What is Inspection and Testing and why is it important?

By Alex Miller / 24/03/2021 / Electrical

What is Inspection and Testing?

Inspection and Testing is a term everybody in the electrical industry will know, and many who aren’t in the industry may have heard. Other terms used include “‘test and inspect‘. ‘testing and inspection’ and ‘2391 tests.’ However, the correct terminology is ‘Inspection and Testing’ simply because this is the order it is done in.

It is the process of ensuring electrical installations are working correctly and are safe before being energised. When conducting Inspection and Testing, there are a set of processes and procedures which are followed as well as the use of testing equipment to ensure the installation complies with BS7671 wiring regulations – it is an offence to not comply with these.

Electrician inspecting and testing electrical installations

The importance of Inspection and Testing

Faulty installations can often be caused by them being fitted/installed incorrectly, becoming damaged, being wired incorrectly and more.

As mentioned, Inspection and Testing of electrical installations is important for safety reasons. Research shows defective installations can also result in electric shock, malfunctions, overloading, damage to installations and in serious cases, death – therefore to ensure the safety of all humans and animals within a property, all electrical items must be inspected and tested.

Whether it is electrical installations in a home or business premises, regular testing of installations can save money as it may help discover potential failures before they happen. It is also extremely important for landlords as there have recently been regulations put in place requiring landlords to ensure all electrical installations in their properties are inspected and tested by a competent electrician.

Why electricians should complete a 2391 course

To become qualified to carry out Inspection and Testing, electricians must pass a 2391 course. Whether it is a 2391-50, 2391-51, or 2391-52 course, this will ensure you are competent and qualified to complete the work.

Completing a course and becoming qualified will allow electricians to develop their skills and knowledge, offer more services to customers and possibly increase earnings. Being qualified also allows electricians to work and meet current demands, bringing more job opportunities. For example, when an electrician gains a 2391:52 qualification, they can use this for third party inspections, such as landlord’s certificates and insurance purposes.

Which Inspection and Testing course should I do?

There are a few different courses available that cover this in one way or another, it can be hard to know which is best for you.

2391-50: Initial Verification of Electrical Installations

This City and Guilds 2391-50 course focuses on the teaching and learning of initial verification and certification of electrical installations.

2391-51: Periodic Inspection and Testing of Electrical Installations

This 2391-51 course covers the principles, practices and legislation for the periodic inspection, testing and condition reporting of electrical installations.

2391:52: Initial and Periodic Inspection and Testing of Electrical Installations

The 2391-52 course combines both the 2391-50 and 2391-51 courses.

An electrician inspecting and testing a consumer unit

What is the difference between initial verification and periodic inspection?

Initial verification is to confirm that a new installation is correctly installed before being put into service, it confirms the correct equipment has been used and is not damaged and is safe to put into service. It also confirms that all the relevant parts of the BS7671 have been met and are checked comprising of inspection, testing & certification. All parts of the installation are checked with no limitations. Whereas Periodic Inspection & Testing is to confirm that an installation is safe to stay in service and identify any non-compliance with the British Standard BS7671 as this will be an installation already in use. There will also be limitations based on access etc and these will be documented on the certification.

In both cases, the inspector will recommend the frequency of inspections based upon the individual characteristics of the type of installation and equipment, its operation, and for periodic inspection and testing any damage/deterioration of the installation.

The frequency will be determined by the inspector and there are recommended initial and Periodic recommended frequencies which can be found in guidance note 3 for Inspection & testing which is published by the IET

Inspection and Testing is extremely important to all homeowners, business owners, landlords, and more! It is essential to carry these out for the safety of everybody on the property and these should be carried out by a qualified and competent electrician. If you are an electrician and have not yet gained your 2391 qualification, any of the above courses discussed may be a great option for you. You can also view more information on 2391 courses here and also download the course overview for our popular 2391-52 course below.

 

City and Guilds 2391-52 Course Overview

Receive the full course overview by submitting your details below.

 

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