A periodic inspection is an inspection and associated testing to check whether an electrical installation is in a satisfactory condition for continued service. On completion of the necessary inspection and testing an Electrical Installation Condition Report will be issued detailing any observed damage, deterioration, defects, dangerous conditions, and non-compliance with the present-day safety standard which might give rise to danger.

A periodic inspection is an inspection and associated testing to check whether an electrical installation is in a satisfactory condition for continued service. On completion of the necessary inspection and testing. An Electrical Installation Condition Report will be issued detailing any observed damage, deterioration, defects, dangerous conditions, and non-compliance with the present-day safety standard which might give rise to danger.

There are not set guidelines as to when a property should be rewired. Just because your wiring is old, it doesn’t mean it’s unsafe. Many factors can affect the wear and tear of your electrical installation, including the materials used and how your property has been used. We would advise that a periodic inspection is carried out on owner occupied properties at least every 10 years and every 5 years in rented accommodation. The test will certify whether the electrics in a property are safe and tell you if anything needs upgrading. You should carry out regular checks around the house on the condition of your cables, switches, sockets, and other accessories. If you notice anything unusual-for example, burn marks on plugs and sockets, sounds of ‘aching’ (buzzing or crackling), fuses blowing or circuit breakers tripping- get a registered electrician to check your electrics as soon as possible.

If you own a HMO (House in Multiple Occupation), you have a legal obligation to have a periodic inspection carried out on your property every five years. If your property is not HMO, then you are not legally obliged to get your installation tested on a periodic basis. However, we recommend that you have a full periodic inspection carried out every 5 years or on change of tenancy.

It is recommended that periodic inspection and testing is carried out at the following times: for tenanted properties; every 5 years or at each change of occupancy, whichever is sooner. At least every 10 years for an owner-occupied home. At least every 5 years for a business. The Landlords and Tenant Act 1985 requires landlords of properties with short leases to keep the electrical wiring in repair and in proper working order. We recommend landlords arrange for periodic inspection and testing to be carried out by a registered electrician at the relevant intervals shown above. Periodic inspection and testing of the electrics for a caravan should be carried out at least every 3 years and at least once a year for a swimming pool.

Electrical equipment should be visually checked to spot early signs of damage or deterioration. Equipment should be more thoroughly tested by a competent person often enough that there is little chance the equipment will become dangerous between tests. Equipment used in a harsh environment should be tested more frequently than equipment that is less likely to become damaged or unsafe.

An RCD is a residual-current device, also known as a safety switch. The device is designed to monitor the electrical current and disconnect the power when a leak is detected from a fault in wiring, an appliance or switch.

You have a duty of care to your tenant and must ensure that the installation is safe when they enter the property and is maintained throughout their tenure. The Landlord and Tenants Act 1985 requires that the electrical installation in a rented property is: safe when tenancy begins and maintained in a safe condition throughout the tenancy. We recommend that in order to comply with this Act, you get a registered electrician to carry out an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) on any property you intend to let before getting tenants in. This will certify whether the electrics are safe and tell you if anything needs upgrading.