Testing And Inspection
All electrical installations deteriorate with age and use. They should therefore be inspected and tested at regular intervals
to check whether they are in a satisfactory condition for continued use.
Such safety checks are commonly referred to as ‘periodic inspection and testing’.
Who Needs Periodic Testing & Inspection:
Any business with Premises
Industrial, commercial, Warehouse
Shops, Bars, Restaurants, Café’s, Offices, Theatres
Landlords
A periodic inspection will:
Reveal if any of your electrical circuits or equipment are overloaded.
Find any potential electric shock risks and fire hazards.
Identify any defective electrical work.
Highlight any lack of earthing or bonding.
Tests are also carried out on wiring and fixed electrical equipment to check that they are safe.
A schedule of circuits is also provided, which is invaluable for a property.
How often is a periodic inspection required?
Your electrics should be inspected and tested every:
10 years for an owner-occupied home.
5 years for a rented home.
3 years for a caravan
1 year for a swimming pool.
Other times when a periodic inspection should be carried out are:
When a property is being prepared for letting.
Before selling a property or buying a previously-occupied property.
What will The Testing Cover:
The inspection takes into account all the relevant circumstances and checks on:
The adequacy of earthing and bonding.
The suitability of the switchgear and control gear.
For example, an old fuse box with a wooden back ,cast-iron switches, or a mixture of both will need replacing.
The serviceability of switches, sockets and lighting fittings. Items that may need replacing include:
older round-pin sockets, round light switches, cables with fabric coating hanging from ceiling roses to light fittings,
black switches and sockets mounted in skirting boards.
The type of wiring system and its condition. For example, cables coated in black rubber were phased out in the 1960s.
Likewise cables coated in lead or fabric are even older and may well need replacing(modern cables use longer-lasting pvc insulation).
Sockets that may be used to supply portable electrical equipment for use outdoors,
making sure they are protected by a suitable residual current device (RCD).
The presence of adequate identification and notices.
The extent of any wear and tear, damage or other deterioration.
Any changes in the use of the premises that have led to, or may lead to, unsafe conditions.
Who should carry out the periodic inspection and what happens?
Periodic inspection and testing should be carried out only by electrically competent persons, such as registered electricians.
They will check the condition of the electrics against the UK standard for the safety of electrical installations, BS 7671 – Requirements for Electrical Installations (IET Wiring Regulations).
Ezetool Group are fully qualified electricians and certified Testers.
All of our work is insured and guaranteed
All work undertaken will be issued an EICR record of Testing
Landlord Electrical Safety Certificate Legal Requirement
From 1st June 2020, private landlords in England must have the electrical installation in their rental properties checked by a qualified electrician to ensure that they are safe.
This means that:
• Electrical installations must be inspected and tested prior to the start of a new tenancy from 1st July 2020
• Checks must be carried out on any existing tenancies by 1st April 2021
These checks must then be carried out on a five yearly basis. If a landlord is found to not have complied with the law or if no attempt has been made to complete necessary remedial work that was identified, you could face a penalty fine of up to £30,000
What Landlords & Letting Agents need to do in order to comply
In order to prove that your property is safe, the electrical installation needs to be inspected every five years. You should only employ a registered electrician who is specially assessed to carry out the electrical safety check on the property. Using an electrician who is registered with a competent persons scheme means that you have more protection and a complaints resolution procedure in the rare event anything goes wrong.