Inspection, testing, certification and reporting

This section lists questions relating to:

• Periodic inspection, testing, certification and reporting.

You may notice that some numbers are missing from the Q&A. This is deliberate. The regulations are constantly updated and as questions become out of date, we remove them but do not renumber, as we are aware that visitors to the site will note specific numbers for future reference.

If you have any queries, please contact enquiries@electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk with "Wiring Regulations" as the subject line of your message.

Q2.1 Where can I find general guidance on the use of Classification Codes for domestic electrical installation condition reports?

General guidance on the use of Classification Codes is available in Issue 4 of Electrical Safety First's Best Practice Guide No 4, which may be viewed or downloaded free of charge by clicking here.

Q2.2 During periodic inspections of domestic electrical installations, I often find that cables that are concealed in walls at a depth of less than 50 mm have no additional protection by means of an RCD, as is now required for installations complying with BS 7671. What Classification Code should I give?

Although existing installations need to be assessed against the requirements of the current edition of BS 7671, this does not necessarily mean that they require upgrading, unless a departure from the latest requirements constitutes an immediate or potential danger. However, it would usually be appropriate to recommend improvement by giving the observation a Classification Code C3.

Regulation number(s):

Introduction to BS 7671

Q2.3 Where can I find the limiting values of measured earth fault loop impedance for BS 3871 circuit breakers?

Click here.

Q2.4 What Classification Code should be given if it is found that there is no supplementary bonding in a bathroom having extraneous- or exposed-conductive-parts, and the conditions given in Regulation 701.415.2 for its omission are not met?

Classification Code C2. Where the presence of supplementary bonding cannot be confirmed by inspection, it may be verified by a continuity test (< 0.05 Ω)

Q2.5 Is it necessary to verify voltage drop during a periodic inspection?

Verification of voltage drop is not normally required unless there is considered to be a voltage drop problem.

Regulation number(s):

• 643.11

Q2.6 What should be recommended if, during a periodic inspection, the safety of an installation forming part of a TT system is found to be relying on a voltage-operated earth-leakage circuit-breaker (VOELCB) for fault protection?

If a VOELCB on a TT system fails to operate when tested with an instrument or integral test button, this would warrant a Classification Code C2 (potentially dangerous).

But, subject to the VOELCB being proved to operate correctly, continued reliance on it for fault protection (protection against indirect contact) would normally warrant a Classification Code C3 (improvement recommended).

However, if the VOELCB relies on a water pipe not permitted by Regulation 542.2.6 to be a means of earthing, this should attract a Classification Code C2 (potentially dangerous).

In any case, the person who ordered the inspection should be advised that the voltage-operated device should be replaced with RCD protection at the earliest opportunity to enhance the safety of the installation. 

Regulation number(s):

• 542.2.6

Q2.7 In an existing domestic installation, are 16 mm² single-core pvc/pvc meter tails (having a current-carrying capacity of 87 A clipped direct) adequate if the rating of the distributor’s cut-out fuse is 100 A?

This size of tails may be adequate provided the maximum demand of the installation, taking into account the load characteristics (diversity and load profile), does not exceed the current-carrying capacity of the tails, and also provided that the requirements of Regulation 434.5.2 for protection of the tails against fault current are met.

As a practical tip, the current-carrying capacity of the meter tails is likely to be adequate if they have been in service for several years and there are no signs of thermal damage at the terminations or to the cable sheath or insulation.

Regulation number(s):

• 311.1 
• 433.3.1(ii) 
• 434.5.2

Q2.8 In an existing domestic installation, is a 10 mm² or 6 mm² earthing conductor adequate if the rating of the distributor’s cut-out fuse is 100 A?

This size of earthing conductor will be adequate if the requirements of Regulation 543.1.3 (adiabatic equation) are met.

Regulation number(s):

542.3.1

543.1.3

 

Q2.9 What are the requirements for testing all RCDs, including Type A, F or B?

Regardless of RCD type, a single AC test at the rated residual operating current (IΔn) is to be applied  at 0° or 180°.

Additionally, the continued functionality of the integral test button should be verified.

There is no requirement in BS 7671 to test an RCD at half its rated residual operating current (½IΔn), 5 times rated residual operating current (5IΔn), ramp test, or to test at both 0° and 180° or other tests, although such tests might be useful during fault finding activities.

