You cannot see electricity. Cables are usually hidden inside our walls, and consumer units are often hidden in cupboards, so it is not surprising that we forget to check the condition of our electrical installation for damage or wear and tear. Faulty and old wiring is one of the main causes or electrical fires in the home. You can reduce the risk of a fire by checking the condition of your cables, switches, sockets and other accessories regularly. How old is my electrical installation? Clear signs that can help you tell the age of equipment in the electrical installation in your home include: Fixed cables coated in black rubber (stopped being used in the 1960s). Fixed cables coated in lead or fabric (used before the 1960s). A fuse box with a wooden back, cast iron switches, or a mixture of fuse boxes (used before the 1960s). Older round pin sockets (or light switches), braided flex hanging from ceiling roses, brown (or black) switches, or sockets mounted in or no skirting boards (used before the 1960s). Light switches on the walls or in bathrooms (used before the 1960s). However old your electrical installation is, it may get damaged and will suffer from wear and tear. So you should get an electrician to check its condition at least every 10 years or when you move into a new property. What is the aim of a condition report? The five main aims of a condition report are: Record the results of the inspection and testing to make sure the electrical installation is safe to be used until the next inspection (following any work needed to make it safe) Find any damage and wear and tear that might affect safety, and report it Find any parts of the electrical installation that do not meet the IEE Wiring Regulations Help find anything that may cause electric shocks and high temperatures Provide and important record of the installation at the time of the inspection, and for inspection testing in the future. Types of condition report In general, there are two types of domestic electrical installation condition report: Visual condition report - this does not include testing and is only suitable if the installation has been testing recently. Periodic inspection reports - this is what we would normally recommend, as it tests the installation and would find any hidden damage.
K&L Electrical undertake a wide range of electrical periodic inspections and electrical installation condition reports in Manchester, Liverpool, Warrington and St Helens, ranging from landlords electrical certificate, insurance companies, letting agents to full commercial certification of new & existing installations. We also carry out landlord electrical safety reports and electrical installation condition reports for insurance and licensing purposes (Public Entertainment licence) E.g. Theatres, Pubs, Clubs, and Hotels etc.
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K&L Electrical undertake a wide range of electrical periodic inspections and electrical installation condition reports in Manchester, Liverpool, Warrington and St Helens, ranging from landlords electrical certificate, insurance companies, letting agents to full commercial certification of new & existing installations. We also carry out landlord electrical safety reports and electrical installation condition reports for insurance and licensing purposes (Public Entertainment licence) E.g. Theatres, Pubs, Clubs, and Hotels etc.
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What is a Periodic Inspection Report / Electrical Installation Condition Report A Periodic Inspection / Electrical Installation Condition Report 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. If you think your wiring is unsafe this is something you should have done. A periodic inspection / Electrical Installation Condition Report 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 The electrician will test 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. When is a periodic inspection needed? It is recommended that a periodic electricial inspection is carried out at least every: 10 years for a domestic installation 5 years for a commercial installation 3 years for caravans 1 year for swimming pools Other instances when a periodic electrical 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 Who should undertake a periodic inspection? Periodic inspections / electrical installation condition reports should be carried out by a competent electrician. What happens during a periodic inspection? The electrician 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: Adequacy of earthing and bonding 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 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. 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) Provision of residual current devices for socket-outlets that may be used to plug in electrical equipment used outdoors Presence of adequate identification and notices Extent of any wear and tear, damage or other deterioration Changes in use of the premises which have led to, or might lead to, deficiencies in the installation. The electrician will provide a periodic inspection report (PIR) as part of the periodic inspection.
