Regular electrical testing is a critical way of maintaining a property’s safety and functionality but it’s useful to know exactly what an inspection involves. An electrical inspection checklist is an easy way for both electricians and property owners to have a clear idea of exactly what is assessed during an electrical test.
How Do Electrical Inspection Checklists Work?
An electrical inspection checklist tells you what will be assessed when your property undergoes electrical testing. Once the inspection has been completed, you’ll receive a report outlining any identified issues and repair works that need to be carried out.
If you’re having an electrical inspection to acquire an Electrical Condition Report (EICR), for example, it will also contain a rating such as:
- Satisfactory
- C3 – improvement is recommended but not required
- C2 – potentially dangerous and urgent work is needed
- C1 – danger is present and there is a likely risk of injury; immediate action is required
By using an electrical inspection checklist as the foundation of the assessment, your electrician can work through every element of testing systematically and thoroughly, before completing the requisite report.
What are the Differences Between a Residential and Commercial Electrical Inspection Checklist?
Both residential and commercial properties benefit from regular electrical testing, inspections do vary across property types. Domestic and commercial properties are subject to different laws and regulations regarding electrical installations and maintenance, for example, so electrical inspection checklists must reflect this.
Additionally, there is a wide variation in the type of commercial properties that undergo electrical testing, and this must also be reflected in subsequent assessments. For example, a factory may require more extensive electrical testing than an office building.
Key Points on an Electrical Inspection Checklist
An electrical inspection checklist gives you key points that will be included in the testing, such as:
General Safety Checklist for Electrical Inspections
Electrical testing is designed to ensure the safety of your installations and you’ll find this is embedded into every aspect of the checklist, with items such as:
- ‘Cables correctly supported’, and,
- ‘Enclosure not damaged/deteriorated so as to impair safety’
General Requirements for Electrical Inspections
An electrical inspection checklist should cover multiple sections, such as: external condition of intake equipment; earthing/bonding arrangements; consumer units/distribution boards; distribution/final circuits; locations containing a bath or shower and special installations, as well as recommendations, ratings, client information and a circuit chart.
General Wiring Methods
The wiring methods used, and their condition, will be assessed during an electrical inspection and multiple entries on your electrical inspection checklist will relate to the wiring throughout the property.
Earthing and Bonding
Proper earthing of your property shall ensure that your protective devices such as fuses, circuit breakers and residual current devices operate in a timely fashion, and adequate bonding of extraneous and exposed conductive parts means that under fault conditions persons and livestock will not be subjected to unwanted voltages.
Do I Need an Electrical Inspection?
Some properties, such as rented residential homes and commercial premises, must undergo periodic electrical inspections. However, every property can benefit from regular electrical inspection and testing.
The length of time required for your electrical inspection shall depend upon the size and complexity of your electrical system. A two-bedroom flat might only require a few hours to be thoroughly looked over, whereas a large factory or busy office block might require four or five visits across a year, in and outside of normal working hours depending upon when machinery or critical equipment can be shut down. A busy airport will have a crew of inspectors working full-time!
How Much Does an Electrical Inspection Cost?
Again, the cost of an electrical inspection varies depending on the type of property and its size. However, our cost-effective services ensure it’s easy to access high-quality and reliable electrical testing to enhance the safety of your property.
Speak to an Electrical Inspection Specialist Today!
To find out more or schedule an electrical inspection today, contact Pretty Wired on 020 4542 1890, email us at info@prettywired.co.uk or message us here.
