NI Electrical Revision Reference
Compact UK/Northern Ireland electrical revision notes for competent-person learning and recap.
Revision app scope
This is a revision/reference aid for competent persons, apprentices, improvers and qualified electrical workers. It is not a public DIY wiring guide and it does not replace BS 7671, supervision, manufacturer instructions, employer procedures or site-specific judgement.
Safe isolation
Life-critical isolation principles and common mistakes.
Start here
Circuit concepts
Lighting, sockets, rings, radials and high-load circuits.
Circuits
Cable design
Current-carrying capacity, voltage drop, grouping and diversity.
Design
Inspection & testing
What tests prove and how documents relate.
Testing
EICR testing
Condition reports, coding, diagrams, checklists and NI landlord context.
New module
Earthing & bonding
Supply types, MET, CPC and protective bonding recap.
PME / TT / TN
NI compliance
Part P correction, Building Control context and workplace notes.
NI-specific
EV charging
Open-PEN, PME, load assessment and NIE notification recap.
Review needed
Sources & review
Official links and manual review checklist.
Modal
Safety boundary
Deep technical revision is useful, but the final decision for any design, installation, inspection, testing or certification task must be checked against current standards, site conditions and competent judgement.
Scope & safety
What this app is for, and what it cannot replace.
Boundary
Competence first
Only carry out electrical work you are competent, authorised and equipped to do.
Review point
Current standard
BS 7671 changes over time. Treat edition references as review points.
Use
Revision, not instruction
These notes explain concepts and checks. They do not replace project-specific work.
Risk
Shock, burns, fire
Incorrect work can cause electric shock, burns, fire, injury or death.
How to use it
Use topic cards, tables and glossary terms to refresh concepts before study, supervised work, inspection discussion or documentation review.
Source and update policy
Standards and Northern Ireland legal duties change, so review status stays visible.
Review policy
Any section involving BS 7671, NI tenancy law, Building Control, EV charging, alarms, inspection/testing, special locations, earthing or bonding should be reviewed before publication and periodically after.
| Area | Review source | Why |
|---|---|---|
| BS 7671 | IET/BSI current edition information | Edition and amendment references can change. |
| NI domestic compliance | Electrical Safety First and official NI sources | Do not import England/Wales Part P assumptions into NI. |
| Private tenancy duties | Department for Communities NI | Dates, report duties and alarm requirements are legal/current-state content. |
| EV charging | Consumer Council NI and NIE Networks | Notification and network process wording can change. |
BS 7671 current-edition note
Use edition wording as a review point, not as a design answer.
BS 7671 is updated by amendments. As of 2026, BS 7671:2018+A4:2026 has been published. During the transition period, the previous edition remains valid until 15 October 2026. After transition, check the latest IET/BSI position before relying on edition wording.
Do not hard-code design answers
For design, installation, inspection and testing decisions, check the current standard, manufacturer instructions and project documentation.
Safe isolation
Safe isolation prevents dangerous voltage being present at the point of work.
Identify
Correct circuit, equipment and possible sources.
Isolate
Remove supply and consider alternative feeds.
Secure
Prevent unintended re-energisation.
Verify
Prove dead at the work point with suitable equipment.
What it proves
Correct circuit dead
The circuit/equipment is identified, isolated, secure and proved dead.
Test equipment
Known working
Voltage indicator proving before and after is a key principle.
| Principle | Revision note |
|---|---|
| Identify | Confirm the correct circuit/equipment. Labels and colours are not enough. |
| Isolate | Consider all relevant live conductors, supplies and alternative sources. |
| Secure | Prevent re-energisation using lock-off/warning methods where appropriate. |
| Prove dead | Test at the point of work with suitable equipment and procedure. |
Common mistakes
Switching off a light switch, trusting labels, relying on conductor colours, missing borrowed/shared neutrals, missing backfeeds, not locking off, or testing the wrong point.
Shock, fire and ADS principles
Core concepts that sit behind circuit design, verification and fault finding.
Fault occursLine-to-exposed-part fault creates dangerous touch voltage risk.
Fault pathCPC, earthing and bonding influence current path and impedance.
Device responseProtective device operation depends on current and characteristics.
DisconnectionSupply is disconnected within required conditions when design is valid.
VerificationInspection and testing provide evidence, not assumptions.
Shock
Basic, fault, additional
Barriers, enclosures, insulation, ADS and RCD/RCBO roles.
Fire
Heat and faults
Overload, short circuit, loose connections, arcing and environmental conditions.
Fault path
Line to CPC
Earth fault loop path, transformer return path, CPC continuity and bonding.
ADS
Disconnection
Zs and protective-device characteristics matter; verification is required.
Common mistake
Do not assume an RCD makes any poor circuit safe. RCD/RCBO protection has specific purposes and limitations.
Glossary
Compact definitions for common revision terms.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| BS 7671 | UK standard for electrical installations, published with amendments. |
| Competent/skilled person | Person with sufficient knowledge, training, experience and judgement for the task and risk. |
| Line / neutral / CPC | Line is live conductor, neutral is return conductor, CPC is circuit protective conductor. |
| MET | Main earthing terminal for earthing, bonding and protective conductors as applicable. |
| ADS | Automatic disconnection of supply under required fault conditions. |
| RCD / RCCB / RCBO | Residual current devices; RCBO combines residual current and overcurrent protection. |
| MCB / SPD / AFDD | Overcurrent device, surge protective device and arc fault detection device. |
| Zs / Ze / R1+R2 | Earth fault loop impedance terms used in fault path and verification work. |
| EIC / MEIWC / EICR | Installation certificate, minor works certificate and condition report. |
| PME / TN-S / TN-C-S / TT | Supply earthing concepts. Confirm the actual arrangement on site. |
Circuit concepts
Lighting, switching, socket circuits, ring finals, radials and dedicated loads.
