Frequency of Inspections
Ref No 5056 (v3)
Electrical Testing
Introduction
Fires attributed to electrical faults continue to
feature significantly in Fire Loss Statistics. This in
addition to Health & Safety considerations
generally, has led to the introduction of Electrical
Regulations which require certain precautions be
taken in the installation, maintenance and testing
of installations and equipment. These guidance
notes are designed to give only an insight into the
various requirements, with emphasis on the fire
hazard. You are urged to consider the Regulation
documents in full to appreciate how they may
affect you in terms of the risk of death or personal
injury from electricity.
Legislation and Regulations
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
These Regulations came into force on 1st April
1990 and are issued under the Health and Safety
at Work etc Act 1974. The Regulations impose
duties on persons (duty holders) in respect of
systems, electrical equipment and conductors,
which includes fixed installations and other
equipment such as portable appliances. The
Regulations make no specific stipulations on
examination and testing, but require all systems to
be maintained to prevent "danger" as far as is
reasonably practicable.
IEE Wiring Regulations
The IEE Wiring regulations Current Edition (now
issued as BS 7671:2008 :17th. Edition Wiring
Regulations) are non-statutory regulations. These
regulations require tests and inspections of new or
altered installations and recommend periodic
inspection and
testing.
Legislation requires that electrical equipment must
be maintained so that it remains safe. Legislation
or Regulations do not state the specific frequency
of inspection and testing. It is a matter of
judgement on the part of duty holders to decide
what level of maintenance is required to prevent
danger. This should be ascertained by conducting
Risk Assessments.
Fixed Systems and Equipment
Guidance on the frequency of examination is
contained in several HSE and IEE guidance notes.
The most comprehensive are contained in the IEE
guidance note 3 and these are summarised as
follows:Type of Premises and Maximum Period (years)
Between Inspection and testing.
General
Commercial
5/OR (If there is a change of occupancy)
Educational
5
Hospitals
5
Industrial
3
Buildings Open To The Public
Cinemas
3
Leisure Complexes (Ex pools)
Places of Public Entertainment
Restaurants and Hotels
Theatres
3
Special Installations
Fire Alarms
Petrol Filling Stations
Temporary Installations
(e.g. construction sites)
3
3
3
1 Launderettes
1
3 months
NOTE 1:
BS 5839 specifies 5 years unless the occupancy
type is designated as less, as shown above. In
most circumstances 5 years should be adequate.
Where quoted these frequency intervals are also
confirmed in HSE Guidance Notes and in other
legislation, e.g. The Cinematography (Safety)
Regulations 1955.
•
Testing of earth continuity and insulation (if
appropriate)
Portable Equipment and Appliances
It should be noted that there is no requirement for
portable appliances to be inspected at specified
intervals. The duty holder has the responsibility to
decide how often they should be examined and
tested, dependent on the kind of equipment, the
manner in which it is used, and the frequency of
use. Generally portable appliances need more
frequent inspection and testing. The timescale
chosen should reflect this and frequency of
inspection and testing could be typically anywhere
between 3 months and 2 years.
Technical Competence
Inspection and maintenance should be carried out
by a competent person. For simple visual checks,
this can be a suitably trained employee. Otherwise
all inspections and tests should be carried out by a
qualified competent electrical engineer. A
certificate showing details of the installation and
the results of the tests should be issued.
Inspections and Testing
References
The type of inspection and tests which should be
carried out, are detailed in IEE Wiring Regulations
and HSE Guidance Notes. A brief summary of the
main examinations and tests, which may be
carried out during periodic inspections follows.
HSE HS(R)25 Memorandum of Guidance on the
Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.
Fixed Systems and Equipment
HSE Guidance Note PM 32 The Safe Use of
Portable Electrical Apparatus.
Visual Inspection
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Safety
Wear and tear
Corrosion
Damage
Excessive loading (overloading)
Age
External influences (changes in
Buildings/occupancy)
Suitability (e.g. of protective devices)
Key Action Steps
HSE Guidance Note GS 27 Protection against
Electric Shock.
BS 7671:2008: Requirements for Electrical
Installations (IEE Wiring Regulations 17th Edition)
IEE Guidance Note 3 to the 17th Edition Wiring
Regulations
LPC ES1 Electricity at Work Regulations 1989:
Compliance for Firms without Electrical Staff
Ref No 5056 (v3)
Periodic Tests
•
•
•
•
•
•
Verification of effectiveness of earthing system
Polarity
Earth fault loop impedance
Insulation resistance
Operation of devices for isolation and
switching
Operation of residual current devices and
over-current circuit breakers
Portable Equipment and Appliances
•
Inspection for signs of damage or deterioration
of
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
The casing
Plug pins
Terminals and cable
Anchoring device
Cable sheath
Terminals of the portable apparatus
Appliance controls
Brush gear and commutators
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