Regulation number(s):

643.7.1

643.8

Q2.10 What is the procedure for periodic inspection and testing when an electrical installation is not energised to enable the necessary live testing to be undertaken?

Live testing is an essential part of establishing whether an installation is in a satisfactory condition for continued service, which is the purpose of a periodic inspection.

It will be necessary for the live testing to be completed, and therefore for the supply to be available, before an Electrical Installation Condition Report indicating a satisfactory overall assessment can be issued.

Q2.11 Are the relevant tests of Regulations 643.2 to 643.11, for example continuity of protective conductors, insulation resistance and earth fault loop impedance, applicable to parts of systems such as room and cylinder thermostats, motorized valves and programmers?

Yes

Regulation number(s):

• 411.3.1.1
• 411.3.2
• 643.7

Q2.12 Is it acceptable to calculate (R1+R2) values when carrying out periodic inspections, using measured loop impedance values?

No. In any event, it is not essential to measure (R₁ + R₂) values for a Condition Report.

Q2.13 Is it acceptable to carry out dead tests on individual circuits within an energised distribution board when carrying out a periodic inspection?

No, as it involves avoidable live working (unless the construction of the distribution board provides a suitable form of separation. See the BEAMA Guide to Forms of Separation).

Q2.14 When carrying out a periodic inspection, is it acceptable to use a wander lead to carry out protective conductor continuity testing to exposed-conductive-parts (such as metallic accessory plates) with the installation still energized?

Yes, provided that the continuity test instrument, test leads and probes are in good condition (to avoid the risk of electric shock). This test method should not be used inside enclosures containing live parts that are energized (to avoid the risk of touching a live part with the wander lead probe).

Q2.17 When undertaking a periodic inspection on a domestic electrical installation having more than one consumer unit, do I need to complete a separate Condition Report for each part of the installation?

Not necessarily. It depends on whether all the required information for each part of the installation can be recorded on one Condition Report.

Q2.18 When undertaking a periodic inspection on a domestic installation, it is found that, since the wiring was installed, it has been covered by thermal insulation. What, if anything, should be recorded in the Condition Report?

In many cases, the covering of cables in thermal insulation, whilst not recommended, does not result in overheating sufficient to damage or degrade the cable insulation or connected accessories, so would not need to be recorded in the Condition Report.

Where there are no signs of overheating, but the conductors are underrated in relation to thermal insulation which could result in potential danger in the future, allocation of a classification code C3 (Improvement recommended) would be appropriate. This is because the conductor current-carrying capacity, under the particular installation conditions concerned, do not conform to the recommendations in BS 7671 appendix 4 and are undersized. The conductor insulation or accessories could slowly deteriorate. The level of such deterioration would be related to the load current magnitude, resulting conductor temperature and its duration.

However, if the inspector has reasonable doubt about the adequacy of the cable rating in relation to the nature of the load (for example there are signs of overheating), such that there is potential danger, a Classification Code C2 (potentially dangerous) would be appropriate.

Regulation number(s):

• 523.9

Q2.19 On the Electrical Installation Condition Report, the first few lines of the inspection schedule (1.1 – 1.6 & 3.1) relate to the visual inspection of the distributor’s/supply intake equipment. What should I recommend if that equipment is in a dangerous or potentially dangerous condition?

Where inadequacies in distributor’s equipment are observed, the contractor should recommend that the person ordering the report requests the distributor or meter operator, as appropriate, to carry out remedial work as necessary to remove the danger or potential danger.

Distributors and meter operators have an obligation under the Electrical Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations  (ESQCR) to maintain their equipment, so far as is reasonably practicable, to prevent danger.

Regulation number(s):

• 651.2

Q2.20 What are the appropriate testing criteria for a time-delayed RCD when connected into a TT system, where the installation was designed prior to the introduction of the 18th Edition?

It would be necessary to verify that the RCD operates within the criteria stated in the relevant product standard (BS EN 61008-1) and reproduced in Table 3A of Appendix 3 - that is between 130 ms and 500 ms.

Q2.21 What action, if any, should be taken if it is discovered that the seal on the DNO cut-out fuse has been removed?

The absence of a seal is not an electrical safety issue and so no entry is required on the Condition Report. However, the owner/occupier should be informed that the seal is missing and they should be advised to contact the relevant DNO or meter operator.

