ELECSA takes on Periodics.

What are Periodics?

Testing and inspection of electrical installations is necessary as they deteriorate with age.

Several factors can influence this, including: damage, wear & tear, corrosion, excessive loading and environmental influences.

This is particularly important for rented property and the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 specifically states that the landlord is to ensure the electrical installation is safe when a tenancy begins and that it is maintained in a safe condition throughout the tenancy. Many licensing authorities, public bodies, insurance companies and mortgage lenders insist upon this. It is also a requirement of the Electricity at Work Regulations that electrical systems are maintained to prevent “danger” as far as reasonably practical.

Such inspections are know as ‘Periodics’.

ELECSA believes that with the advent of the Home Information (or Homeseller’s) Pack in 2007, the Periodic Inspections market is set to grow dramatically.

What is required to carry out a Periodic?

It is agreed and generally accepted that an above average knowledge of electrical installations is required to carry out Periodic Inspections, usually gained through years of experience on top of formal qualifications (eg. C & G 2391).

ELECSA

ELECSA will therefore only be offering assessments of competence to undertake Periodic Inspection and Testing to its Scheme A (full scope) registered contractors.

What do I need to carry out Periodics with ELECSA?

The process will involve the contractor either having a periodic assessment added onto his surveillance visit, or having it as a stand-alone assessment.

The contractor will be expected to have, in addition to the requirements of Part P:

1. City & Guilds 2391
2. IEE Guidance Note 3
3. A minimum of 2 Periodic Inspection reports for review.
4. A site visit will be made where a full and comprehensive Periodic Inspection has taken place

Any non-compliances will be notified to the contractor and advice given for them to address the issues raised.

What happens when I have passed my Periodics Assessment with ELECSA?

• The contractor will then be able to electronically notify ELECSA of work done in the same way as with Part P. However, ELECSA will not notify building control as Periodic Inspections are not controlled under Building Regulations.
• The landlord or other person ordering the work will get the peace of mind that they have had work done by an independently assessed company.
• 3 yearly surveillance visits will be required.
• It is important to note that complaints received by ELECSA on the standard of the Periodic carried out will be investigated thoroughly and could potentially result in the withdrawal of a company’s approval.

How much does it cost?

ELECSA charges for Periodic Assessments:

1. Existing ELECSA Registered Scheme A companies:
   • Periodic Assessment as a stand alone - £360 +VAT
   • Periodic Assessment together with your annual Part P surveillance visit - £550 +VAT
2. New ELECSA registrants:
   • Part P Assessment + Periodic Assessment - £600 +VAT
3. Notification of Periodic Inspection - £1.50+VAT

THE ASSESSMENT APPROVAL PERIOD LASTS FOR 3 YEARS. YOU DO NOT REQUIRE AN ANNUAL ASSESSMENT ON YOUR ABILITY TO DO PERIODICS.