About ten minutes ago, I got an e-mail notification from the IET Shop that 'The Big Orange Book' has been dispatched and is on its way to me . . . 
About ten minutes ago, I got an e-mail notification from the IET Shop that 'The Big Orange Book' has been dispatched and is on its way to me . . .
OK, since my last edition. 
Guidance for EICRs has changed so that FIs don't mean an unsatisfactory outcome. Surely this should be in GN3?
The purpose of a periodic inspection and testing is " to determine ,so far as is reasonably practicable, whether the installation is in a satisfactory condition for continued service".
Appendix 6 is informative not normative so, is only guidance. The EICR inspection form residential and similar installations up to 100A.
The outcome of the report is a binary option either satisfactory or unsatisfactory, there is no third option of not determined.
The FI code should be a rarely used option.
If I could not determine with a high degree of certainly, without further investigation, that the installation was satisfactory for continued service I would not record it as satisfactory. If I could type in undermined, if the software permitted, and write in why I further inspection was needed.
JP
Thanks John. It used to be if the inspector thought that if something that required further investigation could give rise to danger then it merited an FI and the report result would be unsatisfactory.
Now only C1s and C2s can make it unsatisfactory, an FI could be issued but it can't make the report unsatisfactory on it's own. Of course an inspector can still make a judgement call on this if they find it necessary but they would not be following the guidance.
The whole of the guidance notes for EICRs has been rewritten and I think further guidance on this should be included in GN3, Graham has said it will not be included which I find odd.
As I said on my previous post we have the issue of the inspector not being able to determine if the installation is "satisfactory" without further investigation. Not an issue if the installation has C1s and/or C2s as the installation will be "unsatisfactory".
So what to do? If you are able to write in to your software box, other than the usual drop down binary choice write in "undetermined". Then in your summary write up what needs to be determined before the installation can be deemed "satisfactory". Your report, your signature and you are personally accountable.
I can provide examples if they are needed?
JP
Happy to see an example of an undetermined result on an EICR, but as you say it will probably need an update to the software and the guidance.
Bearing in mind that the guidance will be issued along with the report. An assiduous recipient of it will no doubt question why the guidance wasn't being followed in their case.
I can provide examples if they are needed
John, that would be interesting. The experts in Wednesday's webinar were a bit stumped when it came to examples.
It seems to me that if FI (or undetermined) is being considered, the job has not been completed, even if it means that I have to return tomorrow with a longer ladder.
since my last edition
Ah, yes, there was a thorough re-write in 2022, so that added about 20 % to the book. Among that were done for the 9th Ed in 2022:
Most of the illustrations of test methods were re-drawn.
Updated guidance on ring final circuit testing (expected readings when you are using rings that are wired in something other than singles or 2.5/1.5 flat cable ... the theory behind it is explained in this wiring matters article: https://electrical.theiet.org/wiring-matters/years/2022/89-march-2022/resistance-readings-for-step-3-of-the-ring-final-circuit-test/ ).
Revised guidance for RCD testing (as it was in 2022 BS 7671 clarified there was no requirement of the standard to do a 5x test, or any of the additional tripping tests for Type A, Type F and Type B RCDs that are available with some instruments).
New information on tests for prosumer's electrical installations.
More information on sampling.
New Appendix C showing use of a clamp tester to provide an indication of the state of insulation in circuits downstream of the point of test.
New Appendix D on checks for diverted neutral currents.
Firstly as I have already stated the objective of the periodic inspection and test is set out is set out 651.1 of BS 7671. That is to determine ,so far a reasonably practicable, whether the installation is in a satisfactory condition for continued service. The regulation contains the magic word "shall" so it is specific requirement not an option for the inspector to do something else. This statement should be written in to section B of the EICR. I will call this the "objective" from now on.
A periodic inspection and test majors on inspection, not testing. Testing is an ancillary exercise to inspection and Chapter 65 unlike Chapter 64 does not specify any particular tests or a sequence in which any test is to be undertaken. 651.2 says "Periodic inspection shall (there is that magic word again) be carried out without dismantling, or partial dismantling, as required supplemented by appropriate tests an measurement from Chapter 64 ,to provide for..... So can you as the inspector meet the objective without dismantling or partial dismantling or do you need to do that to determine the objective or, do you need to state an FI to reach a definite conclusion of "satisfactory".
FIs should be a rare event to find on a domestic periodic inspection and test. An example I have found is where the DNO has withdrawn the supply as an enforcement action due to usually theft of electricity, a fire in the premises or a reported to them a dangerous installation. They will remove the cut out fuse and reseal the fuse carrier. They will not restore the supply without being given an EICR with dead testing results. The inspector cannot do the essential live tests such as Ze, Zs and RCD testing results, so FI codes are appropriate as the inspector cannot meet the requirements of the objective.
Large commercial and industrial installations are not scaled up domestic installations with an 8 way Wylex consumer unit in the cupboard under the stairs which is why the pointed heads at the IET have said on the model inspection form "for residential and similar premises up to 100A". I am involved with a 9 month inspection and test project on an installation with 900 distribution boards supplied from a 11kV private transformer ring with very strict complications imposed by the client, definitely not a similar up to 100A installation.
The sort of items that may be found warranting an FI are:
Needing to get permission from the client to isolate the supply from a transformer to a Form 4 panel to see if the means of earthing is connected inside the panel. Difficult to get permission in premises like hospitals and data centres.
Finding an obsolete MCCB made by a manufacturer that has gone out of business. I have a lever arch file of ancient data sheets, a folder on my computer of PDFs and Amtech protect where I can plot time current curves and calculate maximum Zs. If you want information on an obsolete device email me and I will try to help.
When you cannot isolate a DB substituting an IR test for an earth leakage test and getting a suspicious reading. Is this a low IR or connected equipmnent?
I will try and think of some more. As I said before Appendix is informative, its your report, your signature and you are accountable. As I tell my students say what you have done, say what you haven't done and be prepared to justify your decisions.
Hope this helps?
I have updated my standard specification for a domestic inspection and test with the changes in AMD 4. You can get a free copy by emailing me on info(the symbol for at)astutetechnicalservices.co.uk
JP
FIs should be a rare event to find on a domestic periodic inspection and test. An example I have found is where the DNO has withdrawn the supply
The inspector cannot do the essential live tests
John, thank you, that makes good sense. I see why, "undetermined" would be a better choice of words.
However, could you not state the inability to perform live tests as a limitation in Section D, and the recommendation to re-test on re-energisation in Section F?
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