Academy Electrical Services LTD

What is a periodic Inspection Report?

A PIR (periodic inspection Report) is, as its name indicates, a report and not to be confused with a certificate. It is an assessment of the condition of an installation against the current requirements of BS7671. The report will include recommendations for any damage,detorioration, excessive loading or defects that may give rise to danger to be repaired. The report will include limatations agreed with the client beforehand, such as no lifting of floorboards, carpets, bath panels etc. Be aware some companies may charge a small fee but include so many limitations the report would be next to useless. At Academy Electrical Services Ltd, we always advise 100% test and inspection of all plug sockets and light fittings, rather than a few samples during our Periodic Inspection Reports.

At the end of the report, it will be marked either saisfactory or unsatisfactory, along with the list of observations and a recommendation code for each one. There are four codes used with a Periodic Inspection Report:

• Code 1= Requires urgent attention

• Code 2=Requires improvement

• Code 3=Requires further investigation

• Code 4= Does not comply with the current issue of BS7671

There will be a summary of the installation in the report, including:

• The adequacy of the earthing and bonding to the installation

• The suitability of the consumer unit and other control equipment

• The types of wiring system and its condition

• The extent of wear and tear to the installation

There will also be a schedule of test results included in the report.

Why do you need to have a Periodic Inspection Report?

There are many reasons as to why you would request a report and these include, although not limited to

• On change of occupancy of the premises

• On change of use of the premises

• Mortgage lenders, public bodies and insurance companies may require periodic inspection reports for your property (you may want to check your insurance policy as some providers now insist on regular testing and inspection to be carried out)

• Legislation requires that electrical installations are maintained in a safe condition

Two more reasons for Periodic Inspection Reports are:

• Government statistics for England and Wales show that 20% of all fires in homes are caused by electrical faults, resulting in about 24 deaths and 590 non-fatal injuries

• On top of this, about 12 deaths and 750 non-fatal injuries are caused by electric shock

Landlords and Tenant should note:

In England and Wales, The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, section 11 repairing obligations in short leases sub-section(1)(c) requires a landlord 'to keep in repair and proper working order the installations in the dwelling-house for supply of water, gas and electricity'.

Although it may not be law to have a report carried out, how would you, as a landlord prove you have kept the installation in proper working order, without any certificates or reports to back it up?

It is the landlords responsibility for confirming the competency of any contractors carrying out work. Landlords and Tenants can be confident that Academy Electrical Services Limited hold all the neccessary certificates and insurances needed.

Academy Electrical Services Ltd can help you

If you have any questions regarding periodic inspection reports then please do not hesitate to contact Academy Electrical Services Ltd. Dont forget, periodic inspection reports can improve the electrical safety in your home as they will highlight any problems with your installation should there be any. Should you require Periodic testing in Romford, PAT testing in Romford, Electrician in Brentwood or an Electrician in Hornchurch or the surrounding areas please dont hesitate to contact us.