More Periodic Detail

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What happens during a periodic inspection?

We will check the electrical installation against the requirements of BS 7671 - Requirements for Electrical Installations ( IEE Wiring Regulations ) - as amended, which is the national safety standard for electrical installations, and contains around 850 Regulations.

The periodic inspection will take into account all relevant circumstances including the following factors:

a) adequacy of earthing and bonding

b) suitability of the switchgear and controlgear e.g. consumer unit e.g. an old fusebox with a wooden back, cast iron switches, a haphazard mixture of such equipment is likely to need replacing

c) serviceability of equipment e.g. switches, socket-outlets and light fittings e.g. older round pin sockets, round light switches and braided flex hanging from ceiling roses to light fittings, black switches, sockets mounted in skirting boards may require replacing.

d) type of wiring system and its condition e.g. cables coated in black-rubber, black-rubber was phased out in the 1960's or cables coated in lead or fabric are even older and may need replacing (modern cables use pvc insulation)

e) provision of residual current devices for socket-outlets that may be used to plug in electrical equipment used outdoors

f) presence of adequate identification and notices

g) extent of any wear and tear, damage or other deterioration

h) changes in use of the premises which have to led to, or might lead to, deficiencies in the installation.

We provide a periodic inspection report (PIR) as part of the periodic inspection.

What is a periodic inspection report?

A period inspection report (PIR) is a formal method of recording the findings of the periodic inspection.

The main purpose of a PIR is to report on the safety condition of an existing installation. It should describe the overall condition as either 'satisfactory', in which case no immediate remedial work is required, or 'unsatisfactory' which means remedial work is required to make the installation safe to use.

Where a PIR describes the installation as 'unsatisfactory', the next thing to look at is 'Observations and Recommendations for Actions to be Taken'. This is where any departures from BS 7671 are recorded, and a code to indicate the urgency of the action needed is given.

• Code 1 Requires urgent attention
• Code 2 Requires improvement
• Code 3 Requires further investigation
• Code 4 Does not comply with BS 7671

Code 1 indicates a dangerous, or potentially dangerous condition that requires urgent attention to make the installation safe. Once the necessary remedial work has been completed an appropriate certificate should be issued to confirm that the remedial work has been carried out in accordance with BS 7671.

We will give a summary of the inspection in the report, which will give a clear indication of the condition of the electrical installation, taking into account all relevant circumstances.