Frequently Asked Questions
Certificates
Electrical Installation Certificate
For all new or existing electrical installation where a new electrical circuit has been added a electrical installation certificate should be issued on competition.
Minor electrical installation work certificate for additions or alterations to an existing single circuit.
Examples of work are as follows:
- The addition of a socket outlet.
- The addition of a light fitting
- Upgrading or installation of main or supplementary equipotential bonding earthing.
- Replacement of a section of damaged cable.
This type of certificate must be used for each circuit when minor works has been carried out.
Periodic Inspection Report
This type is of certificate, reports on the condition of an existing electrical installation.
This report should not be used to certify a new installation or works except in exceptional circumstances i.e., the person responsible for the electrical installation has ceased trading.
The main purpose of PIR is to detect as reasonably practicable any factors impairing the safety of the installation and make appropriate recommendations.
Each defect/observation is given an appropriate recommendation code from the following:-
CODE 1 requires urgent attention
CODE 2 requires improvement
CODE 3 requires further investigation
CODE 4 does not comply with BS 7971 [electrical regulations]
Minor Work
Minor electrical installation work certificate for additions or alterations to an existing single circuit.
Examples of work are as follows:
- The addition or replacement of a socket outlet.
- The addition or replacement of a light fitting
- Like replacement or individual switches and protective devices.
- Like-for-like replacement of accessories or lumen……
- Upgrading or installation of main or supplementary equipotential bonding earthing.
- Like-for-like replacement of a section of damaged cable.
This type of certificate must be used for each circuit when minor works has been carried out.
House Owners
Questions and Answers Question: Why should I test my electrical installation, it works?
Answer: Yes it may well work but it is not to say it is safe. About 12,500 fires a year are reported as having an electrical source, which includes faulty or inadequate wiring. Cables, switches, socket-outlets and other equipment deteriorate with prolonged use, so they all need to be checked and necessary replacements or repairs made in good time.
Question: What will it cost?
Answer:The cost will vary from size of property but a three bedroom house will be around £180.00
Question: If I lease or rent my property, who is responsible for the wiring?
Answer: You as the property owner/ landlords are the one responsible to maintain your properties safety and should have your property tested at different intervals, e.g. change of tenant, change of use of premises etc.
Fire Safety Many householders don't realise that failure to maintain their electrical system in good condition could lead to fire.
Cables, switches, socket outlets and other equipment deteriorate with use, and they all need to be checked and necessary replacements or have repairs made in good time.
Checklist to minimise the risk of electrical fire:
- Inspect socket outlets for burn marks, arcing (buzzing) and excess heat
- Check flexible cables for damaged, loose and exposed wiring
- Test residual current devices (RCDs). RCDs switch of the electricity supply when a fault is detected, and should be used when plugging in all outdoor electrical equipment. Read the advice label, and test by pressing the 'T' or 'Test Button'.
- Don't obstruct your consumer unit, you need quick and easy access in an emergency
- Don't leave electrical appliances on unnecessarily - switch them off before going out or going to bed - it'll save you money too!
- Don't overload adaptors by plugging in too many appliances, it's a serious fire hazard
- For the protection of you and your family, make sure you have at least one smoke alarm in your home and test it regularly
- Get your electrical system checked by an NICEIC Approved Contractor at least once every 10 years
Electricity is a major contributor to a home's comfort factor, yet it's easy to forget that electricity is a potentially lethal force. 35 electrical fires occur in the home every day in the UK - a large proportion of these could be avoided if householders had their electrical installations checked.
A Periodic Inspection is an inspection on the condition of an existing electrical installation, to identify (in order of priority) any deficiencies
A periodic inspection will:
- reveal if any of your electrical circuits or equipment is overloaded
- find any potential electrical shock risks and fire hazards in your electrical installation
- identify any defective DIY electrical work
- highlight any lack of earthing or bonding
Tests are also carried out on wiring and associated fixed electrical equipment to check that it is safe. A schedule of circuits will also be provided, which is invaluable for a property.
When is a periodic inspection needed?
It is recommended that periodic inspection and testing is carried out at
least every:
- 10 years for a domestic installation
- 5 years for a commercial installation
- 3 years for caravans
- 1 year for swimming pools
Other instances when a periodic inspection should be carried out are:
- when a property is being prepared to be let
- prior to selling a property or when buying a previously occupied property
What happens during our periodic inspection?
Gazelle Electrical will check the electrical installation against the
requirements of BSi7671 - Requirements for Electrical Installations ( IEE
Wiring Regulations) - as amended, which is the national safety standard for
electrical installations, and contains around 850 Regulations.
The period inspection will take into account all relevant circumstances
including the following factors:
a) adequacy of earthing and bonding
b) suitability of the switchgear and control gear e.g. consumer unit e.g. an old fuse box with a wooden back, cast iron switches, a haphazard mixture of such equipment is likely to need replacing
c) serviceability of equipment e.g. switches, socket-outlets and light fittings e.g. older round pin sockets, round light switches and braided flex
hanging from ceiling roses to light fittings, black switches, sockets
mounted in skirting boards may require replacing.
d) type of wiring system and its condition e.g. cables coated in black-
rubber, black-rubber was phased out in the 1960s or cables coated in lead or fabric are even older and may need replacing (modern cables use pvc
insulation)
e) provision of residual current devices for socket-outlets that may be used
to plug in electrical equipment used outdoors
f) presence of adequate identification and notices
g) extent of any wear and tear, damage or other deterioration
h) changes in use of the premises which have led to, or might lead to,
deficiencies in the installation.
The Approved Contractor will provide a periodic inspection report (PIR) as
part of the periodic inspection.
LANDLORDS
Are you a landlord?
Electrical Installation
The landlords and tenants act 1995 requires landlords of properties to ensure the electrical installation is in good and safe condition when the tenancy begins and maintained electrics thereafter and throughout the tenancy.
One way to ensure its safety is to have regular visual inspections for any signs of obvious damage i.e., cracked/scorched socket outlets, non functioning switches/spurs.
In addition the IEE [ Institute of Electrical Engineer ] recommends on change of occupancy that installation is formally inspected.
Electrical Appliances
Electrical equipment [safety] regulations 1994 requires the landlord to maintain the electrical equipment they supply, taking reasonable precautions to ensure there safety.
This type of testing and inspection is called ‘portable appliance testing [P.A.T]
New Cable Colour
Electrical installation after 31 st March 2004 and before 1 st April 2006 may use either the old colour i.e., red and black or the new colour brown and blue. All installation commencing after 31 st March 2006 must comply with the new European harmonised colours.
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