Periodic Inspection — Scope and Approach

<h2>Purpose of periodic inspection</h2>
<p>Periodic inspection and testing assesses the condition of an existing installation to identify deterioration, damage, defects, dangerous conditions and non-compliance with current requirements. The result is recorded on an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR).</p>

<h2>Before starting</h2>
<ul>
<li>Establish extent and limitations with the client</li>
<li>Obtain any existing documentation (previous EIC, EICR, as-fitted drawings)</li>
<li>Identify known hazards or defects</li>
<li>Agree safe isolation arrangements</li>
<li>Ensure appropriate test equipment is available and within calibration</li>
</ul>

<h2>Inspection sequence</h2>
<ol>
<li><strong>Visual inspection</strong> — external condition, enclosures, labelling, signs of damage or overheating</li>
<li><strong>Dead tests</strong> — continuity, IR, polarity (dead) where the installation can be isolated</li>
<li><strong>Live tests</strong> — Zs, PFC, RCD, polarity (live) on energised circuits</li>
<li><strong>Classification</strong> — assign C1/C2/C3/FI to each observation</li>
<li><strong>Overall verdict</strong> — SATISFACTORY or UNSATISFACTORY</li>
</ol>

<h2>Limitations</h2>
<p>Not all parts of an installation may be accessible or safe to test. Limitations must be recorded on the EICR — for example:</p>
<ul>
<li>Concealed wiring not visible for inspection</li>
<li>Equipment that cannot be safely isolated</li>
<li>Inaccessible voids or ceiling spaces</li>
</ul>

<h2>Recommended retest intervals</h2>
<table>
<tr><th>Premises type</th><th>Interval</th></tr>
<tr><td>Domestic</td><td>10 years / change of occupancy</td></tr>
<tr><td>HMO</td><td>5 years</td></tr>
<tr><td>Commercial</td><td>5 years</td></tr>
<tr><td>Industrial</td><td>3 years</td></tr>
<tr><td>Caravan parks</td><td>1 year</td></tr>
</table>

<h2>Key exam points</h2>
<ul>
<li>Periodic inspection produces an EICR — not an EIC</li>
<li>UNSATISFACTORY if any C1, C2 or FI is present</li>
<li>Limitations must be recorded on the report</li>
<li>Inspector must use professional judgement on retest intervals</li>
</ul>