Q2.22 Can sampling be applied at both the inspection and testing stages when carrying out the periodic inspection and testing of a domestic property?

The principle of sampling can be employed at both the inspection and the testing stages when carrying out a periodic inspection and testing. 
     
Sampling can never be applied to measures to determine adequacy of:

• Incoming supply arrangements
• main earthing and bonding 

Whilst a degree of sampling is permitted, it is recommended that the following should be undertaken as a minimum where practical:

• an external visual inspection of all accessible electrical equipment (light fittings, switches, socket-outlets etc.)
• An internal visual inspection of every consumer unit and confirmation that all conductors are correctly located in terminals and are tight and secure
• a close inspection of the terminations and connections at a representative number of items of electrical equipment on every final circuit and, in particular where the external visual inspection has raised concerns
• cpc continuity to all accessible exposed conductive parts. Note: An earth fault loop impedance test may be used to confirm  there is a connection to Earth. 
• earth fault loop impedance at the origin, every accessible socket-outlet and, so far as can be determined, the furthest point of every final circuit (e.g. a lighting circuit).
• Testing all RCDs in accordance with BS 7671.

Regulation number(s):

• 651.2

Q2.24 What is the recommended frequency for inspecting and testing properties with thatched roofs?

In general, electrical installations do not present increased risks of fire in thatched properties.

In the absence of any specific requirements (such as those of the building insurers), there are no particular requirements over and above those for any installation in domestic premises.

As with any other type of property, the recommended period between inspections can be varied at the discretion of the person carrying out the inspection, based on the outcome of the inspection. 

Regulation number(s):

• 652.1

Q2.25 During a periodic inspection, a circuit having RCD protection is encountered and the design information regarding the provision of fault protection is not available. Which value of maximum permitted Zs applies – the value for the overcurrent device (circuit-breaker or fuse) or the value for the RCD (or the RCD element of an RCBO)?

Either value can be used. However, it is essential to confirm that the measured value of Z_s is not indicative of a defect, such as a loose connection or an inadequate means of earthing.

Regulation number(s):

• 411.4.4
• 411.4.5
• 411.4.204

Q2.26 Whilst carrying out the periodic inspection and testing of an electrical installation, a low-resistance between neutral to Earth (less than 1 MΩ) is found on one of the final circuits. What classification code should be recorded on the Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)?

Where an insulation resistance measurement between live conductors connected together and Earth results in a reading of less than 1 MΩ, a classification code C2 (‘Potentially dangerous’) should be recorded on the EICR.

Subsequent investigation during remedial work would then reveal whether the low insulation resistance was due to a defect or deterioration in the installation, or as a result of connected equipment.

See Electrical Safety First's Best Practice Guide No. 4 for further details.

Q2.27 I am still working on a new electrical installation that was designed to an earlier edition of BS 7671. To which requirements should the installation be inspected, tested, verified and certificated?

An installation should be inspected, tested, verified and certificated to the version to which it was designed.

 

Q2.28 Does the (R1 + R2) test confirm the correct polarity of a radial circuit?

No, not on its own. Whilst the test can provide an indication of polarity, it needs to be combined with inspection and further testing as required by Part 6 of BS 7671. 

Regulation number(s):

• 642.3
• 643.6

Q2.30 In the model Schedule of Inspections in BS 7671, what needs to verified in order to confirm the ‘Presence of earthing arrangements for combined protective and functional purposes’?

To verify that the requirements of Regulation 543.5.1 relating to combined protective and functional earthing, and Regulation 543.7 relating to high protective conductor currents, have been met as appropriate.

Regulation number(s):

• 543.5.1 
• 543.7

Q2.31 In the model Schedule of Inspections in BS 7671, what has 'Presence of adequate arrangements for alternative sources' to do with automatic disconnection of supply?

To confirm that the fault protection arrangements for alternative sources of supply have been met.

Regulation number(s):

• 551.4

Q2.32 In the model Schedule of Inspections in BS 7671, under ‘Automatic disconnection of supply’, where applicable, what needs to be verified to confirm the requirements for FELV have been met?

It is necessary to verify that the supplementary provisions described in Regulations 411.7.2 and 411.7.3 have been applied to ensure basic protection and fault protection.

