Inspection and Testing
DGW Electrical Services specialises in the Inspection and Testing
of electrical installations. As a member of National Association of Professional
Inspectors & Testers (NAPIT) can provide a comprehensive and unbiased
Periodic Inspection Report, available for homeowners, developers, landlords
and small businesses as an essential part of ensuring compliance with the
requirements of The Electricity At Work Regulations 1989 (BS7671).
Most electrical installations suffer damage and deterioration or alteration
throughout their operational life, therefore electrical inspection and testing
will be essential to confirm the safe operation of the installed installation.
What do you get?
- BS7671 Compliant Periodic Inspection Reports
- Schedule of Test Results
- Evidence of any defect and departure from the IEE Regulations
- Professional technical advice form a qualified electrician
- Notification and advice, relating to the frequency and extent of future tests
Frequency of Inspections
The frequency of the periodic inspection and testing must be determined taking into account:
- the type of installation
- its use and operation
- the frequency and quality of maintenance
- the external influences to which it is subjected.
It is recommended that periodic inspection and testing is carried out at least every:
- 10 years or change of ownership for a domestic installation
- 5 years or change of ownership for a commercial installation
- 1 year for swimming pools
Other instances when a periodic inspection should be carried out are:
- When a property is being prepared to be let
- Prior to selling a property or when buying a previously occupied property
Purpose of Periodic Inspection and Testing
The purpose of periodic inspection and testing is to provide, so far as is reasonably practicable, for:
- The safety of persons and livestock against the effects of electric shock and burns
- Protection against damage to property by fire and heat arising from an installation defect, and
- Confirmation that the installation is not damaged or deteriorated so far as to impair safety, and
- The identification of installation defects and non-compliance with the requirements of the Regulations which may give rise to danger.
Necessity for Periodic Inspection and Testing : The Law
Periodic inspection and testing is necessary because all installations deteriorate due to a number of factors, such as damage, wear, tear, corrosion, excessive electrical loading’ ageing and environmental influences. Consequently:
- legislation requires that electrical installations are maintained in a safe condition and therefore must be periodically tested
- licensing authorities, public bodies, insurance companies, mortgage lenders and others may require periodic inspection and testing of electrical installations
- additionally, periodic inspection and testing should be considered:
- (to access compliance with BS7671 and the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
- on change of occupancy of the premises
- on change of use of the premises
- after alterations or additions to the original installation
- because of any significant change in the electrical loading of the installation
- where there is reason to believe that damage may have been caused to the installation.
Legal Requirements:
Buying or Selling your property
If you are selling your property we can provide you with a Periodic Inspection
wiring report suitable for your sellers pack. Depending on the findings,
reports for a domestic property may be valid for up to 10 years.
If you are looking to purchase a new home, we can arrange for a Periodic
Inspection to be completed on any potential property. As a homeowner’s
survey does not include testing of the electrical wiring, the report will
provide peace of mind and could help you negotiate the buying price should
the wiring not meet the current British Standards.
Letting
You must maintain the electrical installation and any equipment provided
by you, in a safe condition.
The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 requires landlords to ensure the electrical
installation is safe when the tenancy begins, and that it is maintained in
a safe condition throughout that tenancy.
One way of ensuring safety is to undertake a regular visual inspection of
the installation, looking for any obvious signs of damage such as damaged
cables, socket-outlets showing scorch marks, etc.
In addition, the Institution of Electrical Engineers recommends that electrical
installations are formally inspected and tested by a competent person on
change of occupancy, and at least once every ten years.
Businesses
Any business premises from Guest houses, Shops, Offices or Hotels, are required
under the Electricity at Work Regulations, that the electrical installation
be checked. We can provide installation testing to satisfy this requirement.
The Electricity At Work Regulations 1989 places legal
responsibility of the owner the electrical installation to prevent electrical
accidents. The regulations call for all electrical systems and apparatus
which are, or may be, attached to the electrical installation, to be maintained
in a safe condition so that individual users may be protected from electrical
shock or fire hazards.
Regulation 4(2) of the Electricity At Work Regulations 1989 requires that all systems and apparatus are maintained to prevent danger. It is essential to decide when maintenance is necessary to prevent danger. This means that all electrical systems should be certified every 5 years, however most clients require 100% visual examination and a 20% test of their installation every year.