New installation - what tests should be undertaken?

[jsstevenson]

Hello...

I have a new electrical installation in a new house across three floors.

I am just curious as to what tests would normally be undertaken on a new installation, first and foremost for safety reasons and secondly to satisfy legal requirements (if in fact there is any difference!).

Any comments would be very welcome.

Thanks

p.s. clearly from the question I am not an electrician! I am just interested in the subject overall!

 

[WarrenG]

There is a whole book published by the IEE (Institution of Electrical Engineers) called Guidance Note 3 Inspection and Testing which covers all the testing requirements for electrical installations which is to be followed.

This is just one branch of eight publications produced as an off shoot to the BS7671 wiring Regulations and covers specialist area's in more depth.

There is far too much in the publication to list here, but it covers some of the design criteria, visual inpections, types of testing equipment to be used, calibration, meter ranges, enviroment, certification etc and it is dependant on the electrical installation to which tests are run. Different systems have different earthing arrangements.

Your electrician may be able to give you more information regarding your particular installation?

Your electrician should be a member of a Government approved registered scheme in order to provide an electrical installation certificate with a membership number. Or alternatively he/she should have notified your local LABC about the work undertaken so that the work can be inspected by them.

In terms of certification you should recieve from your electrician (if a member of a scheme) an Electrical Installation Certificate, Schedule of Inspections and a Schedule of Test Results.

Schedule of Test Results will show you which tests have been carried out.

You will then recieve some notification from your local LABC to say that the work carried out at your property complies with Part P of the Building Regulations and has been installed by a competent electrical engineer. LABC would have been notified by your electricans scheme provider.

This paperwork will then satisfy your insurance company for your properties insurance cover.

Hope this help!

Warren