Regulation number(s):

• 411.7.2
• 411.7.3

Q2.33 The model Schedule of Inspections in BS 7671 would be used as part of an Electrical installation certificate where a consumer unit was installed, but no circuit cables were replaced. All boxes have to be a tick or n/a. What then do you need to do with the boxes to do with cable routes in prescribed zones?

As the installer of the consumer unit has insufficient knowledge of the cable routes, the box ‘Routing of cables in prescribed zones’ should be marked ‘n/a’.

Q2.34 Is it appropriate to use a multimeter or a multifunction test instrument to prove equipment dead?

The procedure for proving dead should be by use of a proprietary test lamp or two-pole voltage detector as recommended in HSE Guidance Note GS38, Electrical test equipment for use on low voltage electrical systems. The use of multimeters, makeshift devices and non-contact voltage indicators (voltage sticks) is not advised for voltage detection as such use has caused accidents. (See also Electrical Safety First's Best Practice Guide No. 2)

Q2.35 What should be inserted in the column ‘Maximum disconnection times permitted by BS 7671’ where an RCD or RCBO is connected to a circuit?

The ‘Maximum disconnection time permitted by BS 7671’ column is associated with fault protection and the disconnection time to be inserted in that column should be determined in accordance with Regulation 411.3.2.2 (Table 41.1), 411.3.2.3 or 411.3.2.4, as applicable. www.beama.org.uk

Regulation number(s):

• 411.3.2.2
• 411.3.2.3
• 411.3.2.4

Q2.36 What inspection, testing and certification should a contractor undertake when carrying out a like-for-like replacement of an accessory or an item of current-using equipment?

An inspection should be carried out to ascertain that the existing cable supplying the item is adequate. Tests of polarity, earth fault loop impedance and, where appropriate, correct RCD operation should, as a minimum, also be carried out. 

It is recommended that the results are recorded for the benefit of both the customer and the contractor. A suitable minor works form or works order may be used to record the details of the inspection and testing.

Q2.37 An installation uses Automatic Disconnection of Supply (ADS) as a protective measure against electric shock. One or more items of double insulated equipment are installed, such as luminaires. On the schedule of inspections, should the “double insulation” box for both basic and fault protection as a method of protection against electric shock be ticked?

No. That item in the Schedule of Inspections is intended for use when that protective measure is used as the sole protective measure, that is, where a whole installation or circuit is intended to consist entirely of equipment with double insulation. In such a case, the installation or circuit would be required to be under effective supervision in normal use.

Regulation number(s):

• 412.1.2
• Appendix 6

Q2.38 An installation uses Automatic Disconnection of Supply (ADS) as a protective measure against electric shock. One or more items of separated extra-low voltage (SELV) equipment are installed. On the schedule of inspections, should the “SELV” box for both basic and fault protection as a method of protection against electric shock be ticked?

No. That part of the Schedule of Inspections is intended for use when a part of an installation relies specifically on that method of protection.

Regulation number(s):

• Appendix 6

Q2.39 An installation uses Automatic Disconnection of Supply (ADS) as a protective measure against electric shock. An electric shaver is supplied using electrical separation through a shaver supply unit. On the schedule of inspections, should the “electrical separation” box for fault protection as a method of protection against electric shock be ticked?

No. That part of the Schedule of Inspections is intended for use when a part of an installation relies specifically on that method of protection.

Regulation number(s):

• Appendix 6

Q2.40 A new mobile or transportable unit has been supplied as new with a “dead test only” Electrical Installation Certificate stating that a competent person must ensure that the unit is connected to a suitable and reliable supply. Is this compliant or must live tests also be completed by the unit manufacturer?

In principle, dead testing by the manufacturer prior to despatch is sufficient. This should be followed by live testing by the installer to fully satisfy the inspection and testing requirements of BS 7671.

Q2.41 How should the like-for-like replacement of a circuit-breaker be recorded?

It is recommended that such maintenance work be recorded on a Minor Works Certificate, job sheet, invoice or similar.

Q2.42 Is it acceptable to issue a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate for the replacement of a single protective device where an Electrical Installation Condition Report has identified departures such as: a. 'lack of additional protection by RCD', or b. 'maximum loop impedance values exceeded' and the remedial work would involve: a. replacing a circuit-breaker with an RCBO, or b. replacing a Type C circuit-breaker with a Type B, or replacing a 10 A circuit-breaker with a 6 A device?

