Electrical Testing / Periodic Inspection and Testing

The main purpose of any periodic electrical testing is to provide, so far as is reasonably practical, for:

- 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;

• Safety
• Wear & Tear
• Corrosion
• Damage
• Excessive loading (overloading)
• Age
• External Influences
• Suitability

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Visual Inspection

A 100% visual Inspection of the fixed electrical installation will be carried out where practicable.

Approx. 10% sample internal inspection to socket outlets, spur units, switching devices & light fittings.

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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).

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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

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Recommended frequencies of Periodic Inspections

Commercial Installations - 5 years

Industrial Installations - 3 years

Building open to the public - 1 year

Domestic Installations - 10 years or change of occupier.