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PIR Testing

Also known as Periodic Inspection or ‘fixed wiring inspection’, this is an inspection on the condition of an existing electrical installation, to identify any deficiencies against the current electrical safety standard for installations.

By law you are requir ed to make sure that any electrical installations are kept in safe conditions. If regular inspection and testing is neglected, not only do you run the risk of imprisonment, but you are also endangering the lives of your workforce and may incur large fines and loss of income as well as the possibility of invalidating your insurance claims.

UK socket installation We will check the electrical installation against the requirements of BSi7671 - Requirements for Electrical Installations ( IEE Wiring Regulations) - as amended, which is the national safety standard for electrical installations, and contains around 850 Regulations.

A periodic inspection will:

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

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

When is a periodic inspection needed?

It is recommended that periodic inspection and testing is carried out at least every:

  • 10 years for a domestic installation
  • 5 years for a commercial installation
  • 3 years for caravans
  • 1 year for swimming pools

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

  • When a property is being prepared to be let
  • Prior to selling a property or when buying a previously occupied property

The period inspection will take into account all relevant circumstances including the following factors:

  • Adequacy of earthing and bonding
  • Suitability of the switchgear and controlgear e.g. consumer unit, distribution boards, light switches etc.
  • Serviceability of equipment e.g. switches, socket-outlets and light fittings e.g. older round pin sockets, round light switches and  skirting boards may require replacing.
  • Type of wiring system and its condition e.g. cables coated in black- rubber, black-rubber was phased out in the 1960s or cables coated in lead or fabric are even older and may need replacing (modern cables use pvc insulation)
  • Provision of residual current devices for socket-outlets that may be used to plug in electrical equipment used outdoors
  • Presence of adequate identification and notices
  • Extent of any wear and tear, damage or other deterioration
  • Changes in use of the premises which have led to, or might lead to, deficiencies in the installation.

We will provide a periodic inspection report (PIR) as part of the periodic inspection as your formal method of recording the findings of the periodic inspection.

The main purpose of a PIR is to report on the safety condition of an existing installation. It will describe the overall condition as either 'satisfactory', in which case no immediate remedial work is required, or 'unsatisfactory' which means remedial work is required to make the installation safe to use. It will also include a summary of the inspection in the report, which will give a clear indication of the condition of the electrical installation, taking into account all relevant circumstances.