Seaward PAT Tester

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FIXED WIRE ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION INSPECTION AND TESTING

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The periodic inspection and testing of a fixed wire electrical installation is recognised as an essential part of ensuring compliance with The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. It is also a requirement of The Heath and Safety at Work Regulations that electrical systems installed in places of work comply with the requirements of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. Whilst the Electricity at Work Regulations do not specifically require electrical installation certificates, or reports to be issued or retained, these documents may provide the only effective evidence for the contractors, or people responsible for the safety of an electrical installation, should either, or both be prosecuted under those statutory regulations The following tests will be carried out at five year frequency: 1) Continuity of protective conductors and earthed bonding 2) Continuity of ring circuit conductors. 3) Polarity 4) Earth electrode resistance 5) Earth fault loop impedance 6) Insulation resistance 7) Operation of devices for isolation and switching. 8) Manual operation of over current protective devices other than fuses. 9) Operation of residual current devices. Provide a full report after each routine visit.

All Fixed Installation testing is carried out in accordance with Institute of Electrical Engineers 16th Edition, Wiring Regulations (BS7671) Guidance Note 3.  

What Is Fixed Installation Testing?

This is also referred to as “Hard Wire Testing” or as a “Periodic Inspection” Essentially it is the testing of the electrical systems and services that conduct electricity around the building hence the term “Hard Wire Testing”  

How Often Should This Testing Be Done?

For most commercial and educational establishments the recommended time frame between tests is 5 years. There are exceptions to this for example places of public entertainment and licensed premises as well as industrial premises. Please contact us if you are unsure of the frequency of inspection for your installation.

Do I Have To Have My Installation Tested?

Generally the answer to this is yes. Not only is it a recommendation under the 16th Edition Wiring Regulations, it is also a recommendation from the Health & Safety Executive and more commonly Insurance Companies are requesting this is carried out. It could affect your Insurance cover and may increase premiums if testing is not carried out.

What is a periodic inspection?

A Periodic Inspection is an inspection on the condition of an existing electrical installation, to identify (in order of priority) any deficiencies against the national safety standard for electrical installations.

A periodic inspection will:

reveal if any of your electrical circuits or equipment is overloaded find any potential electrical shock risks and fire hazards in your electrical installation identify any defective DIY electrical work highlight any lack of earthing or bonding Tests are also carried out on wiring and associated fixed electrical equipment to check that it is safe. A schedule of circuits will also be provided, which is invaluable for a property.

Why is a periodic inspection needed?

Every electrical installation deteriorates with use and age. It is important for the person responsible for the maintenance of the installation to be sure that the safety of users is not put at risk, and that the installation continues to be in a safe and serviceable condition. According to Government statistics, each year on average 10 people die and about 750 are seriously injured in accidents involving unsafe electrical installations in the home.

When is a periodic inspection needed?

It is recommended that periodic inspection and testing is carried out at least every:

  • 10years for a domestic installation
  • 5 years for a commercial installation
  • 3 years for caravans
  • 1 year for swimming pools

Other instances when a periodic inspection should be carried out are:

  • When a property is being prepared to be let
  • Prior to selling a property or when buying a previously occupied property

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:

  1. adequacy of earthing and bonding
  2. suitability of the switchgear and control gear e.g. consumer unit e.g. an old fuse box with a wooden back, cast iron switches, a haphazard mixture of such equipment is likely to need replacing
  3. 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.
  4. type of wiring system and its condition e.g. cables coated in black-rubber, black-rubber was phased out in the 1960s or cables coated in lead or fabric are even older and may need replacing (modern cables use pvc insulation)
  5. provision of residual current devices for socket-outlets that may be used to plug in electrical equipment used outdoors
  6. presence of adequate identification and notices
  7. extent of any wear and tear, damage or other deterioration
  8. changes in use of the premises which have to lead 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.

  • Code1 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.

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.

Fixed Wire Testing