commercial periodic inspection report

[jimmysouth]

hi all.

I'm sure you've had this one crop up all the time but I need some advice.

I'm doing my first PIR on a commercial premises, golf course, with out buildings seperate. it is also the first PIR that the buildings will be having for insurance purposes. this installation was done to the 16th in 2003. there are 15 DBs around the building with majority being 3 phase. with the design there was supposed to be a planned maintenance package to look after the building. cost calling, there hasn't been.

my main questions are:
1. there are ring mains and radials feeding socket outlets around the building up to 32A. from observation the "cleaners" sockets and outside sockets seem to be the only ones on RCBO's. the other ones that are internal are not and there are a good 30+ circuits of these.
do these go down as a code 4??
or do they have to change these to comply with 7671(2008)??
the Zs reading are satisfactory.

2. with doing the forms, I have 15 DBs within the building. do these all go under one inspection report with the multiple test result sheets??
the obsevations and recommendations will not fit on one sheet, can I use a second observation sheet or must it be split onto a second inspection report??

3.the insurance co want it to conform to the 17th but it was installed to the 16th, how can I cover this with choice of words covering the install??
you can't force people to change their installations even though they are still safe.

4. outside metal bollard lights, do these have to be on RCBOs? cables are buried in ducts.


thanks in advance to who ever helps, seem to have dug myself in a little deep...

 

[WDMDL]

I'm sure the more experienced guys on here will provide better answers but here's a start...

1. While there is no planned maintenance regime, there does appear to be some control over the installation.
If someone is briefing the cleaners which sockets they may/may not use, I'd say it's controlled.
Do they DIY or get a proper electrician in for repairs, additions and alterations?
Further info from your client will determine whether you code or it's satisfactory.

2. I'd do one report, schedules of inspection and test results for the main board then another set for each of the sub boards.
It's quite likely you will have different issues in different areas and this will help organise remedial works.
Possibly use separate continuation sheets for each sub board as required, if you have a lot to write...
A basic diagram of the installation included in your report will help the recipient of the report understand the relevance of 16 lots of paperwork!

3. The insurance co. will want to see that the installation is free from Code 1s and 2s.
Now obviously there will be code 4s for wiring colours etc and that's not going to change without a rewire.

4. No.
559.10.3.2 recommends some places that should have additional protection by RCD.
Does the earthing comply with 559.10.3.4?

Simon.

 

[malcolmsanford]

Excellent reply from WDMDL and agree entirely. Just a few other points that may help. As the installation is only 8 years old and it seems to have been done to a good standard you shouldn't expect too many suprises, possibly the odd accessory broken, but that will be either replaced as part of the PIR extras if you've included it or remedial.

The sockets will if you wish to code them then yes a 4. IMO if your Zs is achieving disconnection then I would not code them anything to be honest.

I would look in deatil at the changing rooms and showers, You will need to check that their may have to be supplementry bonding in there. If there is all well and good if there isn't, and bonding is required, then that would be a code 2. I would also put in a report that these locations are now recommended to be RCD protected, if they are not already, and qoute all relevant regs.

That is something you should do with all your codes, quote the reg that applies. It looks professional and shows that you know what your doing.

The part about the insurance company insisting on upgrading to the current standards. You can actually just quote the introduction to the BS7671-2008 on page 4, The part about existing installations that will please the client.


http://esc.org.uk/pdfs/business-and-community/electrical-industry/BPG6_09.pdf

If you haven't already got this then have a read it's a very good guide for PIR's.

Finally just take your time and don't get fazed. Just look at each board as an individual installation and do it as that.

 

[jimmysouth]

thanks for your advise... have done all my inspections, sampling and testing. now the task to sit down and type these up or hand write. long hours ahead...

 

[tonys]

All Ill say is, ring mains do not feed the sockets. When I went to college and trained on site if I called "socket ring circuit" a ring main I got a b@ll@cking from either the tutors of my electrical mentors.