Yes. A Minor Works Certificate makes provision for all the required test results for the remedial work described, and requires a competent person to certify that the work does not impair the safety of the existing installation and that the design, construction and inspection and testing of the work complies with BS 7671.

Q2.43 What form of certificate should be issued for the addition of a voltage optimisation unit to an existing electrical installation?

Fitting a voltage optimisation unit might affect the existing installation in a number of ways that could have a detrimental effect on its safety, including the introduction of additional impedance (potentially affecting the automatic disconnection of circuits) and disturbance of connections possibly introducing a fault or potential fault.
 
In order to demonstrate that the safety of the installation has not been impaired, it will be necessary to perform some inspection and testing of those circuits supplied via the unit.

An Electrical Installation Certificate would be needed to record the results of this inspection and testing. It is unlikely that the necessary details could be adequately recorded on a standard Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate.

Q2.44 With reference to the preceding question, what inspection and testing is necessary when a voltage optimisation unit is installed in an existing installation?

It is necessary to carry out inspection and testing sufficient to demonstrate that the safety of the existing installation has not been impaired, including:

• inspection of connections
• continuity of protective conductors
• insulation resistance
• polarity
• earth fault loop impedance.

Regulation number(s):

• 641.5

Q2.46 In a dwelling, do the RCD six-monthly test and periodic inspection and testing notice (labels) have to be located at the consumer unit?

No.

Regulations 514.12.2 and 514.12.1 now contain certain exceptions for diagrams and documentation for domestic premises and similar.

As a minimum a certificate for initial verification, complete with the Guidance for Recipients shall be provided to the person ordering the work.

Regulation number(s):

• 514.12.1
• 514.12.2

Q2.47 What code would be applied on an EICR for an EV charging point where the PME earth is being used as the means of earthing for the protective conductor contact of a charging point located outdoors and one of the methods prescribed in Regulation 722.411.4.1 has not been provided?

Classification code C3.

Q2.48 Is it necessary to verify voltage drop during initial verification?

Verification of voltage drop is not normally required unless there is considered to be a voltage drop problem.

Regulation number(s):

• 643.11

Q2.49 Do the switch / RCCB overload protection requirements in Regulations 536.4.3.2 and 536.4.202 apply in an existing installation when carrying out a periodic inspection and test?

Yes, if:

1. a) The enclosed rated current in the assembly circuit (Inc) of the switch or RCCB is not greater than or equal to the sum of the rated current of all outgoing circuit OCPDs or
2. b) The enclosed rated current in the assembly circuit (Inc) of the switch or RCCB is not greater than or equal to upstream overload protective device rated current e.g. cut-out fuse

If conditions ‘a’ or ‘b’ are not met, then the following shall be verified:

1)            There are no signs of thermal damage at the switch / RCCB and

2)            The switch / RCCB is operating correctly;

If the answer to both checks is “yes” then a Classification Code C3 should be recorded.

If any answers are “no” then a Classification Code C2 applies.

Regulation number(s):

• 536.4.3.2
• 536.4.202

Q2.50 When undertaking a periodic inspection what classification code should be attributed where switchgear components (such as circuit-breakers, RCDs, main switches etc) made by one manufacturer have been installed in a consumer unit or distribution board made by another manufacturer?

Where an inspector encounters mixed switchgear components within a consumer unit or distribution board on an existing installation, a classification code C3 (improvement recommended) may be attributed where the following criteria is assessed to confirm:

• There are no signs of thermal damage to the component or associated connections
• The enclosure/assembly hasn’t been modified to allow installation of the component(s)
• The component is securely fitted within the enclosure/assembly and all connections, including busbar connections, are adequate ( see also BEAMA/ESF guide http://www.beama.org.uk/resourceLibrary/beama-esf-consumer-unit-connections-technical-guide.html)
• Manual operation (functional test) of the component
• Direction of use of toggles/switches is the same as existing devices

If any of the above criteria result in an unsatisfactory outcome a classification code C2 (potentially dangerous) would be appropriate.

It should not be assumed that mixing different models of protective devices of the same brand type in a consumer unit assembly are compatible, as products are subject to continuous development. Over time, new ranges may not necessarily be backwards compatible and therefore the same checks as detailed above should be undertaken, as well as seeking advice from the manufacturer.

