What happens during a PIR
All Periodic test & inspections, consist of a visual inspection of the installation, live & dead testing and obtaining information to put into a electrical report. This takes a number of hours depending on the size of the property, type of building or buildings supplied by the installation, and what the installation consists of. All installations require a PIR, from a small flat to a hotel or factory, each type takes a number of hours, days or weeks to test & inspect. How long a PIR takes depends on many factors, go to our how long a PIR takes page to get an idea. How often a periodic test & inspection is required is listed below, but is also dependant on other requirements see reference notes to the right for details.
Inspectors do not need to lift flooring, carpets or make holes in walls or ceilings, we can find the information we need by testing and observing different things required for the certificate. The inspector will make a visual inspection of the electrical installation, checking a few switches, plugs, lights etc, to gather information of the installation. The regulations state we must check a minimum of 10% of the installation on a visual inspection, but go futher if faults are found. The visual inspection will give the inspector visual proof of, if the installation has been installed correctly, if it has been added to safely, if it is to the current regulations and if there are any faults. The testing will show up any faults that are there, especially dangerous faults.
Inspectors & electricians are trained to look for installations that have been added to, and know when a circuit has been added to or changed safely. Since 2004 when new cable colours were introduced, it is now easier to see if an installation has been added to. If there are instances where an installation has been added to or changed, it will be noted on the PIR certificate. If there has been additions or alterations to an installation, and you have not received a certificate for these, you will face problems at a later date until these are certificated. You might have trouble selling or renting a property, have problems with insurance or with your building control officer. This is why you should always use a part P registered electrician, as you will always receive an electrical certificate.
Periodic test & inspections consist of, live testing with the power on and dead testing with the power off. The first thing an inspector will do is, walk round the installation and assess what equipment is there, and what will need to be disconnected during testing. Some equipment might need to be disconnected before testing to give accurate test results, as they can give false readings and could be damaged during testing.
All test results are checked against technical data, which will again determine the safety of the installation. On completion of a periodic test & inspection, you will receive a periodic report stating the inspectors findings, which will show either a pass or failed test. Always read the certificate properly, if there are faults within the installation, these must be rectified.
Below is information on when Periodic test & inspections should take place
Frequencies between periodic test & inspections taken from
the IEE Inspection & Testing Guidance note 3
BS 7671 Requirements for electrical installations
The information can be viewed at any library
or a copy bought from most book shops
| Type of installation | Routine check sub-clause 3.5 | Maximum period between inspections and testing as necessary | Reference (see notes below) |
General Installation Domestic Commercial Education establishments Hospitals Industrial Residential accomodation Offices Shops Laboratories | ------------ 1 year 4 months 1 year 1 year at change of occupancy or 1 year 1 year 1 year 1 year | Change of occupancy or 10 years change of occupancy or 5 years 5 years 5 years 3 years 5 years 5 years 5 years 5 years | 1,2 1,2 1,2 1,2 1 1,2 1,2 1,2 1,2 |
Open to the public Cinemas Church installations Leisure complexes excluding swimming pools Places of public entertainment Restaurants & hotels Theatres Public houses Village halls/community centres | 1 year 1 year 1 year 1 year 1 year 1 year 1 year 1 year | 3 years 5 years 3 years 3 years 5 years 3 years 5 years 5 years | 2,6,7 2 1,2,6 1,2,6 1,2,6 2,6,7 1,2,6 1,2 |
Special installations Agricultural and horticultural Caravans Caravan parks Highway power supplies Marinas Fish farms Swimming pools Emergency Lighting Fire alarms Launderettes Petrol filling stations Construction sites | 1 year 1 year 6 months as convenient 4 months 4 months 4 months Daily/monthly Daily/weekly/month 1 year 1 year 3 months | 3 years 3 years 1 year 6 years 1 year 1 year 1 year 3 years 1 year 1 year 1 year 3 months | 1,2 1,2,6 1,2 1,2 1,2,6 2,3,4 2,4,5 1,2,6 1,2,6 1,2 |
Reference key
1. Particular attention must be taken to comply with SI 1998 No 1057. The Electricity Supply Regulations 1998
(as amended).
2. SI 1989 No 635. The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (Regulation 4 & Memorandum).
3. See BS 5266: Part 1: 1988 Code of practice for emergency lighting of premises other than cinemas and certian other specified premises used for entertainment.
4. Other intervals are recommended for testing operation of batteries and generators.
5. See BS 5839: Part 1: 1988 code of practice for system design installation and servicing (fire detection and alarm systems for buildings).
6. Local Authority Conditions of licence.
7. SI 1995 No 1129 (clause 27) The Cinematography (safety) Regulations.
You must always receive an electrical certificate for
all electrical work completed, its a requirement of the
Electrical Regulations BS.7671 & part P