A Guide about Electrical Inspection and Testing
Electrical inspection and testing refers to a series of procedures that are carried out by qualified electricians.
This is conducted to ensure that electrical installations are compliant with BS7671 and that the systems are also satisfying statutory regulations including the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.
Failing to comply with these regulations is a criminal offence that could result in a fine or even imprisonment. Fortunately, all our recommended electricians can carry out inspections and testing to ensure that you’re electrical systems are safe and ready to use.
The Process of Inspection and Testing
To ensure compliance with BS7671 regulations, a qualified electrician has to complete an electrical inspection and testing procedure that’s both correct and suitable. This will include visual inspection and testing carried out with appropriate testing equipment.
The electrical system being tested could be either a new build or an alteration. In this case, a comprehensive Initial Verification Inspection and Testing procedure will be carried out.
If the electrical installation is an existing system, a Periodic Inspection and Testing procedure will be completed instead. Both of these electrical inspection and testing procedures have an identical sequence of tests that we will detail below.
The Testing Sequence
Our recommended electricians will carry out the sequence of testing in a very specific order.
- The Continuity of protective conductors, this will include both main and supplementary bonding.
- The Continuity of the ring final circuit conductors.
- Testing of the Insulation resistance.
- Testing the Polarity.
- Testing of the Earth fault loop impedance.
- Testing of the Prospective fault current.
- Testing of the Residual Current Devices (RCD).
- Testing of the Phase sequence.
- General functional testing.
A New or Existing Installation
Within the BS7671, Regulation 610.1 states that…
"Every installation shall, during erection and on completion be inspected and tested to verify, so far as reasonably practicable, that the requirements of the regulations have been met before being put into service ."
In order to comply with this regulation, all our recommended electricians will complete the testing procedures and then complete an Electrical Installation Certificate.
If an existing electrical installation has been altered, they will complete a Minor Electrical Work Certificate instead.
Carrying Out Periodic Inspections and Testing
Within the BS7671, Regulation 621.1 states that…
"where required, a periodic inspection and test of every electrical installation shall be carried out in accordance with regulations 621.2 to 621.5 in order to determine as far as reasonably practicable, whether the installation is in a satisfactory condition for continued service."
This regulation is related to those electrical installations that are neither new or altered. In these cases, there is a need for periodic electrical inspection and testing to be carried out.
This will include an initial visual inspection followed by a more thorough inspection and testing procedure.
Once this work is completed, an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) will be issued.
These are certificates that must be kept by the “person ordering the work” (the owner) and the “competent person” (the qualified electrician) after the electrical inspection, and testing procedures have been completed.
If you need any of these tests being carried out, our recommended electricians will be able to assist.
Need an Electrical Inspection?
Popular Local Electricians
Need an Electrical Inspection?
Recent Reviews About The Electricians
Excellent service could not fault from beginning to end. Also cleaned up after himself very well. Would highly recommend.
Mandy
Great service and a neat & tidy job, Nest thermostat installed and working brilliantly (despite our old house with crazy wiring!) Would definitely recommend and will be using again. Affordable too. Thanks!
Rob
Great service, lovely guy and a job well done. Will be using again, thanks!
Rachel
Tom came to my home at short notice having been recommended by a friend. Such a nice guy, knowledgeable, gives advice & very professional.
Liz
Well, what can I say. If you want an Electrician that turns up on time, presentable, polite, knowledgable, cleans up after themselves and charges a very, very fair amount then look no further than Surelec. Best by far Electrician. Thanks once again Thomas.
Robert
Highly recommended, I ask Tom to fit a Electric Shower, from booking me in, he came and fitted. Date and time agreed. - Having explained what he was doing alone the way, I felt very happy in what he was doing. He fitted the shower quickly and cleanly. Tided up as he went along, and when he was finished he made sure I was happy. Answering any questions I had along the way. Cheers Tom. Excellent service from start to finish
Brendon
Surelec recently installed 2 bedroom lights for me. I found Tom great to deal with. A competitive quote was provided promptly and an appointment agreed within a good time frame. Tom kept me updated on his arrival time and the work was completed to the expected standard. Care was taken to be as tidy as possible. I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending Surelec to others.
Andrew
Tom was a little late due to traffic but kept in touch he was quick and efficient and completed some extra jobs I had not put down on the app we were pleased with Tom's work and would recommend him
Paul
Very efficient, helpful and friendly. Will use again. Thanks
Chris
Excellent. He arrived at the agreed time and dealt with the problems efficiently and pleasantly. Strongly recommend!
Judith
Tom was brilliant communicating, getting the job done and leaving everything clean and tidy. He was a pleasure to have around the house. We've already had him back to do another job and would not hesitate to use him in the future. Cannot recommend highly enough.
Jo
A very efficient and professional service. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend.
James
Tom did an excellent job fitting our external power outlet. He was very quick to contact us and arrived on time. We would highly recommend Surelec Electrical Ltd
Ian
I had some spotlights and switched spurs fitted in my master bedroom by Surelec Electrical and i cant recommend them highly enough. The work was carried out to the highest standards and looks fantastic! Thank you very much and we will be using you again
Beall
Surelec were quick and efficient and completed some extra jobs not originally on the job description. We were pleased with Surelec's work and would recommend them
Mr Webb
Excellent! Surelec arrived at the agreed time and dealt with all the work efficiently and pleasantly. Strongly recommend
Roggers
Very efficient, helpful and friendly service. Will use again.Thanks!
Mr Rasbash
Really great job, Very pleased and would highly recommend Surelec
Mrs Gillespie
Excellent job done quickly and efficiently. Updated my storage heaters and installed new ceiling lights. Very pleasant young man also left my carpets cleaner than they were before he arrived! Thanks Tom
Brenda
Really impressed! Highly knowledgeable, efficient, and fast working. Arrived on time in an immaculate van and left leaving no mess and taking away all rubbish. Very pleased with the price charged and so would have no hesitation in recommending Surelec to anyone.
Carole
My Trusted Expert Guarantee
Experts Have Been Vetted & Certified