Guidance Note 3: Inspection & Testing (Electrical Regulations)

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This publication ONLY details information regarding the installation and testing of electrical systems If only observation codes C3 apply or no observations are made, then the installation is in a ‘Satisfactory’condition. A good example of this and quite common is in older domestic installations is where there is no RCD protection on the bathroom lighting circuit. Although it would not be compliant with BS7671:2018 701.411.3.3 if it was done today, as it wasn’t a requirement of the regulations when the installation was completed then providing that the inspection and tests results were okay a classification code C3 would be okay.“ However, a ‘fuse box’ is unlikely to contain sufficient provisions for RCD protection where necessary and depending on the deficiencies observed, it may be more cost-effective to replace for a modern consumer unit.

Inspection of fire alarm and emergency lighting systems do not generally form part of an EICR. However, power supplies and wiring of emergency lighting systems will be part of the fixed wiring installation and should be included. As we’ve seen, the practical assessments require close attention to detail, and the capability to physically apply skills and knowledge to ‘real-world’ scenarios. Executing these tasks will also need considerable nerve and emotional control. Due to this, it’s worth practicing, as much as possible (and in a safe way), these activities prior to the main event. Although, it must be conceded that generating the conditions of a real assessment is a difficult dynamic to create. And finally…. Regardless of RCD type, e.g. AC, A, F or B, an alternating current test shall be used at the rated residual operating current (I Δn), with a maximum operating time not exceeding 300 ms for general non-delay type RCDs. If a consumer unit is made from combustible material (e.g. plastic), BPG 4 recommends that the presence of a plastic consumer unit is worthy of a note, but does NOT warrant a classification code. If the consumer unit is located under a wooden staircase or within a sole route of escape from the premises, a C3 classification code is recommended. Whilst deficiencies observed on fire alarm and emergency lighting systems during the inspection may be worthy of a general note, a classification code should not be attributed. SummaryThe type of test is selected on the instrument according to the RCD type. When the instrument setting selected is for an AC Type RCD, the test current applied is a 50 Hz alternating current. However, when the instrument setting selected is an A Type RCD, a pulsed direct current (DC) is superimposed on the 50 Hz AC waveform. All electrical installations designed after the 31 st December 2018 must be compliant with these regulations

I’ve also been qualified tutor since 2008 and have taught electrical installation ‘C&G, EAL and Logic’ courses and we’ve been successfully teaching the Wiring Regulations online here at the-regs.co.uk since 2014 and have had hundreds of students pass 18th Edition exam – why not join them today? Recent Posts Someone carrying out inspection and testing on a ring-final circuit will not always see the same reading at each point during Step 3 of the ring-final circuit continuity test, unless the resistance (normally, the cross-sectional area and material) of the line conductor and circuit protective conductor (cpc) are roughly the same. The aim of a periodic inspection and test is to produce a report on the condition of an electrical installation and to ascertain whether it is safe for continued use. The whole spectrum of electrical tests is employed on the necessary circuits and devices including when appropriate…Further information on RCD testing can be found in IET Guidance Note 3 Inspection and Testing and PD IEC TR 62350:2006 Guidance for the correct use of residual current-operated protective devices (RCDs) for household and similar use which states that ‘ The testing current should be applied between the upstream and downstream terminal of the RCD’, see Figure 4 extracted from IET Guidance Note 3 Inspection and Testing. On determining the fault reason, candidates will then have to confidently articulate this issue to the examiner. Furthermore, they will also need to offer appropriate solutions to remedy the problem. In this response, it’s important to be concise, engaging, and use correct bs7671 terminology. Candidates should also demonstrate a firm understanding of the ‘ohm’ scientific measurement. End-to-end testing and inspection with resultant certification F1: Further investigation required. Applies were the inspection or testing has revealed a possible problem which could not be full identified due limitations placed upon the inspection and test. This can be a problem as it must be assumed that after further investigation a C1 or C2 classification code would apply. Within a 30-minute period, candidates will be asked to visually examine the installation, and identify twelve faults that are inconsistent with bs7671 standards. Therefore, in essence, individuals are being challenged to find and articulate an issue, on average, every two and a half minutes. This may sound challenging, but, as this task is purely visual, many faults will likely be fairly obvious on viewing.

Questions often arise concerning the competence of persons carrying out inspection and testing. Sadly, less than scrupulous contractors will knowingly send out non-competent persons, such as apprentices, friends and inexperienced electricians, to carry out inspection and testing. Regulation 16 of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 requires persons carrying out electrical work to be competent. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) also provides guidance on these regulations regarding technical knowledge and experience of working on particular systems. Measurements on a ring final circuit wired with 2.5/1.5 mm 2 twin and earth cable shows very little change in instrument readings at each test point around the ring, even for the longest circuit lengths meeting voltage drop criteria. There is very little distinguishable change in the instrument reading during the test. As the difference in cross-sectional area between live conductors and cpc increases, the difference becomes more noticeable. With longer ring final circuits wired in 4.0/1.5 mm 2 twin and earth cable, the readings no longer appear approximately the same at each point on the ring, and differences in instrument readings become more noticeable. Since the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 came into force on 1 June 2020, the IET technical helpline has been inundated with calls related to the Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). This previous IET Wiring Matters article provides further information. In this article, we are going to answer some of the most common questions received and dispel some of the myths associated with the EICR. What is an EICR? Fire alarm and emergency lighting systems are required to be inspected in accordance with BS 5839 fire detection & alarm systems for buildings and BS 5266 Emergency lighting, code of practice for the emergency lighting of premises respectively. The test is ‘open-book,’ which means candidates can bring supportive literature into the examination hall or ‘virtual’ environment. There are two pieces of key documentation that candidates should be in possession of whilst conducting their exam. These are Guidance Note 3: Inspection and Testing, 8th Edition, and the IET 18th edition wiring regulations guide (bs7671). Both of these items relate directly to the subject matter, and will be extremely useful throughout the multiple-choice assessment. They will also have been readily deployed during the initial course structure.

What’s Included?

There are many private institutions which facilitate City & Guilds courses; however, these do fluctuate in terms of cost and quality. Prospective course-takers are therefore encouraged to conduct their own research into learning providers. However, this dynamic only really applies to those engaging in ‘front-loaded’ training. This format of learning refers to those who are not undertaking collegiate programmes or apprenticeships, and are instead self-funding their career journey. For those in apprenticeship schemes, qualification costs will be absorbed into your overall learning framework. This will be financed by your employer. V low voltage rated bathroom fans are permitted in zone 1 of the bathroom. All circuits must be RCD protected