For many domestic properties in Edinburgh, including those that are being rented out, Health & Safety and other legislation requires that the electrical installation be maintained in a safe condition. Periodic inspection and testing of the electrical installation along with rectification of any problems found, is one method of ensuring compliance with the legislation. 

A domestic Periodic Inspection Report covers the electrical fixed wiring and accessories of the property. It is never practical or possible to inspect all parts of the electrical installation therefore typically a sample of up to 20% of accessories, light fittings and controls is opened up for inspection of conductors and connections.

As well as the visual inspection, electrical testing is carried out and may include insulation resistance, earth fault loop impedance for each circuit and RCD trip times where relevant.

Any observations made on the report will state the nature of the defect and assigned a coding as follows:

Code 1: Requires urgent attention
Code 2: Requires improvement
Code 3: Requires further investigation
Code 4: Does not comply with BS7671:2008 as amended

The requirements of BS7671:2008 are not intended to apply retrospectively to electrical installations designed and constructed to previous editions of the regulations. There is therefore no requirement to upgrade an older installation to current standards unless electrical testing or visual inspection reveals a specific safety issue (Code 1 or Code 2) or you have recently added to or modified the installation (click here to see our page on BS7671:2008 with regard to RCD requirements).

For a domestic property rental (non-HMO) we recommend that a full Periodic Inspection Report (visual inspection and electrical testing) is carried out at regular intervals of up to 5 years or change of tenancy, whichever is first.  

For HMO properties the interval between full PIR's required by Edinburgh Council is 3 years.

Non-rental domestic properties can be tested at increased intervals up to 10 years apart depending on the age and condition of the installation.

The cost of the PIR will depend on the number of circuits to be tested. Click here for our current prices on Periodic Inspection and Testing.

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