Derek asks this question, which concerns EICRs, Part P and registered third-party certifiers. It has been answered by NICEIC Technical (Theme – Regulations and Legislation):
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Question: The following is an extract from Approved Document P - 2013 - Edition Certification by a Registered Third Party:
3.5 Before work begins, an installer who is not a registered competent person may appoint a registered third-party certifier to inspect and test the work as necessary.
3.6 Within five days of completing the work, the installer must notify the registered third-party certifier who, subject to the results of the inspection and testing being satisfactory, should then complete an electrical condition report and give it to the person ordering the work. NOTE: The electrical installation condition report should be the model BS7671 form or one developed specifically for Part P purposes.
My question is, concerning third party certification via an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), which of the registered competent person schemes allow for this means of certification to be carried out within their rules?
Also, if permissible, what parameters for testing and inspection should be adopted for the installation to be carried out?
To me, the choice of the EICR certificate does not cover these types of installation – is this so?
Is a special certificate being developed specifically for Part P purposes to allow registered third-party certification?
Answer: If you look at the rules of Part P, it is actually saying that if a competent person registered with a scheme provider carries out an EICR within the stated time limits, then the local area building control office would indeed accept that report as confirmation that the installation is safe as Part P requires.
A standard EICR, as published by BS 7671:2011, should be issued. Any C1 or C2 outcomes would indicate that the installation is not safe and, therefore, the local building control office will not accept the Part P notification to be allowed.
This does not put the responsibility of Part P on to the tester. However, the tester must compile an adequate report that clearly indicates the condition of the installation for its continued use.
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