Elektratek
26-04-2005, 23:11 PM
Hello all, I would like to post information for you to clear up some confusion about electrics in rented properties, as it has arisen in posted questions.
A Landlord, under his 'Duty of Care' is to let a residential property in a safe condition. The only formerly recognised way of achieving this is through a Periodic inspection report. This is not a letter, a certificate (unless the installation is new), or a safety check from a contractor, it is a form which says "Periodic Inspection Report" (for an electrical installation) on the top of it. These must be carried out by a 'competent person' - Why they use this term i shall never know as it creates confusion.
They are to be carried out every ten years, or every five years if the property is LET, or on change of ownership/occupancy on a domestic installation (ie. a house), . These are Maximum guidelines from the IEE (the people who write our electrical regulations), and can be reduced at the discretion of the inspector.
Not any 'Qualified Electrician' is capable of doing these, so your better off with a contractor who is approved, a member of the NICEIC or ECA for example.
It is also recommended that every year, an annual 'safety check' is carried out to 'Back-up' a periodic inspection report between dates, but NOT to replace a formal inspection.
For the report to be valid, they must contain three parts. Details of the installation including what the report covers detailing any limitations, schedule of items inspected, and a schedule of items tested, and can be 6 pages or more. This is for fixed wiring only. Portable appliances (like washing machines) should be PAT tested annually.
Part P of the building regulations refers more to the electricians who carry out the work, than a landlord. Your responability will be to ensure you use an approved contractor, or a 'part P' approved contractor. Always ask for a certificate to cover any works being carried out, as if your chosen tradesman can't fulfill this request, you are greatly increasing your risk of not having the work done correctly, aswell as not having records which you WILL later need in 2007 to sell your property (another topic).
Hope this enlightens a little.
Elektratek
A Landlord, under his 'Duty of Care' is to let a residential property in a safe condition. The only formerly recognised way of achieving this is through a Periodic inspection report. This is not a letter, a certificate (unless the installation is new), or a safety check from a contractor, it is a form which says "Periodic Inspection Report" (for an electrical installation) on the top of it. These must be carried out by a 'competent person' - Why they use this term i shall never know as it creates confusion.
They are to be carried out every ten years, or every five years if the property is LET, or on change of ownership/occupancy on a domestic installation (ie. a house), . These are Maximum guidelines from the IEE (the people who write our electrical regulations), and can be reduced at the discretion of the inspector.
Not any 'Qualified Electrician' is capable of doing these, so your better off with a contractor who is approved, a member of the NICEIC or ECA for example.
It is also recommended that every year, an annual 'safety check' is carried out to 'Back-up' a periodic inspection report between dates, but NOT to replace a formal inspection.
For the report to be valid, they must contain three parts. Details of the installation including what the report covers detailing any limitations, schedule of items inspected, and a schedule of items tested, and can be 6 pages or more. This is for fixed wiring only. Portable appliances (like washing machines) should be PAT tested annually.
Part P of the building regulations refers more to the electricians who carry out the work, than a landlord. Your responability will be to ensure you use an approved contractor, or a 'part P' approved contractor. Always ask for a certificate to cover any works being carried out, as if your chosen tradesman can't fulfill this request, you are greatly increasing your risk of not having the work done correctly, aswell as not having records which you WILL later need in 2007 to sell your property (another topic).
Hope this enlightens a little.
Elektratek