What is Electrical Inspection & Testing?

What is Electrical Inspection & Testing?

You may hear it called it test and inspect by many people in the industry, however the correct terminology you should be using is inspection and testing. This is because it makes sense to inspect first and then test. It's quite simple really, how can you test something that you haven't inspected?

In layman’s terms Inspection and Testing is the testing procedures that electricians use to ensure that a circuit is working correctly and safe for use before being energised. It is a set of processes and procedures which must be followed and involves the use of test equipment to measure that the installation is functioning as expected in accordance with the wiring regulations.

It is a vital part of every electrical job and is completely separate to Part P. An inspection and test is carried out to verify, so far as is reasonably practicable, that the requirements of BS 7671 (Wiring Regulations) and other relevant regulations have been met, during the job itself and after completion before handing over to the client. Inspection and testing should also be carried out for all electrical installations at regular intervals. For example an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) for existing installations.

How Often Should I get Electrical Inspecting and Testing done?

Homeowners – an electrical test is required once every ten years. If there’s a swimming pool on your property, that should be tested every year.

Businesses – employers should have a periodic test undertaken every five years.  

Landlords – it is recommended that landlords test their properties once every five years, or when there is a change of tenancy.

How is an Electrical Test Performed?

Electrical tests are performed by applying voltage and/or current to the component and observing its voltage and/or current responses. Tests can range from simple, manual measurements of electrical continuity for the component's inputs or outputs to complex functional tests using hundreds of thousands of vectors at test rates greater than 100 MHz. The measurement equipment can range in sophistication from simple, inexpensive hand-held volt-ohm meters to complex, digital test systems costing more than one million dollars.

If your business needs electrical inspection and testing get in touch with a professional electrical contractor like TVC Services who specialist in electrical inspection and testing in Cork.