| What is electrical inspection and testing? | | | | "As may be necessary to prevent danger, all |
| Electrical inspection and testing is carried out | | | | systems shall be maintained so as to prevent, so |
| periodically on electrical installations to check that | | | | far as is reasonably practicable, such danger". |
| they are safe to use and will not cause harm | | | | (Regulation 4 (2)) |
| such as shocks and burns to people or animals. | | | | "System' means an electrical system in which all |
| They are also to check that an installation is not | | | | the electrical equipment is, or may be, electrically |
| likely to cause damage to property due to fire | | | | connected to a common source of electrical |
| and heat caused by an electrical fault. | | | | energy and includes such source and such |
| Even if an electrical item is installed safely, it is still | | | | equipment". (Regulation 2 (1))c |
| important that periodic inspection is carried out as | | | | "Electrical equipment includes anything used, |
| safety can deteriorate with time. | | | | intended to be used or installed for use, to |
| Electrical installation inspections are also referred | | | | generate, provide, transmit, transform, rectify, |
| to as electrical inspection and testing, fixed wiring | | | | convert, conduct, distribute, control, store, |
| tests and periodic inspection reports. | | | | measure or use electrical energy". (Regulation 2 |
| Who will carry out the inspection? | | | | (1)) |
| Periodic electrical inspections are carried out by | | | | How long do inspections take? |
| qualified engineers. The company you use should | | | | Inspections normally take between one and five |
| be NICEIC-registered. It should also have | | | | hours, depending on your type of business, the |
| professional Indemnity, public liability and | | | | size of your business and the level of inspection |
| employers liability insurance. | | | | required. |
| Who needs an electrical installation report? | | | | The power will usually need to be switched off |
| Fixed wiring tests are required by various types | | | | during the test but engineers will aim to disrupt |
| of businesses such as caravan sites and industrial | | | | you as little as possible. |
| premises. | | | | What does the report mean? |
| Why would I need a fixed wiring test? | | | | After your inspection you'll be given a report |
| A periodic inspection report will often be required | | | | which will be easy to understand and will also be |
| for businesses who wish to get insurance, obtain | | | | explained to you. If you have any questions, the |
| a mortgage or a licence. Electrical inspection | | | | engineer will be happy to advise you. |
| reports are also often required to meet with | | | | Your report should include details of the checks |
| health and safety legislation. | | | | carried out, comments and recommendations. |
| BS7671:2008 Requirements for Electrical | | | | Some reports also include photos so that if any |
| Installations (17th Edition) require that: "every new | | | | additional electrical work is required, it will be clear |
| installation and alteration or extension to an | | | | what is needed. |
| existing installation be inspected and tested before | | | | The report will outline problems which require |
| being put into service. | | | | urgent attention, which don't comply with |
| It is also recommended that all fixed wiring | | | | legislation or British Standards, need improvement |
| installations be tested for safety periodically". | | | | or need to be looked at further. You'll be advised |
| The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 state: | | | | of what actions you should take. |