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

A periodic inspection by one of our electricians 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.

Our electricians also carry our tests 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 electricians like Corin Dudley Electrical Services Ltd. The condition of the electrics will checked against the UK standard for the safety of electrical installations, BS 7671 - Requirements for Electrical Installations (IEE Wiring Regulations).

If any dangerous or potentially dangerous conditions are found, the overall assessment 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.