The Importance of a Periodic Inspection

The Importance of a Periodic Inspection

Thursday 9 January

What is a periodic inspection?

A periodic electrical inspection, otherwise known as an EICR – Electrical Inspection Condition Report, will check if your business’ electrical installations have any faults which are unidentifiable with a simple visual check. This means that qualified, electrical engineers must carry out a thorough inspection to reduce any risk, and to provide a safe working environment. 

Throughout the process, the engineer will run tests and complete a mandatory Electrical Installation Condition Report - detailing any observed defects or damage, as well as any non-compliances with the current safety standards. 

Why is an inspection required periodically?

Businesses must have a periodic inspection undertaken each year to ensure that no electrical systems have deteriorated or become dangerous to work around. With age and use, electrical installations should be carefully inspected to verify compliance for further use. 

What will the inspection provide?

In the event of a periodic inspection coming back negative, it will be recorded in the EICR as “unsatisfactory”, and work must be conducted immediately on the failed electrical system(s).  

All inspections are classified using the following observation codes which will provide greater details on the systems: 

• C1 – This means 'Danger present. Risk of injury. Immediate remedial action required.'. Resulting in immediate action being required for the safety of all employees, customers or guests.
• C2 – ‘Potentially dangerous – urgent remedial action required’. As a result, the electrical system may not be an immediate threat but is likely to become a danger in the future.
• C3 – Code 3 is described as ‘improvement recommended’ which is the only code that can appear on an EICR and still pass the test.  This is because something has been identified which does not comply with the regulations but isn't actually dangerous.

Have you had your electrical systems inspected and tested? You can book in our qualified team today. Find out more by clicking here.