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Level 3 Diploma in Electrical Installations (Buildings and Structures) Unit 304 Handout 2

304: Electrical Installations: inspection, testing and commissioning

Handout 2: Initial verification
Learning outcome
The learner will:
2. Understand the requirements for initial verification of electrical installations.
Assessment criteria
The learner can:
2.1 state the purpose of the Initial Verification of electrical installations
2.2 state the requirements of the initial verification
2.4 specify the information that is required by the inspector to conduct the initial verification of an
electrical installation.

Initial Verification
When a new installation is completed, it should be inspected and tested. This
is covered in Chapter 64 (page 230) of BS 7671:2018 where it is referred to as
‘Initial Verification’.
It is recommended that the condition of an existing installation be inspected
and tested periodically. This is covered in Chapter 65 (page 237) of
BS 7671:2018 where it is referred to as ‘Periodic Inspection and Testing’.
Initial verification
BS 7671:2018 Regulation 642.1 (page 230) states that ‘Inspection shall
precede testing and shall normally be done with that part of the
installation under inspection disconnected from the supply’.
The inspection (BS 7671:2018 Regulation 642.2 - page 230) should verify that:
i. in compliance with the requirements of Section 511 (this may be ascertained by mark or
by certification furnished by the installer or the manufacturer, and
ii. correctly selected and erected in accordance with the Regulations, taking into account
manufactures’ instructions, and
iii. is not visibly damaged or otherwise defective so as to impair safety”.
This process is not restricted to being carried out at the end of the installation, but should be
carried out during construction as well.
Guidance Note 3, Chapter 2, Section 2.5; Initial inspection (page 21) comments on individual
items to be inspected, expanding on the headings in the On-Site Guide and this should be
consulted in depth.
On completion, a ‘Schedule of inspections’ form (page 124) should be completed. Note that the
form for new installation work detailed in of Guidance Note 3 should be used for initial verification;
there is a different form for periodic inspection and testing.

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Level 3 Diploma in Electrical Installations (Buildings and Structures) Unit 304 Handout 2
Periodic inspection and testing

BS 7671:2018 regulation 621.1 (page 203) states that ‘Where required, periodic inspection and
testing for every installation shall be carried out in accordance with Regulations 651.2 to
651.5 in order to determine, so far as is reasonably practicable, whether the installation is in
a satisfactory condition for continued service’.
The inspection (BS 7671:2018 Regulation 651.2 – page 203) should verify that the installation
provides for:
(i) the safety of persons and livestock against the effects of electric shock and burns
(ii) protection against damage to property by fire and heat arising from an electrical installation
defect
(iii) confirmation of correct rating and setting of protective devices required by Chapter 41
(iv) confirmation of correct rating and setting of monitoring devices
(v) confirmation that the installation is not damaged or deteriorated so as to impair safety
(vi) the identification of installation defects and non-compliances with the requirements of the
relevant parts of BS 7671, that may give rise to danger.
The checklist for periodic inspections can be found in the ‘Condition report inspection
schedule’; this can be found in Guidance Note 3 (page 134).
Guidance Note 3 provides an example checklist based on the Condition report inspection schedule
expanded on the points covered.

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Level 3 Diploma in Electrical Installations (Buildings and Structures) Unit 304 Handout 2
Preparing for inspection
When preparing to carry out an inspection, whether initial verification or a periodic inspection, it is
important to follow a set procedure. This should include the following:
 make contact with client.
 arrange isolation timings.
 agree the range and limitations of inspection.
 gather information (details of client, previous test results and certificates).
 carry out a risk assessment.
 prepare safe system of work including PPE requirements.
BS 7671:2018 Regulation 641.2 (page 230) requires that a range of information be made available
to the person or persons carrying out the inspection and testing. This information includes:
 The results of the assessment of the fundamental principles (Section 131 – page 17)
 Maximum demand and diversity (Section 311 – page 45)
 Conductor arrangement and system earthing (Section 312 – page 45)
 Supplies (Section 313 – page 49)
 Diagrams and documentation (Regulation 514.9.1 – page 132)
Guidance Note 3, Chapter 2, Section 2.3; Required information (page 19) expands on the
information required.

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