Periodic Inspection Reports Explained
If you haven’t had your home's wiring tested in the last 10 years, it may be time for a Periodic Inspection Report
What is a Period Inspection Report - and why should I get one?
Like so many things that we use on a daily basis, the electrics in our homes inevitably deteriorate with use and age. Because of this, it is important to regularly check them in order to be sure that you and your family are not put at risk, and that the installation continues to be in a safe and serviceable condition. In order to ensure that your electrics are safe it may be time to get a PIR (Periodic Inspection Report).
When is a periodic inspection report needed?
It is recommended that periodic inspection and testing is carried out at least every 10 years for a domestic installation. You will almost certainly require a recent PIR if you are buying or selling a house. The Periodic Inspection Report is a valuable record of the condition of the electrical installation.
What is a periodic inspection Report?
A periodic inspection report (PIR) is a record of the current state of an electrical installation. Because the British Standard for Electrical Installations (BS7671:2008) has been revised and updated, many existing installations no longer comply with all the requirements. Similarly, before 2005, there were no restrictions on the persons permitted to carry out electrical work in dwellings, so many installations may have alterations and additions done by DIY enthusiasts and unqualified handymen. Any deviations from the current British Standard will be noted on the PIR. Recommendations of actions to be taken are noted for each deviation and given a code according to their seriousness as follows:
- Code 1 - Requires urgent attention
- Code 2 - Requires improvement
- Code 3 - Requires further investigation
- Code 4 - Does not comply with BS 7671
Who should undertake a periodic inspection?
Periodic inspections should always be carried out by a competent electrician.
What happens after a periodic Inspection?
If the report recommends improvements to the installation, ask for a fixed price quotation for the remedial work from at least three electrical contractors. The improvements do not necessarily have to be carried out by the electrician who provided the Periodic Inspection Report.
The above text is based on information available from the website of the Electricity Safety Council (www.esc.org.uk)
The Electrical Safety Council is an independent non-profit-making organisation, registered as a charity, set up to protect the safety of consumers. Supported by all sectors of the electrical industry as well as local and central government, the ECS deals with all electrical safety matters on behalf of consumers. The ESC are a driving force in the field of electrical safety for the protection of consumers, working with other organisations to improve standards and promote best practice.
