Q. I have been advised to upgrade my old fuse box, why?
A. I have to assume that your old fuse boxes has been deemed unsafe and should be replaced with a modern 'consumer unit'. These 'CUs' incorporate the latest safety devices such as RCDs, which can detect very small changes in current such as is experienced when someone touches a 'live' conductor and safely 'trip' out.
Q. Is it expensive to have extra sockets fitted?
A. Not necessarily, although this can depend on access to the existing circuit [because of the type of floor coverings].
Q. How often should my wiring be ispected?
A. A quick guide is:
•10 years for a domestic installation
•5 years for a commercial installation/rental properties and at change of tenant/occupancy.
•3 years for caravans.
•1 year for swimming pools
Other instances when a periodic inspection should be carried out are:
•when a property is being prepared to be let
•prior to selling a property or when buying a previously occupied property
Q. What happens during a periodic inspection?
A. The Approved Contractor will check the electrical installation against the requirements of BS7671 - Requirements for Electrical Installations ( IEE Wiring Regulations) - as amended, which is the national safety standard for electrical installations, and contains around 850 Regulations.
The period inspection will take into account all relevant circumstances including the following factors:
a) Adequacy of earthing and bonding.
b) Suitability of the switchgear and control gear e.g. consumer unit e.g. an old fuse box with a wooden back, cast iron switches, a haphazard mixture of such equipment is likely to need replacing
c) Serviceability of equipment e.g. switches, socket-outlets and light fittings e.g. older round pin sockets, round light switches and braided flex hanging from ceiling roses to light fittings, black switches, sockets mounted in skirting boards may require replacing.
d ) type of wiring system and its condition e.g. cables coated in black- rubber, black-rubber was phased out in the 1960s or cables coated in lead or fabric are even older and may need replacing (modern cables use pvc insulation)
e) Provision of residual current devices for socket-outlets that may be used to plug in electrical equipment used outdoors
f) Presence of adequate identification and notices
g ) Extent of any wear and tear, damage or other deterioration
h) Changes in use of the premises which have led to, or might lead to, deficiencies in the installation.
The Approved Contractor will provide a periodic inspection report (PIR) as part of the periodic inspection
Any departures from BS 7671 are recorded, and a code to indicate the urgency of the action needed is given:
Code 1 Requires urgent attention•
Code 2 Requires improvement•
Code 3 Requires further investigation•
Code 4 Does not comply with BS 7671
Code 1 indicates a dangerous, or potentially dangerous, condition that requires urgent attention to make the installation safe.
Q. What occurs during a periodic inspection?
A. The electrical system is opened up. Light switches, sockets and light fittings; connections are tested, all earthing is checked, the fuseboard is then dismantled and every cable tested and the entire system is re-installed
Q. How long does the inspection take?
A. That depends on the size of the house.. but for instance, a 2 bed house would probably take 3 hours onsite and an hour for the paperwork. Non-standard wiring would add to the time taken.
Q. What is PAT testing?
A. Portable Appliance Testing is a testing scheme for all electrical appliances that are not part of the household electrical system. This includes Freezers, Hair-dryers, Hobs, Kettles, Electric Drills, and many other items. PAT testing is a legal requirement for all premises except a domestic household.. e.g. Hotels, Rented property etc. In other words places where the owner of the appliance is not the everyday user of the appliance.
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