The Need of Periodic Inspections Today

Every electrical installation deteriorates with use and age. It is important that you ensure that your family or your tenants are not put at risk, by ensuring that the electrical installation continues to be in a safe and servicable condition.

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 Standard, BS 7671, for the safety of electrical installations. 

A Periodic Inspection should

1. reveal if any of your electrical circuits or equipment are overloaded.

2. find any potential electrical shock risks and fire hazards in the installation.

3. identify any defective DIY electrical work

4. highlight any lack of earthing or bonding

So you can see that an inspection to your premises is not just putting money in the pocket of the contractor carrying out the inspection but is an invaluable tool to assess the condition of your premises electrical installation for the safety of all occupants.

The requirements for electrical installations, BS 7671:2008, the current edition state in the following regulations............

Regulation 622.1 The frequency of periodic inspection and testing of an installation shall be determined having regard to the type of installation and equipment, its use and operation, the frequency and quality of maintenance and the external influences to which it is subjected. The results and recommendations of the previous report, if any, shall be taken into account.

Regulation 622.2 In the case of an installation under an effective management system for preventive maintenance in normal use, periodic inspection and testing may be replaced by an adequate regime of continuous monitoring and maintenance of the installation and all its constituent equipment by skilled persons, competent in such work. Appropriate records shall be kept.

You may have noted in reading these regulations that there is an assumption that maintenance is both needed and required.

While the IEE Wiring Regulations are not statutory requirements, when fulfilled they are deemed to fulfill the Scottish Building Regulations which are indeed statutory.

It is in the interests of all home and business owners to have their premises inspected regularly for the safety of those using them and the peace of mind of those responsible.

Loch Etive Electrical as an approved inspector and tester of electrical installations will be able to carry out these works for you in a personable and professional manner.