Recording results, condition reporting, classification codes and recommendations
Recording and reporting
The output of a periodic inspection is the Electrical Installation Condition Report. Its sections are: details of the client and installation, the date of the previous inspection, the extent and limitations, a summary of condition, observations with classification codes, the schedule of items inspected, the schedule of test results, a recommendation for the next inspection interval, and the declaration and signature.
Classification codes.
- C1 - danger present: risk of injury, immediate remedial action required. With the client's authority, make safe or isolate.
- C2 - potentially dangerous: urgent remedial action required.
- C3 - improvement recommended: not dangerous, but would improve safety.
- FI - further investigation required: without delay, because the inspector could not establish whether the item is safe. Observations may also be recorded with no code where an item departs from the current edition but does not warrant one.
Satisfactory or unsatisfactory. Any C1, C2 or FI makes the report unsatisfactory; C3 items alone do not.
Recommendations. Give a next inspection interval based on installation type, use, environment and maintenance regime - commonly 10 years for domestic and 5 years for commercial or industrial, with change of occupancy prompting a new inspection.
Traps. Coding an item C3 and then declaring the installation unsatisfactory; omitting the extent and limitations; failing to record an FI because it is only a guess; and wording observations so vaguely that the client cannot act on them.
Rule of thumb. C1 make safe now, C2 urgent, C3 improve, FI investigate - any of the first, second or fourth makes the report unsatisfactory.