Electrical Testing Procedures

Electrical testing procedures are the best practice ways of testing electrical circuits and currents which go through them in order to find faults or check whether the connection is safe to use. The general testing procedures that are used to check connections include:

• Continuity – these electrical testing procedures test to see whether the connection is completed
• Voltage – these electrical testing procedures are used to see whether the connection is receiving the correct voltage
• Passive current – this test is used to check whether the current is at the correct level in a connection, particularly whether there is an overload in the system
• Ground system testing – this electrical testing procedure is used to determine whether there is a faulty ground system

All brand new electrical installations must be certified. Certification can only be issued if a person that is deemed as competent has tested, inspected and verified the installation. Competence is usually proven via qualification.

The majority of installations are verified by the electrical installer that has completed the actual installation. In order for the installer to do this on a domestic property he must be a member of an approved Competent Persons Scheme. 

If the installer is not a member of a Competent Persons Scheme then a qualified installer must test, inspect and verify the installation to ensure safety and standards. The qualified installer should be an experienced electrician who holds a qualification in Initial Testing, Inspection and Verification. 

It's not just new installations that must be tested. Existing installations in rental properties must also be inspected on a regular basis. It is the landlords responsibility to ensure that this inspection takes place. This inspection is known as Periodic Inspection, Testing and Qualification. This must be undertaken by a qualified and experienced electrician who holds appropriate qualifications and testing equipment.