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 The regulations are constantly updated and as questions become out of date, we remove them but do not renumber, as we are aware that visitors to the site will note specific numbers for future reference.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.
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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
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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: 2018
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Click here.
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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)
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Verification of voltage drop is not normally required unless there is considered to be a voltage drop problem.
Regulation number(s):
- 643.11
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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
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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
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This size of earthing conductor will be adequate if the requirements of Regulation 543.1.3 (adiabatic equation) are met.
Regulation number(s):
- 543.1.3
- 542.3.1
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Where an RCD provides fault or fire protection testing should verify that the appropriate disconnection time of Chapter 41 of BS 7671 can be achieved. As a result testing should be carried out with a current at least equal to the rated residual operating current (IΔn) or preferably the highest test current the instrument can provide safely.
Where an RCD provides additional protection testing should demonstrate that a disconnection time of 40 ms can be achieved. As a result testing should be carried out with a current at least equal to 5 times the rated residual operating current (5IΔn) or preferably the highest test current the instrument can provide safely.
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), although such a test might be useful during fault finding activities.
Regulation number(s):
- 643.7.1
- 643.8
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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. -
Yes
Regulation number(s):
- 411.3.1.1
- 411.3.2
- 643.7
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No. In any event, it is not essential to measure (R1 + R2) values for a Condition Report.
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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).
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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).
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Not necessarily. It depends on whether all the required information for each part of the installation can be recorded on one Condition Report.
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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The preferred option is to adhere to the requirements of Regulation 651.2 with a detailed examination of the installation, i.e. a visual inspection supplemented by whatever tests are deemed to be appropriate by the tester to accurately determine the condition of the installation.
A visual condition report can be a valuable alternative in situations where householders are reluctant to commission a full electrical installation condition report. Whilst it is not possible to confirm fully by visual inspection only that an installation is in a satisfactory condition for continued use, a visual inspection can quickly reveal that an installation is in a poor or potentially dangerous condition, justifying the need for further investigation.
However, carrying out an earth fault loop impedance test on just one socket-outlet circuit would enable an inspector to make a more informed assessment of the condition of an installation.
‘Visual only’ inspections should include an examination of the interior of the consumer unit where much useful information on the condition of the installation can be gained.
In rented domestic accommodation including houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), a combination of visual condition reports and electrical installation condition reports can be effective in helping to ensure continued electrical safety. In such cases, visual condition reports should be used only where the installation has been inspected and tested within the previous two years and the appropriate report or certificate is available for reference. -
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
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Either value can be used. However, it is essential to confirm that the measured value of Zs 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
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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 page 14 of Electrical Safety First's Best Practice Guide No. 4 for further details. -
An installation should be inspected, tested, verified and certificated to the version to which it was designed.
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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
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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
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To confirm that the fault protection arrangements for alternative sources of supply have been met.
Regulation number(s):
- 551.4
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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
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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’.
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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)
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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
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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. -
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
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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
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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
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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.
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It is recommended that such maintenance work be recorded on a Minor Works Certificate, job sheet, invoice or similar.
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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.
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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. -
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
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No, the notices reminding the user to operate the RCD test button periodically must be in a prominent position at or near the point at which the RCD is installed.
The label stating the recommendation for the next periodic inspection should be fixed in a prominent position at or near the origin of the installation to which it relates.
Regulation number(s):
- 514.12.1
- 514.12.2
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Classification code C3.
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Verification of voltage drop is not normally required unless there is considered to be a voltage drop problem.
Regulation number(s):
- 643.11
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Yes, if:
- 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
- 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
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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
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No Code needs to be awarded.
Regulation number(s):
- 433.3.1 (iii)
- 434.3 (iv)
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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.
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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. http://www.beama.org.uk/resourceLibrary/the-rcd-handbook---guide-to-the-selection-and-application-of-residual-current-devices.html
Regulation number(s):
- 531.3.3
- Annex A53, Figure A53.1