Electrical Inspection and Testing is an integral part of NECTA's comprehensive safety programmes. Our teams of testing engineers have a wealth of experience in this field, helping companies both large and small to conform to the '17th Edition Wiring Regulations', and therefore comply with the 'Electricity at Work Regulations (EaWR) 1989'. Whether providing site surveys, technical advice, producing fixed wiring drawings or undertaking extensive testing programmes, we are confident of our ability to deliver the highest possible standards of quality and service.

NECTA is committed to providing expert advice and guidance on electrical safety matters. If you would like to contact NECTA or request a FREE Site Survey then please click here or call 01709 360621.

What is Periodic Inspection & Testing?

The 'Electricity at Work Regulations 1989' in Regulations 4(1) and 4(2) lay down the requirement to ensure that an electrical installation should be designed, installed, constructed and maintained in a safe manner at all times. The basis for periodic inspection and testing is derived from Guidance Note 3 of the 'IEE Wiring Regulations BS7671:2001'.

Inspection & Testing of an electrical installation generates a Periodic Inspection Report which is a condition report supplemented by testing results. The Periodic Inspection Report will normally consist of:

Client information and details of the installation
Supply characteristics and Earthing arrangements
Observation & Recommendations
Extent & Limitations of Testing
Summary of the Inspection
Inspection & Test Schedules

The Inspection of an electrical installation should be carried out in accordance with 712-01-03 of the 'IEE Inspection and Testing Guidance Note 3'. Conducted by a team of two competent qualified inspectors, the Inspection can highlight a significant percentage of defects on an electrical system. These may include (amongst others): exposed conductors or terminations: broken covers, conduits or trunking: the lack of earthing on conductive parts and inadequate support or damage to cables.

The Testing of an electrical installation follows BS7671:2001 and comprises of:

C.P.C Continuity
Ring Circuit Continuity
Insulation Resistance
Polarity
Earth Fault Loop Impedance
Prospective Fault Current
Operation of Residual Current Devices
Functional Testing

Testing is carried out as far as is reasonably practicable as defined in EaWR 1989.

Click here to view our Guide to Basic Electrical Inspection

Electrical Network Drawings

Electrical Network Drawings are an essential part of an electrical safety programme and detail the low voltage side of the transformer to control panels, switchgear and distribution boards. Accurate network drawings not only provide a safe system of work for maintenance and other staff, but also serve to improve the efficiency of maintenance and installation work. The current edition of BS7671:2001 (Wiring Regulations) requires circuit diagrams and other information (Regulation 514-09). EaWR 1989, Regulation 12 - an ABSOLUTE Regulation - calls for methods of identifying circuits by marking labelling or numbering. In commenting on this requirement - Guidance Note 3 to the 'Wiring Regulations - Inspection and Testing' indicates that it is also a legal requirement to have Network Drawings. It states that:

'If the inspection and testing cannot be carried out safely without diagrams or equivalent information, Section 6 of the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 can be interpreted to require their preparation.'

Network Drawings should detail the following:

Transformer/Generator Details
Main Earth Bar
Cable Size and Type
Efli (Zdb) & Pfc (kA) Values at Each Relevant Point
Locations of Switchgear
Type, Number of Ways/Phases and rating of DBs
Type, Size and Rating of Isolators, Contactors, Busbar Tap-Off Boxes etc

To see our Sample Network Drawing click here

NECTA Inspection & Testing Programmes

NECTA is committed to helping organisations achieve compliance with the 'Electricity at Work Regulations 1989' and therefore offers a standard service of 100% Inspection, 100% Testing (as far as is reasonably practicable) and Network Drawings.

Dependant on the size and nature of an installation, NECTA can customise programmes over 1 to 5 years to suit your requirements or budget and the industry recommendations.

If your company is in possession of previous records of testing and network drawings then we may be able to offer a reduced service of representative testing.

For further information about representative testing click here.

Book a FREE Site Survey

If you are concerned about electrical safety at your place of work, are in need of advice, or require a quotation for Fixed Wiring Inspection & Testing - please contact us here at NECTA.

We offer FREE Site Surveys during which our technical representatives will be pleased to answer any questions you may have regarding compliance issues and also provide you with a quotation for periodic fixed wiring inspection & testing.

To register for a survey or to request more information please contact us.