Am i permitted to perform a periodic?

[Jabbajaws]

Hi All,

im C&G 2330 Level III qualified, with the 17th Edition but im not presently a scheme member, due to being really poor. I don't have my 2391 but aim to do so when l can afford test equipment.

My question: Am I permitted to perform a periodic, using calibrated 17th Edition approved test equipment, such as a multifunctional meter, despite not being a scheme member?

I understand the need for the requirement for sparkies to be assessed under a scheme providers in order to issue EIC and MW certificates, because more often than not, the installation is altered in some way and understanding that alteration is necessary, in case it affects the rest of the system. (Something Joe Bloggs, the DIYer wouldnt even think about.)

My arguement is that a periodic is an inspection of an electrical installation, taken using measured readings and visual indicators. The installation itself is not altered because of the periodic.

So am l allowed to do one or not? Feedback needed...Ta :wink5:

 

[Silly Sausage]

Archy, the detailed inspection percentage should be decided by the inspector, based on the type of installation, it's use & operation, frequency & quality of maintenance and the external influences to which it is subjected.

True, I was just quoting the minimum.
If an installation was looking a bit ropey/suspect and subject to the conditions what you say then I would inspect more.
Common sense and judgement required.

 

[Silly Sausage]

Did this company have the word 'Power' in it's name?

I can't honestly remember, I've put them out of my mind. Don't think it did. They were swallowed up by a larger organisation shortly after I left so things might have improved since.

 

[rick.oshea]

Thanks Guyz for all the valuable advice. I do take everything into account everything regarding the need for a detailed inspection, which l am in total agreement with.

I think that time and care should be taken when doing a PIR. Any obvious faults that are discovered at a later date could not only come back to bite you in the posterior legally, or if a death occurs, worse case sceanrio is probably gonna be a manslaughter charge.

Im often moaned at for being too safe and slow, but l know im gonna live a bit longer if l do.

Thank you for the insurance advice, KFH. Regarding that, is that the only insurance l would need for a one man band, so to speak? Or is there anything else that l would need legally to be able to perform just PIRs alone.?

Just been on the insurance band wagon - NAPIT do a package which includes £2 milion public liabilty, £500k Proff Indemnity,£100k legal fees, £1,500 tool cover & also covering temps working with you (up to a value of £5k paid out in wages in a year), all for £175

 

[LlandrilloSpark]

Nick- are we talking about Mr French?, yes no doubt he will clear L2 out if the way and master L3 and maybe 2391 , he's a nice bloke, I suggest he tries to complete L2 before next December if he can then signs up to the NVQ 3 before the deadline in that December.

 

[Electricalserv]

Relax Des, some of us run a good, tight, technically sound testing & inspection operation, as usual, it's the idiots and cowboys that make the headlines.

Archy, the detailed inspection percentage should be decided by the inspector, based on the type of installation, it's use & operation, frequency & quality of maintenance and the external influences to which it is subjected.

To that end, there is no set percentage of detailed inspection, we would normally start off at a minimum 30% varying up or down depending on subsequent findings.

Electricalserv, the idea of a 100% inspection fills me with horror, the idea of sampling is to vastly reduce the chances of introducing faults into an existing installation while maintaining a balance with a view to getting a representative indication as to any damage, deterioration or defects that the installation may be suffering from, all as per 621.2.

Yes and I agree with the introducing faults part, but if we only inspect 10% or even 30% we are in all honesty likely to miss things. I'd be happier spending a little longer inspecting the majority of accessories than walking away after doing 10%. Afterall if the customer knew we where only inspecting a certain percentage of the installation they wouldn't be best pleased.You must have a list of limitations if you only inspect 10% of an installation! A periodic with only 10-30% of installation inspected & tested isn't worth much at all!

 

[vaughant]

I'm amazed you don't need 2391 to do periodic inspections?makes me wonder why I went to college for 10 nights to do it,and the fact I've never used it but it looks good on the cv!!!So 2391 only for new circuits or modifications?

 

[Electricalserv]

I'm amazed you don't need 2391 to do periodic inspections?makes me wonder why I went to college for 10 nights to do it,and the fact I've never used it but it looks good on the cv!!!So 2391 only for new circuits or modifications?

You don't need 2391 for anything mate. If the industry want to tighten the domestic market up then they should say City & Guilds 2391 or you can't do periodics or sign off domestic work simple!