Electrical Test and Inspection

How often is a periodic electrical test and inspection required?

• General Domestic Dwellings – 10 years or at a change of occupancy;
• Rented Houses and Flats Domestic Dwellings – 5 years or at a change of occupancy;
• Public Houses – 5 years;
• Offices – 5 years;
• Shops and warehouses – 5 years;
• Swimming pool and saunas – 1 year.

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.

During a test and inspection things that will be checked:

• Operation of main switch, RCD or RCBO, circuit breakers and switches;
• Correctly sized circuit breakers or fuses;
• Correctly sized earthing and bonding conductors;
• If any of electrical circuits or equipment are overloaded;
• Finding any potential electric shock risks and fire hazards;
• Bathrooms, public areas lighting IP ratings are suitable for location
• Identifying any defective electrical work or equipment.

The inspection part involves checking everything within the premises and identifying anything which is unsafe, does not comply with current wiring regulations (BS 7671:2008) or is damaged.