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Fixed Wiring Periodic Inspection:

The purpose of a Periodic Inspection is to report on the condition of the electrical installation and report on its compliance to BS7671:2008.  The Inspection will be carried out in accordance with the guidelines provided in IEE Inspection & Testing GN3.

The work will be carried out in compliance with the HSE Guidance Note GS38 and the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. 

The tests will be carried out in such a way as to minimise disturbance of the installation and inconvenience to the customer.  Where it is necessary to disconnect part or the whole of the installation prior agreement will, where reasonably practicable, be agreed with the customer. The customer should be aware that certain tests (particularly of protective devices) where all is compliant do not cause any disruption.  However, if a fault condition exists then the test may cause safety devices to operate causing a power outage that could not be foreseen by the Inspector.

 

It is not a requirement of GN3 that every element of the installation is tested but that a determination is made between the customer and the Inspector that the tests performed are such that a reasonable determination can be made that the installation is fit for purpose.

 

The Inspection includes the following major elements:

Diagrams & Charts 

The Inspector needs to have a full understanding of the circuits to be tested, to identify switchgear, distribution boards, control gear and the purpose of the circuits they control.  In large commercial installations diagrams and charts should be available from previous inspections or original installation acceptance testing that provides the required information.  In domestic and small commercial/public buildings then correct labelling of the consumer units and accessories is sufficient.  Where such information is available the Inspector will verify that the information is complete and accurate and if any changes have been made.  Where diagrams and charts are not available (and are required) the Inspector will need to make a more detailed survey of the site to ensure testing can be carried out in a safe manner and record the required data.  As a result of the above determinations the Inspector will advise of any safety precautions that will be required during the inspection and agree a test schedule with the customer.

Visual Inspection 

A detailed visual inspection will be carried out to ensure all sockets, switches, connection points, control gear and surface mounted elements of the installation are sound, secure and fit for purpose.  The Inspector will review the installation with regard to safety, wear and tear, corrosion, damage, excessive loading, age, external influences and suitability for purpose. 

Joints & Connections 

It is not practicable to check every joint and termination in the installation.  A sample inspection in the order of 10% will be made by the Inspector in accessible parts of the installation that are representative of the installation as a whole.  Points to be tested include Switchgear, control gear, socket outlets and luminaries.  Any signs of over heating or poor termination will be investigated and reported.  Should the sample give rise for concern the inspector will advise the customer and recommend what further action should be taken.

Conductors 

Any deterioration to the conductors and any protective coverings will be noted.   Conductors will be inspected at the major termination points, along the length of any armoured cabling that can be accessed and include any flexible conductors that comprise part of the fixed wiring (e.g. Ceiling roses).

Accessories & Switchgear 

A sample in the order of 10% that is representative of the installation as a whole shall be subject to a thorough internal inspection over and above the initial visual inspection to assess their mechanical can electrical condition.  Where there are previous results these tests shall be conducted in comparison to the previous recorded results to ensure that there is no significant change in the operating parameters as previously recorded that would give rise to concern.

Thermal Effects 

The presence of fire barriers, seals and means of protection against thermal effects will be verified where practicable.
 
Cable

 

Protection from Direct & Indirect Contact 

The installation will be checked for the source of the safety device(s) particularly isolating transformers to BS3535, electrical separation, segregation of exposed conductive parts and isolation of SELV from the primary circuits.

Protective Devices 

The presence, selection, accessibility, labelling and condition of protective devices for the purpose of protection, isolation and switching will, where practicable, be tested and recorded by the inspector. 

Enclosures & Mechanical Protection 

Enclosures and mechanical protection of all electrical equipment shall be inspected to ensure they remain adequate for the type of protection intended. 

Marking & Labelling 

The labelling of each circuit must be verified.  Adjacent to every fuse or circuit breaker there must be a label clearly and correctly identifying the size and type of a fuse and the nominal current of a circuit breaker.  The circuit should also be identified.

Testing 

Due to its nature it is not possible nor desirable to conduct full testing of a live and functional electrical installation.  To do so would cause major disruption to the client as significant dismantling is required and with the inherent risk of introducing faults during reconstruction it is not generally desirable.

It is the duty of the Inspector to carry out a range of the following tests to satisfy himself with regard to the suitability of the installation in line with his professional judgement. 

  • Protective Conductors Continuity.

  • Bonding Conductors continuity.

  • Ring Circuit Continuity.

  • Insulation Resistance.

  • Polarity.

  • Earth Electrode Resistance.

  • Earth Fault Loop Impedance.

  • Functional Tests of RCDs.

Completion of Inspection & Testing 

Certificates for the above Inspection and Testing shall be provided to the customer upon completion with all observations recorded and categorised as follows.

 

Category 1:   Urgent Attention - renders the installation unsatisfactory.

 

Category 2:   Requires Improvement – no immediate risk but correction should be made as soon as possible.

 

Category 3:   Requires Further Investigation – items could not be fully investigated due to time constraints or lack of access etc.  Client must be advised.

 

Category 4:   Does not comply with BS7671 - Non-compliant but not necessarily dangerous.

 
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