It is recommended that periodic testing should be done on an installation to highlight any possible problems or defects that may have accoutred in the time since the installation first was commissioned. For domestic premises it is generally recommended that the interval should be about five years and certainly not more than ten years. The electrical safety within the home is not the responsibility of the ESB, the ESB responsibility ends at the meter and passes to the householder.

In the past few years the various different types of appliances (fixed or not) have changed and as a result the demand on the wiring in an installation has changed as well. In any one dwelling the load may have increased for one reason or another and some of the wiring may need to be updated to accommodate this new load. In older houses as well some of the switches and sockets may have deteriorated with time and an inspection should pick up on this fact.  

There are 2 different methods to which a full inspection can be obtained. A registered contractor will carry out inspections and supply a written report or alternatively RECI can be contacted to obtain an independent report.

Testing involves the following:

•     First a visual inspection of the premises – this involves looking at the general condition of wiring and all wiring devices (Sockets switches etc….)
•     A full test on cables and protective devices (MCB, Fuses, RCD etc..)

Recommendations made on a form that can be supplied by the tester. A sample of this form can be found in Annex 62A of the ET101:2008 wiring rules and regulations.  

Sean Smith B.Tech, AIEI

SMG Electrical