic electrical testing, also known as domestic testing or electrical inspection condition report (EICR), is a comprehensive inspection of your home’s electrical systems and installation. At GreenLight, our engineers can conduct these tests.
A periodic inspection will disclose if any of your electrical circuits or equipment’s is overloaded, find any potential electrical shock risks and fire hazards in your electrical installation, and highlight any lack of bonding. Additionally, tests are also carried out on wiring and fixed electrical equipment to check that they are safe. A schedule of circuits is also provided, which is invaluable for a property.
You need periodic inspection since electrical installations depreciate over time and ensuring that the installation is in a safe as well as operational condition is valuable.
When Is Periodic Inspection Required?
It is suggested that periodic inspection and testing should be carried out at least every:
- 10 years for domestic installation
- 5 years for commercial installation
- 3 years for caravans
- 1 year for swimming pools
However, periodic inspection can also be carried out:
- When a property is to be let out
- When selling a property or buying a previously occupied property
- When there is a purpose to believe that damages is caused to the buildings such as flooding or fire
Carrying Out Periodic Inspection
Periodic inspection and testing should only be carried out by an electrical competent engineer, such as a registered electrician. They will check the condition of the electrics against the UK standard for the safety of electrical installations, BS 7671 – Requirements for Electrical Installations.
During the inspection, the engineer will take into consideration of all the relevant circumstances and checks on the adequacy of earthing and bonding, the suitability of the switchgear and control gear. For instance, an old fuse box with a wooden back will need replacing.
The type of wiring system and its condition. For example, cables coated in black rubber were phased out in the 1960s. Similarly, cables coated in lead or fabric are even older and may well need replacing (modern cables use longer-lasting pvc insulation). Sockets that may be used to supply portable electrical equipment for outdoors, making sure they are protected by a suitable residual current device (RCD).
After completing the periodic inspection, the competent engineer will then issue an Electrical Installation Condition Report listing any observed damage, deterioration, defects, dangerous conditions and any non-compliance with the present day safety standard that might give rise to danger. When anything risky is found, the complete condition of the electrical installation will be declared to be ‘unsatisfactory’, meaning that remedial action is required without delay to remove the risks to those in the premises.
Contacting GreenLight
For additional information about periodic inspection, please make sure you get in contact with us 0208 545 7225 or fill out the Enquiry Form. We also offer our clients free quote.