What are your recommendations regarding the amount of inspection and testing that should be carried out during Periodic Inspection and Testing of an existing electrical installation?

Published: 5 November 2004 Category: Q&A

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Answer:

The extent of periodic inspection and testing depends on the age and condition of the installation and whether previous records including test results exist.
The first step should therefore be to carry out an exploratory survey to determine the above criteria and then agree with the customer on the extent of the work required.

Visual inspection would normally include inspection of all distribution boards and in addition removal of a sample of accessories depending on the agreement, but generally not less than 10%.

If previous test results exist then sample testing of circuits (say 10%) would suffice, however it would be prudent to re-test vulnerable circuits such as those supplying socket-outlet circuits. Where no previous test results exist then ideally all circuits should be tested, but this may be impractical for large installations. Vulnerable circuits should be tested and sample testing on other circuits carried out.

The results of the inspection and testing should be recorded on a periodic inspection report and accompanied by a schedule of inspections and schedule(s) of test results.