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Electrical Installation/ Testing

Life would not be the same without electrical products. From washing machines to dishwashers, aerials to lighting, these creative products are essential in many of our homes today. That is why, regular testing needs to be conducted to ensure that electrical products are kept in a safe, working order.

According to UK legislation, only certified professionals may undertake electrical testing as electricity can be unpredictable, dangerous, and complex to understand. When hiring a tradesperson to carry out any electrical testing, you should make sure that they are fully qualified so that any work undertaken is both legal and safe.

What are the different types of Electrical Installation Testing?

Electrical testing needs to be done to make sure that your electrical products are safe. To understand and test electrical circuits, specialised training is required. There are two types of electrical installation testing that must be done in the UK: New Installation Testing and Periodic Inspection Testing.  

New Installation Testing

When you are installing a new electrical product, an initial test, before it is used, must be carried out by a licensed professional to make sure it is safe to use. Only a qualified electrician can evaluate whether it is safe to use through a variety of tests such as testing the types of conductors, supply parameters, safety devices to name a few.

Periodic Inspection Testing

Every electrical installation will need to be tested periodically. However, certain electrical products will need to be tested more often than others. This test includes both and electrical and visual inspection making sure that everything is in safe, working order. Any faults or hazards that do not comply with BS7671 standards will be highlighted through the test and will need to be fixed as soon as possible.  

Electrical Testing Procedures

During an electrical installation there are certain procedures that should be checked during most electrical tests.

Protective Conductor Continuity

An electrician will use an insulation tester to carry out a test on most conductors in an electrical circuit. This is crucial as they must meet current electrical standards and be correctly connected to be deemed as safe.

Circuit Breaker Functionality

All circuit breakers, RCDs, and isolators should be thoroughly tested to ensure they can disconnect an electrical supply if needed. Electricians must ensure that these devices are functioning properly and are labelled and maintained correctly.

Ring Circuit Testing

Ring circuit testing involves using a continuity tester to make sure that every ring circuit is complete. Unlike the other two tests, this test is not as vital if you are able to access previous test records. The only time a ring circuit test is crucial is if any changes have been made to the circuit.

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