Periodic inspection and testing is essential for maintaining the safety, reliability, and compliance of all types of electrical installations. The inspection must be conducted by a qualified electrician every 5 years in order to ensure the ongoing safety and integrity of an electrical installation.
Electrical Certification EICR / Periodic Inspection PIR
Upon completing the periodic inspection, an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is prepared. This comprehensive report documents the findings of the inspection, test results, any identified defects, and recommendations for rectification to ensure the safety and ongoing protection of individuals, property, and livestock from potential electrical hazards
Periodic Inspection Reports Ensure Safety & Compliance
A periodic inspection report is a report on the condition of an electrical installation, it is not as sometimes mistakenly known a safety certificate but a report on how safe the electrics are. It is essentially an MOT for your properties electrics. The report is usually a three plus page document (depending on the size and type of the property to be inspected & tested) and consists of;
- Details of the electrical installation.
- Items inspected and tested
- Observations
- Recommendations.
- Test results
If you are considering buying a property then it would be wise to invest in a PIR before making your final decision, or if you are letting it then you want to know it’s safe for your tenants, you want to know that the property you are buying or letting is electrically safe.
A surveyors report will not tell you if a property is electrically sound, although they may recommend having a PIR.
The primary goals of periodic inspection and testing are as follows:
- Safety: Protecting individuals and livestock from the risks of electric shock and burns, in line with Regulation 131.1.
- Fire Protection: Preventing damage to property caused by fires or heat resulting from installation defects.
- Deterioration Assessment: Verifying that the installation hasn’t suffered damage or deterioration that could compromise safety.
- Defect Identification: Identifying any installation defects or non-compliance with regulatory standards.
Visual Inspection: A Non-Intrusive Assessment
Unlike the initial verification process, periodic inspection doesn’t require intrusive measures. Before commencing the inspection, the scope and limitations are agreed upon with the client. Typically, a minimum of 10% of the installation is examined, with room for expansion if faults are detected. The inspector’s experience and judgment play a crucial role.
During the visual inspection, we examine the installation with respect to:
- Safety
- Age
- Deterioration
- Corrosion
- Overload
- Wear and tear
- Adherence to regulations
Periodic Testing: Maintaining Integrity
If the original Electrical Installation Certificate or the latest Electrical Installation Condition Report is available, the testing scope is usually less extensive than that of initial verification.
However, in many cases, historical documents are missing or incomplete. In such situations, a comprehensive testing approach involving 100% of the installation is necessary.
The sequence of tests required for the Electrical Installation Condition Report is not predefined. It’s determined by the judgment of the inspector. Nevertheless, it’s recommended to follow the same test sequence as used during initial verification.
Test Sequence: Ensuring Comprehensive Evaluation
The sequence of tests conducted during periodic inspection includes:
- Continuity testing of protective conductors, including main and supplementary bonding.
- Continuity testing of ring final circuit conductors.
- Insulation resistance measurement.
- Polarity testing.
- Earth fault loop impedance tests.
- Prospective fault current testing.
- Residual Current Device (RCD) testing.
- Phase sequence testing.
- Functional testing.
Completion and Documentation
Upon completing the periodic inspection, an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is prepared. This comprehensive report documents the findings of the inspection, test results, any identified defects, and recommendations for rectification.
Electrical Testing Costs, Prices Quotes & Estimates
Use the form below or call us on 01743 461471 if you are planning any residential, commercial or industrial electrical projects or installations in Shropshire, Mid Wales or the West Midlands
We will be happy to discuss your electrical installation costs, prices, estimates and quotes from changing a broken socket to a complete electrical rewire or an electrical inspection and test.
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