The BEAMA technical bulletin provides further information http://www.beama.org.uk/asset/90FFDCC1-0E3A-4756-80BDB1BB024E09CD/

Regulation number(s):

• 134.1.1
• 510.3
• 511.1
• 512.1.5
• 536.4.203

Q2.51 When undertaking a periodic inspection what classification code should be attributed where the length of the consumer meter tails exceeds 3 metres?

No Code needs to be awarded.

Regulation number(s):

• 433.3.1 (iii)
• 434.3 (iv)

Q2.52 Should an Electrical Installation Condition Report be used to record remedial works?

No. An Electrical Installation Condition Report should only be used for reporting on the condition of an existing electrical installation.

See also Q2.36; Q2.41 &Q2.42.

Regulation number(s):

• 651.4.

Q2.53 During a periodic inspection what classification code, if any, should be allocated where a Type AC RCD is fitted?

Type AC RCDs shall only be used to serve fixed equipment where it is known that the load current contains no DC components.

It should be noted that some appliance and equipment manufacturers now specify that a Type A, F, or B RCD is installed where fault or additional protection by RCD is required.

Where such an appliance or equipment is encountered or could foreseeably be connected and supplied via a Type AC RCD, a Classification Code C3 (Improvement recommended) would be appropriate.

However, if it is identified and confirmed that an RCD in the circuit does not operate correctly when tested, a Classification Code C2 (potentially dangerous) would be appropriate.

Where it is known that no connected loads can produce DC components that may impair the operation of the device no recommendation code is necessary.

The recently updated BEAMA RCD Handbook provides further information on the different types of RCD and their suitability for connected loads. https://www.beama.org.uk/resourceLibrary/beama-guide---rcd-selection-for-protection-of-electric-vehicle-charging-installations.html

Regulation number(s):

• 531.3.3
• Annex A53, Figure A53.1

Q2.54 Where a C2 classification code has been attributed to an observation, how long is deemed acceptable to carry out remedial actions to make the installation satisfactory?

BS 7671 recommends that observations classified as C2 (Potentially Dangerous) are dealt with as a matter of urgency by a skilled person competent in electrical installation work.

However, for privately rented residential properties in England, landlords must complete  remedial work associated with observations classified as C2 within maximum 28 days of receiving the safety report (typically an Electrical Installation Condition Report).

Whilst no specified time for completing remedial work in rented properties exist in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, a 28 day time limit would be considered ‘reasonable’.

Regulation number(s):

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2020/312/contents/made

Q2.57 When undertaking a periodic inspection, what classification code should be applied, if any, where the sheath has been removed such that basic insulation of a conductor that forms part of the consumer’s installation, is exposed within an external meter cupboard which can only be opened with a key or a tool?

A meter cupboard which can only be opened with a key or a tool would be classified as an enclosure based on the definition given within BS 7671.

Where all of the following conditions apply:

1. the cupboard door locking mechanism operates as it should,
2. all hinges are intact and functional,
3. there are no signs of damage to the exposed insulation,

then no code would be applicable.

If any of the conditions above are not met, then a classification code C2 would be appropriate.

NB where inadequacies in the intake equipment are encountered, the inspector should advise the person ordering the work to inform the appropriate authority.

Q2.58 What code if any, should be attributed to isolating switches or switches for mechanical maintenance provided for showers, extractor fans, cookers etc. that aren’t lockable in the off position?

No code is required provided the requirements of BS 7671 are met i.e., appropriate precautions to prevent unintentional or inadvertent closure are applied e.g.: located within a lockable space or lockable enclosure, padlocking, located adjacent to the associated equipment.

 

Regulation number(s):

• 462.3
• 464.2
• 537.2.4

Q2.59 What classification code is required when cable green goo is found at electrical accessories / equipment?

An insulation resistance test to detect tracking (preferably at 500 V) should be applied to all circuits using the cable where green goo is thought to be present. 

If an unsatisfactory insulation resistance test result is recorded, a C2 classification code should be applied.

It is also recommended that, where possible, you visually inspect and functionally test any equipment, including protective devices, the operation of which may have been adversely affected by the green goo. If any equipment which provides protection or has a safety related function fails to operate, the inspector should record an appropriate classification code, based on the items function and purpose.   

The inspector should also consider reducing the frequency to the next periodic inspection and test, to monitor further deterioration more closely.

