All electrical installations deteriorate with age and use. They should be inspected and tested at appropriate intervals to check whether they are in a satisfactory condition for continued service. Such safety checks are commonly referred to as ‘periodic inspection and testing’.

A periodic inspection will:

• Reveal if any of your electrical circuits or equipment are overloaded.
• Find any potential electric shock risks and fire hazards.
• Identify any defective electrical work.
• Highlight any lack of earthing or bonding.

Tests are also carried out on wiring and fixed electrical equipment to check that they are safe.  A schedule of circuits is also provided, which is invaluable for a property.

How often is a periodic inspection required? Your electrics should be inspected and tested every:

• 10 years for an owner-occupied home.
• 5 years for a rented home.
• 3 years for a caravan
• 1 year for a swimming pool.

Other times when a periodic inspection should be carried out are:

• When a property is being prepared for letting.
• Buying a previously occupied property.

Electric Arquer, provides Electrical Inspections and Advice, undertaken by a qualified and Andorran Certified Electrician able to issue Andorran Standards Inspection Certificates.

Periodic inspection and testing should be carried out only by electrically competent persons, such as registered electricians.

The inspection takes into account all the relevant circumstances and checks on:

• The adequacy of earthing and bonding.
• The suitability of switchgear and controls (for example, a fusebox with a wooden back or use of cast-iron switches should be replaced).
• The serviceability of switches, sockets and lighting fittings. Items that may need replacing include: old sockets, cables with fabric coating hanging from ceiling roses to light fittings, sockets mounted in skirting boards.
• The type of wiring system and its condition (for example, cables coated in black rubber or cables coated in lead or fabric are even older and may well need replacing with modern cables using longer-lasting pvc insulation).
• Sockets that may be used to supply portable electrical equipment for use outdoors, making sure they are protected by a suitable residual current device (RCD).
• The presence of adequate identification and notices.
• The extent of any wear and tear, damage or other deterioration.
• Any changes in the use of the premises that have led to, or may lead to, unsafe conditions.

We will then issue a Condition Report in English, detailing any observed damage, deterioration, defects, dangerous conditions and any non-compliances with the present-day safety standard that might give rise to danger.

CALL +376 383791

electric-arquer@andorra.ad

©  Electric Arquer S.L. Andorra 2020

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