Single Circuit testing

[TommyBoy]

Hi All,

Question from an slight outsider, apologies if this isn't in the right section. Can a single circuit be tested and certified? The circuit is permanent and unaltered (for decades probably).

I am the electrical manager at a retail Christmas decoration designer/maker/installer and have many projects in city streets. Usually the Land owners have their circuits tested as per the regs etc but every now and then we get a client that wishes not to take responsibility. I am only interested in two external outlets attached to two different buildings on this occasion. Can i ask a contractor to test just these points, would it have to be the entire circuit in each location plus the board characteristics, or does the entire installation need to be satisfactory?

Any help appreciated.

Regards,
Tom

 

[Pete999]

What type and size of outlet are you talking about? 13 Amp Socket?

 

[TommyBoy]

Hi Pete,

In this case yes, both are 13A Weatherseal double sockets, one located above a shopfront and the other under a theatre-like canopy. Mostly though they are 15A round-pin Lewden outlets, sometimes we're treated to a 16A commando.

 

[Pete999]

Hi Pete,

In this case yes, both are 13A Weatherseal double sockets, one located above a shopfront and the other under a theatre-like canopy. Mostly though they are 15A round-pin Lewden outlets, sometimes we're treated to a 16A commando.

It would be a good idea to prove that the outlet you intend to use is electrically sound, you or the Electrician you are using should test the circuit to prove suitability, the outlet could be on it's own circuit or part of a circuit (Ring Final Circuit/Radial Final circuit) both of these circuits will have other outlets on them, testing will prove either way.

 

[TommyBoy]

Thanks for your reply Pete, that's the plan yes. We're going to test if it's fit for use. Do you think a minor works certificate can be issued if there has been no alteration? Just so we have official documentation of its soundness.

 

[HandySparks]

I guess an EICR with a very limited scope would do the job.

 

[westward10]

Yep EICR with Limitations as to the extent of the test & Inspection.

 

[Octopus]

A minor works is ONLY used to test and records CHANGES to an existing circuit.

An EICR is used to record the test results of circuit(s) that are existing.

Simples.

 

[Pete999]

Thanks for your reply Pete, that's the plan yes. We're going to test if it's fit for use. Do you think a minor works certificate can be issued if there has been no alteration? Just so we have official documentation of its soundness.

A MNWC is for alterations/additions to an already existing circuit, all you are doing is plugging something into a socket, so no a MNWC is the wrong option, an EICR for that particular circuit is what you need IMO, also as you are plugging temporary Christmas Decorations, these light ought to be tested to ISITEE standards, the old name for PA testing

 

[davesparks]

Personally I would be designing my own certificate based on the EICR to fulfil the requirements of this particular job.

The model forms in bs7671 are just that, models which are a one size fits all kind of solution and if you actually read them you will find that most of the model form is filled with things which are 'examples of items which may require inspection' For a specific job it is perfectly acceptable, and sensible, to create your own forms which record the required information.

Personally I have designed my own forms for work which has a crossover between bs7617 and bs7909

The bottom line is that you need to make a record of having proved that the installation is safe.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Wonderwall]

Is this not just a case of testing and certificating what you are asked to do?
i may be missing something, I usually do, but if someone asks me to test and give the results of a certain amount of circuits then that is what I do and give the results of what I have tested.
Obviously, if the supply board is poor that will be noted in the results?

 

[westward10]

You are right Wonderwall it is that straight forward.

 

[TommyBoy]

Excellent, thanks Gents. This is merely so I have the correct paper trail to be available in the event of catastrophy (and also being in safe knowledge that it's fit for purpose), if I can have the contractor create a bespoke or limited certificate that covers only the parts of the installation that are in question and will be seen by officials as satisfactory then perfect.