 

Regulation number(s):

643.3.2

Electrical Installation Condition Report to evaluate safe continued use.

Q2.60 Are all cables installed at low level on the outside of a building subject to premature collapse in the event of a fire?

No. Wiring systems attached to the outside of a builiding at low level are not likely to experiences premature collapse in the event of a fire. 

Although wiring systems attached to the outside of a building can eventually collapse, this will not necessarily be prematurely. 

In a situation where wiring systems are installed at low level and would not hinder evacuation and firefighting activities, no classification code would apply.

In a situation where the premature collapse of a wiring system would likely hinder evacuation and firefighting activities, a classification code C2 should apply.

521.10.202

Q2.61 When undertaking a periodic inspection in a single dwelling, what classification code should be applied, if any, where it is identified that wiring systems are not adequately supported to prevent premature collapse in the event of a fire?

Where premature collapse of the wiring system can hinder evacuation or firefighting activities in the event of a fire due to possible entanglement, a classification code C2 would be appropriate.

Where it is identified that a wiring system is not adequately supported, however premature collapse of the system would not hinder evacuation or firefighting activities, then no classification code needs to be awarded.

Regulation number:
521.10.202

Q2.62 During a periodic inspection it is identified that an RCD providing additional protection for a circuit connecting a generating set, e.g. a PV generator, does not switch all live conductors (including the neutral). Would a classification code be applicable for this observation?

Yes, a classification code C3 is advised.

Q2.63 When undertaking periodic inspection and testing, it is identified that a source of supply, such as battery storage, solar PV, V2X, or grid (mains) supply, is connected to the “load” or “out” terminals of an RCD (RCCB or RCBO) which indicates that it is a unidirectional protective device. What steps should be taken and what classification code, if any, should be applied in this situation?

It is recommended that the product manufacturer is consulted to establish if the RCD is bidirectional, irrespective of the unidirectional marking:

a) If the manufacturer provides a declaration of conformity that the RCD is a bidirectional device, this information should be appended to the EICR and a classification code is not required,

b) Where the manufacturer does not provide a declaration of conformity, as above:

i. If the RCD is unidirectional and is being relied upon for additional protection (but not for fault protection), then an improvement is recommended and a classification code C3 would be appropriate; or

ii. If the RCD is unidirectional and is being relied upon to meet the maximum disconnection times in BS 7671 for fault protection, a classification code C2 would be appropriate.

Regulation number(s):

134.1.1

510.3

Link to IET BS 7671:2018+A3:2024 download (530.3.201)

Note: V2X is an overarching term, covering 'vehicle-to-grid', 'vehicle-to-home/building' and 'vehicle-to-other'

Q2.64 When undertaking periodic inspection and testing, it is identified that a source of supply, such as battery storage, solar PV, V2X(1), or grid (mains) supply, is connected to the “load” or “out” terminals of an overcurrent protective device(2) which indicates that it is a unidirectional protective device. What classification code, if any, should be applied in this situation?

A classification code C3 would be appropriate.

¹V2X is an overarching term, covering 'vehicle-to-grid', 'vehicle-to-home/building' and 'vehicle-to-other' 

²An overcurrent protective device includes:

• A miniature circuit-breaker (MCB) to BS 3871 – withdrawn and superseded by BS EN 60898:1991
• A circuit-breaker (CB) to BS EN 60898
• A moulded-case circuit-breaker (MCCB) to BS EN 60947-2
• An air circuit-breaker (ACB) to BS EN 60947-2

Q2.65 Is there a need to do a specific electrical test on an SPD to prove its functionality?

A: No, a visual inspection is all that is needed.

Note 1: It is not a requirement in BS 7671 to perform electrical tests on SPDs. Applying electrical tests to SPDs could degrade them. Also, periodic electrical testing of SPDs (after installation) is not a requirement of the SPD product standard(s) / international standard on lightning protection and not recommended by BEAMA.

Note 2: SPDs with Metal Oxide Varistors (MOVs) are equipped with a status indication ‘window’ which will indicate when the device has reached its end of life, as explained / illustrated in the manufacturer’s instructions / information. The importance of visual inspection of the SPD status indication is emphasised in the BS 7671 electrical installation condition report schedule of inspections i.e. Confirmation of indication that SPD is functional (651.4).