Electrical Installation Condition Report / Periodic Inspection
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (previously known as a Periodic Inspection), is a safety inspection of the electrical system. It involves carrying out an extensive number of visual and physical tests on an existing electrical installation.
During the inspection our electrician will assess the current state of the electrical system and therefore be able to advise you on the safe condition of the installation. We can then issue you with an NICEIC test and report certificate on the condition of the electrical installation which will advise you on any issues that do not conform to the BS7671 Requirements for Electrical Installations (IEE Wiring Regulations). Although the wiring regulations are not law, they can be used in court to prove if installations are not up to code. Not following the requirements can unfortunately put lives at risk, so it is important that all installations are inspected and tested to make sure they provide electrical safety.
The purpose of the report is electrical safety; everyday use and general wear and tear means that cables, their connections and all accessories of the electrical system including switches, sockets, pendants, light fittings etc. can deteriorate over time. New standards have been developed to achieve this safety, so the electrical installation must undergo periodic inspection and electrical testing to ensure that it meets the most up to date requirements.
How we carry out electrical testing and inspection
The electrical engineer that will carry out the work holds the industry standard City & Guilds Level 3 Certificate in Inspection, Testing and Certification of Electrical Installation. This qualification enables the engineer to do the following:
- Discover fire hazards and prevent risks of electric shock
- Identify missing or inadequate earthing or bonding
- Recognise overloaded electrical circuits or equipment
- Reveal out of date cables or installation techniques such as black rubber cable or old fuse boards
After the inspection has been carried out
Once the inspection is finished, the engineer will be able to determine if the electrical installation is safe. We will then issue either a ‘Satisfactory’ or ‘Unsatisfactory’ certificate. If the condition is ‘Unsatisfactory’ then we will provide you with the details of any remedial work that needs to be completed to make the installation safe again.
When to have an Electrical Installation Condition Report / Periodic Inspection?
The Electrical Safety Council state that inspection and testing of electrics should be completed:
- Every 10 years in a residential home occupied by the owners
- Every 5 years for a landlords home that is rented out to tenants
- Every 3 years for caravans
- Every year for a swimming pool