Electrical Inspection & Testing
Periodic Inspection and Testing
The main purpose of any periodic electrical testing is to provide (so far as is reasonably practical):-
- The safety of persons and livestock against the effects of electrical shock and burns in accordance with the general requirements of BS 7671:2008 Reg.131.1
- Protection against damage to property by fire and heat arising from an installation defect
- Confirmation that the installation is not damaged or deteriorated so as to impair safety
- The identification of installation defects and non-compliance with the requirements of the regulations that may give rise to danger.
- A thorough visual inspection of the electrical system will be carried out where practicable;
Visual Inspection
A 100% visual inspection of the fixed electrical installation will be carried out where practicable.
Approx. 10%- 20% of socket outlets, spur units, switching devices & light fittings will be sampled internally.
- Safety
- Wear & Tear
- Corrosion Damage
- Excessive loading (overloading)
- Age
- External Influences
- Suitability
Individual Items Inspected (where practicable)
- Joints & connections
- Conductors
- Flexible cables & cords
- Switching devices
- Protection against thermal effects
- Protection devices
- Enclosures & mechanical protection
- Marking & labelling
Installed machinery / fixed equipment (An external visual inspection for electrical safety, excluding all control & operational functions).
Testing Schedule
- Continuity of protective conductors, including main & supplementary bonding
- Continuity of ring final conductors (where practicable)
- Insulation resistance (where practicable)
- Polarity
- Earth fault loop impedance
- RCD testing
- Functional testing
Recommended frequencies of Periodic Inspections
Commercial Installations - 5 years
Industrial Installations - 3 years
Building open to the public - 1 year
Domestic Installations - Annual, 10 years or change of occupier
