Hi alli
I think your client is confusing the NICEIC requirement for 100% TESTING with SAMPLING.
As you are no doubt well aware periodic inspection reporting is a two part process and usually conducted in the following order. First the installation is fully inspected then all relevant circuits are tested.
With bigger installations and ones consisting of multiple sub mains and dis boards, each area served by a particular board would be inspected and then the sub and board tested before moving on to next one.
The process of inspection requires the inspector to visually assess the installation for any obvious deviations to BS7671. A sample of the accessories and equipment is then looked at. In domestic installations this usually means dropping a few lighting pendants/downlighters, socket outlets and switches. This is known as sampling. As has been said before, it simply isn't feasible to look at every single item and its certainly not required by the NIC. Depending on the condition of the items sampled, and how they've been installed, further sampling may be required. If major deficiencies are found, the client should be informed immediately and isolation may have to be considered.
The process of testing refers only to the actual testing of the circuits with a suitable test instrument. These specific test procedures detailed in guidance note 3 are to be applied to all relevant circuits i.e the NICEIC requirement of 100% Testing. This is where your client is mistaken.
Now obviously 100% testing doesn't mean you have to test every single piece of cable at every single point available. Its quite acceptable for heating control, low-voltage, intruder/fire alarm wiring etc to be omitted from the testing procedure however, this should be recorded in the "extent of installation covered" section of the report and ideally, agreed with the client beforehand.
All other mains circuits that form part of the consumers installation must be tested unless there's a specific reason why they cant, i.e they cant be traced, must stay energized, are inaccessible etc. Again these reasons must be recorded in the "limitations" section of the report.
As has been said by the others, there's no need to test at every point but each circuit must be tested preferably at the furthest point from the supply. Every circuit including sub-mains must be recorded in the circuit details section of the report along with the relevant test results.
Hope this helps with your awkward client...
