Part P Inspection & Testing 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is a 'Schedule of Circuit Details and Test Results' and what must it include?
- A comprehensive record for each circuit including: description, reference method, cable type/size, MCB type/rating, RCD assignment, and measured test values (R1+R2, insulation resistance, Zs, RCD test time) (Correct answer)
- Only the circuit descriptions
- Only the measured test values
- Only the protective device ratings
Correct answer: A comprehensive record for each circuit including: description, reference method, cable type/size, MCB type/rating, RCD assignment, and measured test values (R1+R2, insulation resistance, Zs, RCD test time)
The Schedule of Circuit Details records the circuit design information and all measured test values for every circuit, providing a complete verifiable record of the installation against which future inspection results can be compared.
Question 2: What is a 'periodic inspection report' now called?
- Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) (Correct answer)
- Periodic Inspection Certificate
- Building Regulations compliance certificate
- Annual safety record
Correct answer: Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
What was previously called a Periodic Inspection Report (PIR) was renamed the Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) following amendments to BS 7671, to more clearly describe its purpose.
Question 3: What does an EICR code 'FI' mean?
- Further investigation required — the inspector cannot make a definitive assessment without additional work (Correct answer)
- The installation is satisfactory
- Fail — the installation must be replaced immediately
- Future improvement recommended only
Correct answer: Further investigation required — the inspector cannot make a definitive assessment without additional work
'FI' (Further Investigation) is used when the inspector identifies a condition that requires further investigation before it can be classified as satisfactory or unsatisfactory — e.g., a symptom with an unclear cause.
Question 4: What is the recommended maximum time between periodic inspections for a domestic owner-occupied property?
- Every 10 years or on change of occupancy (Correct answer)
- Every 5 years
- Every year
- Every 25 years
Correct answer: Every 10 years or on change of occupancy
For domestic owner-occupied properties, BS 7671 guidance recommends an EICR every 10 years or at change of ownership; private rented properties require an EICR every 5 years under the 2020 Regulations.
Question 5: What type of test verifies that all switches and fuses are in the phase conductor (not neutral)?
- Polarity test (Correct answer)
- Continuity test
- Insulation resistance test
- Zs measurement
Correct answer: Polarity test
A polarity test confirms that all single-pole switches, fuses and MCBs are in the phase (live) conductor, not the neutral; a switch in the neutral leaves the equipment connected to live when the switch is 'off', creating a safety hazard.
Question 6: What instrument is used to verify correct polarity in a live installation?
- An approved voltage indicator (test lamp or multi-function tester) used to verify phase-to-neutral and phase-to-earth voltage at each outlet (Correct answer)
- A continuity tester
- A megohmmeter
- An RCD tester
Correct answer: An approved voltage indicator (test lamp or multi-function tester) used to verify phase-to-neutral and phase-to-earth voltage at each outlet
Polarity on an energised circuit is verified using an approved voltage indicator that confirms the presence of voltage between phase and neutral, and between phase and earth, at the correct terminals of each outlet.
Part P Inspection & Testing 2
What is a 'Schedule of Circuit Details and Test Results' and what must it include?