Periodic 
inspections explained

All electrical installations deteriorate with age and use. They should therefore be inspected and tested at regular intervals to check whether they are in a satisfactory condition for continued use. Such safety checks are commonly referred to as ‘periodic inspection and testing’. 

Once completed you will be issued with an Electrical Condition Report (EICR).

A periodic inspection will

  • Reveal if any of your electrical circuits or equipment are overloaded
  • Find any potential electric shock risks and fire hazards
  • Identify any defective electrical work
  • Highlight any lack of earthing or bonding

Tests are also carried out on wiring and fixed electrical equipment to check that they are safe. A schedule of circuits is also provided, which is invaluable for a property.

How often is a periodic inspection required?

Your electrics should be inspected and tested every:

  • 10 years for an owner-occupied home.
  • 5 years for a rented home.
  • 3 years for a caravan
  • 1 year for a swimming pool.

Other times when a periodic inspection should be carried out are:

  • When a property is being prepared for letting.
  • Before selling a property or buying a previously-occupied property.

Who should carry out the periodic inspection and what happens?

Periodic inspection and testing should be carried out only by electrically competent persons, such as registered electricians. They will check the condition of the electrics against the UK standard for the safety of electrical installations, BS 7671 – Requirements for Electrical Installations (IEE Wiring Regulations).

The inspection takes into account all the relevant circumstances and checks on:

  • The adequacy of earthing and bonding.
  • The suitability of the switchgear and controlgear. For example, an old fusebox with a wooden back, cast-iron switches, or a mixture of both will need replacing.
  • The serviceability of switches, sockets and lighting fittings. Items that may need replacing include: older round-pin sockets, round light switches, cables with fabric coating hanging from ceiling roses to light fittings, black switches and sockets mounted in skirting boards.
  • The type of wiring system and its condition. For example, cables coated in black rubber were phased out in the 1960s. Likewise cables coated in lead or fabric are even older and may well need replacing (modern cables use longer-lasting pvc insulation).
  • Sockets that may be used to supply portable electrical equipment for use outdoors, making sure they are protected by a suitable residual current device (RCD).
  • The presence of adequate identification and notices.
  • The extent of any wear and tear, damage or other deterioration.
  • Any changes in the use of the premises that have led to, or may lead to, unsafe conditions.

The competent person will then issue an Electrical Installation Condition Report detailing any observed damage, deterioration, defects, dangerous conditions and any non-compliances with the present-day safety standard that might give rise to danger. If anything dangerous or potentially dangerous is found, the overall condition of the electrical installation will be declared to be ‘unsatisfactory’, meaning that remedial action is required without delay to remove the risks to those in the premises.

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  • Off the back of a recommendation from a friend, I recently employed Jon to fit several hanging lights and reposition an intercom system in my apartment. I found him to be a highly skilled and friendly individual. He took the time to listen to what I was after, make helpful suggestions of his own and provide me with a fair quote. He was also flexible and supportive when things didn’t quite go to plan due to issues my end, ensuring the work I wanted was completed to the standard he and I both wanted. I am delighted with the final result and have since recommended Jon to several friends. → Ellie, Bristol
  • Best contractor I have found to date. I needed 6 lights security lights installed. After calling several electricians, I called Jon and although he was busy, he took time out of his day to come and install the first two lights. I supplied the materials and because of my error the job took longer than expected. However even with the knock on interruptions to his schedule Jon was professional and good humoured. All the work was completed to the highest standards, very clean and efficient. I cannot recommend Jon enough, a trusted professional who I will use for years to come. → Charles, Bristol BS8
  • Jon was brilliant from the moment I phoned him, throughout the investigation & diagnostic testing to finding the electrical problem causing the tripping of all my electrics in my house…. he explained  everything after finding the problem – the way forward, buying and fitting new RCD box, the cost involved for this, was prompt in all my calls, did an evening call out and was tidy with all the work required in my newly decorated kitchen… nothing was too much trouble… and these days to receive customer service like this is scarce! I would definitely recommend → Liz, Bristol BS39
  • With my boiler timer having failed and the company who service it unable to fix it, I called Jon who responded within 20 minutes after numerous other companies couldn’t get to me for days. Jon was professional and informed me of all options as he assessed the problem. Within 2 hours a solution was found and he even took the time to inform the Boiler tech of their missed diagnosis. Highly recommended! → Marcus, Bristol BS1
  • Jon has rare qualities; he will do what he says he will do and when he says he will do it. He is willing to undertake a challenge with humour, efficiency and thoroughness. The resulting installation is neat, up to the required standards and above all, just what I wanted, for the agreed price. So I am very happy and would recommend him for any electrical work large or small. Oh yes, he likes his tea white with one sugar! → Melissa, Bristol BS9
  • At an arranged time to suit me (within 24hrs), Jon arrived and fixed the patient’s toilet light in under 2 hours. I cannot fault the overall service Jon was very friendly, he got out to us and sorted the problem quickly and explained to me exactly what needed to be done. The price as well was very reasonable. I would definitely recommend and if I ever have any other electrical problems I will definitely be calling them. Thank you again Jon! → Clare Street Dental Centre, Bristol
  • I own a pub and have used Jon several times for various issues with my electrics. He has always been very prompt and reliable as well as being very professional – being able to quickly identify any problems and fix them to a high standard. I would highly recommend him! → Liz, Bristol BS39
  • I would highly recommend Jon White for any electrical requirements that you may have. Jon was competitive in price, never over promised and under delivered! All work was completed in a prompt and capable fashion and everything was left tidy afterwards. Nearly a year after Jon completed our work, we have not had any issues whatsoever and Jon is at the top of our list for all our electrical needs. → Christine
  • Jon carried out a complete re-wire on our new property, on a tight time frame, with very little notice. He kept to his estimate and informed of progress the whole way along. We are very happy with the finished product and are having him back to re-wire our garage next. → Anneka and Jason, Bristol BS15
  • We suddenly had a problem with our kitchen circuits nuisance tripping, which meant we could no longer get any electricity in the whole of our kitchen. Jon was excellent, he came out the same day and was able to isolate the problem, so that we could run our fridge and freezer off an extension lead. He came over a fixed the issue within a couple of days. He was prompt, informed and trustworthy. I would highly recommend him to friends and family in need of an electrician in the area! → Philippa, Bristol BS7
  • Jon White had been recommended to me by a friend and at very short notice, he managed to rearrange his schedule to fit in an urgent job for me. He quickly understood my objective, and without any fuss, got on with it, leaving no dust or mess. I would strongly recommend him – professional, efficient and a really nice guy! → Jacky, Bristol BS7
  • Jon was reliable; always turning up when he said he would and getting the job done. He took lots of time and care to get the positioning of the lights in our kitchen just right, and as a result we’ve received lots of compliments. I’d have no hesitation in using him again. → Jo, Redland, Bristol
  • Throughly recommended, great communication, understood my very 
particular requests and worked like magicians — I couldn’t even tell 
that they’d been in the house afterwards. → Tom, Bristol BS6
  • Jon is an extremely reliable and highly skilled electrician. He will give you a fair quote and is friendly and hard working. I would highly recommend his services. → Amanda, Bath
  • Just a short note to say thank you for the efficient way you carried out the works to my flat. Nothing was too much trouble, and it was also nice to know you turned up at the times stated, both to price the job and carry out the work. If I have any more electrical problems you will be the first person I contact. → Steve, Bristol BS9

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