INSPECTION AND TESTING CORONAVIRUS


>>> Continued from page 29


warranty conditions? ●What type of appliances or equipment are in use, i.e. handheld, portable, fixed, etc? ●What is the construction class of the connected equipment, e.g. Class I? ●Is the installation or equipment suitable for the environment where it is being used, e.g. IP ratings suitable? ●How is the equipment connected to the fixed wiring, e.g. BS 1363 or BS EN 60309 plug and socket-outlet, BS 1363-4 fused connection unit, BS EN 60947-3 isolation switch or switch fuse, etc?


Connected equipment


It should also be highlighted with specific regard to any equipment connected to the fixed wiring that, although it is subjected to the inspection processes given in Chapter 64 of BS 7671:2018 when it is part of a new electrical installation, no specific tests are carried out on it with reliance for safety and proper functioning normally implied by following manufacturer’s instructions and compliance with the appropriate product standard, manufacturer’s type testing and ultimately compliance with the European Low Voltage Directive (CE mark). Where equipment has been in service for some time, as in existing premises,


Suggested routine checks, based on Table 3.1 in IET Guidance Note 3 Inspection & Testing Activity


Check Defects reports All reported defects have been rectified Inspection


Look for: ● Breakages ● Wear/deterioration ● Signs of overheating ● Missing parts (covers, screws) ● Loose fixings


Confirm: ● Switchgear accessible (not obstructed) ● Doors of enclosures secure ● Adequate labelling in place


Operation


Operate: ● Switchgear (where reasonable) ● Equipment – switch on and off ● RCDs (use test button)


the advice given in the IET publication code of practice for ISITEE would be more appropriate and should be followed. This also provides guidance on the initial frequency of inspection and testing of equipment as shown in the extract from Table 7.1 shown on the opposite page. For subsequent inspection and testing of such equipment, the advice is again that the duty holder should risk assess the frequency of how often the equipment is inspected and tested. It may also be useful to duty holders


Recommended initial frequencies of inspection of electrical installations, based on Table 3.2 in IET Guidance Note 3 Inspection & Testing


Type of installation


Educational establishments (schools and colleges)


Offices


Retail outlets (shops) Cinemas Churches


Leisure complexes (excluding swimming pools)


Restaurants and hotels Teatres


Public houses (bars and pubs) Construction site installations


30 CABLEtalk JUNE/JULY 2020


Routine check Maximum period between inspection & testing


6 months 1 year


1 year 1 year 1 year


1 year 1 year


1 year 1 year


3 months


5 years 5 years


5 years


1-3 years 5 years


3 years 5 years


3 years 5 years


3 months


to remind them that the inspection and testing of permanently connected current-using equipment often falls between the gaps of PI&T and ISITEE and is often overlooked. Duty holders should be aware of this when organising inspection and testing as part of the preventative maintenance procedures to be implemented and ensure that a clear scope for the inspection and testing regime is set out so that those carrying out PI&T and ISITEE clearly understand what is to be inspected and tested.


Note: Permanently connected current- using equipment being equipment that is connected directly to the fixed wiring through a connection unit or isolation switch or similar. Typical examples include air conditioning equipment, immersion heaters, luminaires, machinery in a workshop and storage heaters - the list of equipment is not exhaustive!


Conclusion


Where adequate preventative maintenance measures have been in use within the premises to be re-opened and the duty holder has previous records of PI&T and ISITEE available, it may be that minimal routine checks are all that are necessary. However, this may not always be applicable if work was being carried


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