Electrical inspection and testing is a process carried out by qualified electricians to ensure that the installation is safe. This can include a visual inspection of the circuit, as well as testing the electrical system to check it meets BS7671 regulations and that it’s suitable for use.Source :eicr-testing.uk
When carrying out electrical inspection and testing, a qualified electrician will start by performing a visual inspection to make sure that the wiring is safe and that it’s not damaged. If the electrical circuit passes this test, the electrician can then begin testing the actual components using appropriate equipment. The exact sequence of these tests depends on the nature and location of the equipment.
The Importance of Proper Sequence in Electrical Testing: Why It Matters
A common procedure is to conduct an RCD test and an earth loop impedance test. These two tests ensure that the wiring is not connected to both sources of supply, which would cause a short circuit and potentially kill an electrician working on the circuit.
Another important test is the continuity of a ring’s final circuit and its polarity. This test confirms that all conductors within the ring final circuit are wired correctly and that the ring final circuit can disconnect an electrical supply in the event of an emergency.
It’s also important that any RCDs, RCBOs and Isolators are tested. These devices are designed to protect people from dangerous electric shocks and must be able to disconnect power to an entire circuit within 300 milliseconds, which is less than the time it takes for someone to blink.