ELECTRICAL SAFETY INSPECTION
17th Edition Electrical Installation Periodic Inspections
What is Electrical Safety Inspection?
ESI is the testing of all electrical installations and wiring on any premises. Most electrical installations suffer damage, deterioration or alteration throughout their operational life. Therefore, electrical inspections and tests are essential to confirm safe operation. Most electrical installations are designed and constructed to a very high standard. However, once under the control of the owner, problems can occur due to the following:-
You need Electrical Safety Inspection if there is:
- Change in ownership of the property
- Change in use of the premises
- After any alterations to the property
- Any significant changes in the electrical loading of the installation
- Where there is reason to believe that damage may have been caused to the installation
FURTHER INFORMATION FOR LANDLORDS, VENDORS AND BUYERS ARE AVAILABLE AT ADDITIONAL PAGES UNDER OUR WEBSITE'S MENU
17th IEE Regulations
Under the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994 and the Landlord Tenant Act 1985, all owners have a legal responsibility to ensure that both the electrical installation and any appliances supplied are safe. It is strongly recommended that all electrical appliances are tested prior to the initial letting of a property, and annually thereafter. The Institute of Electrical Engineers (IEE) recommend that fixed wiring circuits are checked for safety at least every five years. In order to comply with the Accommodation Standards, these safety checks must be carried out by qualified contractors. Any work carried out since the issue of a safety certificate must be supported by the relevant certificate for that work. The maximum penalty for non-compliance of the regulations is a fine of £5,000 and/or six months imprisonment.
If you are a homeowner or own a rental property, you are responsible for compliance with legally binding building regulations. If you are a Landlord, you must show due diligence that your electrical installation is safe and meets the current standards of the I.E.E Wiring Regulations and the 'Electricity at Work' act.
A five year 'Periodic Installation Inspection' and the appropriate remedial repairs would cover you fully. If you do not follow the regulations, the following may apply:
- You will have no legitimate proof that the work was carried out by a registered Electrician, or that the work has been passed as safe by your local building control
- It may be problematic when selling your home
- It is a criminal offence to carry out works that do not comply with building regulations with a maximum fine of up to £5,000
- Your Local Building Control may insist that you re-do the work