What is a periodic inspection?

A Periodic Inspection Report complies with British Standard 7671 (BS7671). Electrical installations are affected by many things - age, wear and tear, corrosion, damage, excessive loading plus environmental factors such as damp and heat. Only by careful inspection and testing on a regular basis can such problems be identified and corrected before a major fault develops. A periodic Inspection is the process by which a report on the condition of an existing electrical installation is made in writing. It contains amongst other details an overall assessment of the safety and integrity of the installation, observations on its condition, and any number of recommendations (numbered for priority) for remedial work, if any are required to restore the installation to a satisfactory condition for continued use.

Why do I need a periodic inspection?

There is no statutory requirement to conduct a periodic inspection on a residential property however there are a number of reasons why it may be necessary for an inspection to be carried out and the accompanying report and notifications issued.

 A prerequisite to obtaining a mortgage or loan against a property.

 In connection with obtaining compensation or a payment from an insurance policy following damage to a property.

 It may also be a requirement of entering into a leasing agreement

Who can conduct a periodic inspection report?

A periodic inspection can be conducted by any suitably qualified electrician possessing the appropriate testing equipment.

How long is a satisfactory periodic inspection valid for?

BS7671:2008 (IEE 17th Edition Wiring Regulations). The IEE Wiring Regulations (17th Edition) states that the frequency of Periodic Inspection and Testing shall be determined by the type of installation, its use and operation, the frequency and quality of maintenance and external influences (temperature, water, corrosion etc.). This is clarified in IEE Guidance Note 3 - Inspection and Testing (GN3) by recommending a maximum interval between Periodic Inspections of 10 years for domestic property, or at the change of occupier or tenant. Electrical installations in most homes do not undergo any maintenance so homeowners and landlords should follow the guidance given in GN3.

Additional types of electrical inspection

In some circumstances it may not be necessary to conduct a full periodic inspection (For example one has recently been prepared) in this instance a visual inspection may be carried out.

 Domestic Visual Condition Report

This report is ideal for electrical installations which have undergone a full Periodic Report but require more frequent checks. It is primarily a visual check of accessible equipment and accessories plus an earth loop impedance test. Provided there have been no significant changes to the electrical system and no reports or evidence of damage, an Interim Inspection may be appropriate.

It is important to note that a Visual Inspection Report is not a British Standard form and may not satisfy the requirement for absolute compliance with a relevant British Standard

What is done on a periodic inspection?

Below I have included a brief summary of what will be generally included in a domestic inspection

 Short visual inspection of the whole area will be conducted to assess its main contents and look for any obvious damage or hazards that may affect safety, such as loose sockets exposed cables etc (The aim is to see that it is safe to start a more detailed inspection)

 The distribution board will then be checked for any obvious defects such as open entries and loose or inadequate cable terminations etc.

 A detailed assessment of the board will be carried out with all loads switched off and a safe isolation procedure completed.

 Insulation resistance testing is performed between all phases and neutral joined together to earth.

 Faults can then be identified on circuits as required and there labelling checked for accuracy.

 Ring circuit continuity tests are then carried out with earth loop tests if possible and

RCD’s are tested for performance.

 At this stage if any faults have been identified further exploration may be conducted but as long as the appropriate readings have been recorded it is at the discretion of the engineer.

 A further assessment of mains and supplementary bonding is conducted for compliance and duly recorded, along with an inspection of all light fittings and sockets with particular attention being paid to the bathroom lights and appliances (see article)

 Upon completion of these tests a summary is prepared and a satisfactory or unsatisfactory decision recorded.