A periodic inspection will:

• Reveal if any of your electrical circuits or equipment are overloaded.

• Find any potential electric shock risks and fire hazards.

• Identify any defective electrical work.

• Highlight any lack of earthing or bonding.

• Compliance with the National Rules for Electrical Installations ET101.

Tests are also carried out on wiring and fixed electrical equipment to check that they are safe. A schedule of circuits is also provided, which is invaluable for a property.

How often is a periodic inspection required?

Your electrics should be inspected and tested every:

• Commercial Premises 5 years

• Offices/ Retail 5 years

• Leisure Complexes 3 years

• Residential 5 years

• Industrial 3 years

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.

Who should carry out the periodic inspection and what happens?

Periodic inspection and testing should be carried out only by a Registered Electrical Contractor (REC)

The inspection takes into account all the relevant circumstances and checks on:

• The adequacy of earthing and bonding.

• The suitability of the switchgear and controlgear. For example, an old fusebox with a wooden back, cast-iron switches, or a mixture of both will need replacing.

• The serviceability of switches, sockets and lighting fittings. Items that  may need replacing include: older round-pin sockets, round light switches, cables with fabric coating hanging from ceiling roses to light fittings, black switches and sockets mounted in skirting boards.

• The type of wiring system and its condition. For example, cables coated in black rubber were phased out in the 1960s. Likewise cables coated in lead or fabric are even older and may well need replacing (modern cables use longer-lasting pvc insulation).

• Sockets that may be used to supply portable electrical equipment for use outdoors, making sure they are protected by a suitable residual current device (RCD).

• The presence of adequate identification and notices.

• The extent of any wear and tear, damage or other deterioration.

• Any changes in the use of the premises that have led to, or may lead to, unsafe conditions.

We will then issue the report along with the test results detailing any observed damage, deterioration, defects, dangerous conditions and any non-compliance's. 

If anything dangerous or potentially dangerous is found, we will list it as part of the remedial action that needs to be carried out with a rating of 1 to 4 as to how serious the defect is and what action is required to rectify it.

An installation could vary from a standard small 230 Volt single phase electrical wiring system with distribution boards, lighting and general services to, in certain instances, arrangements involving three-phase high-voltage switch-gear, transformers and associated parts of the electrical installation in a major industrial or commercial environment.