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.
●
Electrical Testing
Edinburgh ● Landlord Electrical
Checks Edinburgh ● Periodic Inspection Reports Edinburgh ● Electrical Inspection Edinburgh
● Landlord & HMO