TESTING COMPLETE INSTALLATION

We also carry out TCI – Testing complete Installation and a periodic Inspection this is a test and inspection to ascertain the condition of an existing electrical installation, to identify (in order of priority) any deficiencies against BS7671: 2008 which is the British standards for electrical installations formerly known as the IEE's Wiring Regulations, the most recent version of which came into force on the 1st July 2008 and which is the 17th Edition.

 

All non-domestic electrical installations should be subject to a regular programme of testing and inspection to comply with legislation. You must ensure that all necessary precautions are being taken to reduce the risk of injury or death through electrical failure.

 

There are many good reasons for adopting periodic testing. You may need to inspect and test to comply with the IEE Wiring Regulations 17th Edition. Or if you have recently acquired ownership or tenancy of business / workplace premises you may wish to ensure the installation is safe. If you suspect there is a fault or risk of failure, you must take steps to inspect the affected circuits urgently.

 

THE INSPECTION AND TEST SERVICE

Following appraisal and verification of the entire electrical installation, the following test procedures are applied where appropriate, in order to ascertain the safety of electrical installation:

• Continuity - to ascertain that the earthing is continuous throughout the circuit.

• Bonding Conductors Continuity - to ensure bonding is in place and effective.

• Ring Circuit Continuity - ascertains whether or not the ring is complete.

• Insulation Resistance - to test whether there has been any breakdown in insulation to the installation.

• Polarity - to check that the installation is correctly wired.

• Earth Fault Loop Impedance - to ascertain the Zs of the installation.

• Earth Electrode Resistance - applies to TT systems only, to test the earthing rods.

• RCD testing - to check that Residual Current Device disconnects the supply in the event of a fault.

• Functional testing of isolators and breakers - to ensure that they disconnect the supply.

Upon completion of the electrical testing, a detailed Periodic Inspection Report is supplied containing the following certification:

• Guidance Notes for recipients.

• Schedule of Inspection and Schedule of Test Results.

 

Our engineer carry out testing and explain there findings and results, if any further work is necessary in order to remedy an unsafe installation. If the electrical installation has faults, they will be listed under the section of observations and recommendations and will be given one of the following codes:

• code one - requires urgent attention

• code two - requires improvement

• code three - requires further investigation

• code four - does not comply with current BS7671 standards

 

IEE recommends the maximum time between periodic inspections:

• Commercial premises - max 5 years

• Industrial premises - max 3 years

• Hotels and Public Houses - max 5 years

• Shops and Offices - max 5 years

• Domestic - max 10 years or at change of occupancy

• Residential - max 5 years or at change of occupancy

• Launderettes - max 1 year

• Community Centre's /Village Halls - max 5 years

• Churches - max 5 years

• Educational premises - max 5 years

• Places of public entertainment and theatre - max 3 years

• Leisure complexes (excluding swimming pools) - max 3 years

• Swimming Pools - max 1 year

• Construction site/temporary installations - every 3 months