SupplyActual source and earthing arrangement must be confirmed.
ProtectionDevice selection links to load, cable, route and fault conditions.
Wiring methodRoute, grouping, heat and mechanical risk affect design.
LoadEquipment use, demand and manufacturer data shape the final design.
EvidenceInspection, testing and certification record the outcome.
Lighting circuits may contain permanent line, switched line, neutral and CPC conductors depending on wiring method. Older installations, alterations and different methods can make conductor identification unreliable by colour alone.
- permanent line and switched line
- neutral at switch vs neutral at light
- CPC continuity
- borrowed/shared neutrals risk
- two-way/intermediate switching concept
- smart controls and neutral requirement
- SELV/driver considerations for LED lighting
Socket-outlet circuits may be radial or ring final circuits. The arrangement, protective device, cable route, loading, RCD/RCBO protection and test results must all be considered.
- radial concept
- ring final concept
- unfused spur concept
- fused connection unit concept
- load distribution
- continuity of line, neutral and CPC
- ring final testing purpose
- limitations of visual inspection alone
High-load or fixed equipment circuits require design around the actual load, manufacturer instructions, cable route, installation method, grouping, thermal insulation, voltage drop, protection, isolation and certification.
- cooker, hob or oven
- electric shower
- immersion heater
- EV charger
- heat pump
- outbuilding supply
- workshop equipment
Cable and design concepts
Design factors, current-carrying capacity, voltage drop, Zs, diversity and thermal effects.
Concept
Current-carrying capacity
Not one fixed number; route, heat, grouping and environment matter.
Formula
Voltage drop
Use as revision formula only. Confirm values and limits.
Fault path
Zs & disconnection
Loop impedance affects protective device operation.
Load
Diversity
Assessment of likely simultaneous load, not a guess.
Vd = (mV/A/m x Ib x length) / 1000
| Selection factor | Revision note |
|---|---|
| Design current and future load | Know the actual load and realistic use case. |
| Installation method and grouping | Heat dissipation affects usable capacity. |
| Voltage drop and Zs | Length and impedance affect performance and disconnection. |
| Mechanical/environmental conditions | Route, protection and surroundings matter. |
| Manufacturer instructions | Equipment requirements are part of design context. |
Consumer units and protective devices
Roles and limitations of common protective devices.
MCB
Overcurrent
Overload and short-circuit protection within device characteristics.
RCD / RCCB
Residual current
Detects imbalance; does not provide overload protection by itself.
RCBO
Combined device
Overcurrent and residual current protection for one circuit.
SPD / AFDD
Surge and arc faults
Selection depends on current BS 7671, risk and installation context.
Schedules and labels
Clear circuit identification, accurate schedules, test documentation and spare-way records support safe operation and future work.
Earthing, bonding and supply types
Earthing provides a fault path; bonding reduces dangerous potential differences.
| Supply type | Basic concept | Cautions |
|---|---|---|
| TN-S | Separate supply neutral and earth paths from source. | Confirm actual supply; do not assume from appearance. |
| TN-C-S / PME | Neutral and earth combined in part of supply, separated at installation. | EV, outbuildings and special cases need care. |
| TT | Installation uses local earth electrode for earthing. | Electrode resistance, RCDs, testing and maintenance matter. |
Earthing
Fault current path
Supports operation of protective devices when correctly designed.
Bonding
Potential difference
Not the same thing as earthing.
CPC
Continuity matters
Part of the fault path and must be verified.
PME caution
Design-dependent
Avoid blanket always/never statements for EV and outbuildings.
Kitchens and high-load equipment
Fixed and high-load equipment requires design around the real load and installation context.
- cooker, hob and oven loads
- washing machine, dryer and dishwasher loads
- boiler and controls
- extraction and lighting
- boiling-water taps
- dedicated circuits vs shared circuits
- isolation and accessibility
- manufacturer instructions
Design-dependent
Circuit design needs attention to load, diversity, appliance instructions, isolation, cable route, thermal effects, RCD/RCBO protection, socket positions, water/heat, accessibility and future use.
Inspection and testing
Revision of what tests are for and what results relate to.
Inspect
Look for suitability, damage, access, identification and workmanship.
Dead tests
Check continuity, insulation and polarity foundations.
Live tests
Confirm fault path, PFC and device behaviour where applicable.
Record
Document results, observations, limitations and outcome.
Dead test
Continuity
CPC/bonding continuity and ring final continuity purposes.
Dead test
Insulation resistance
Checks insulation condition between conductors.
Verification
Polarity
Correct conductor arrangement and switching/protection in line.
Fault
Loop & PFC
Loop impedance and prospective fault current relate to disconnection and breaking capacity.
Competence boundary
This is not a substitute for Guidance Note 3, current BS 7671, calibrated instruments, supervision or competence.
Certificates and EICR coding
Document purpose and condition report coding recap.
| Document | Used for | Revision notes |
|---|---|---|
| EIC | New installation, rewire, new circuits or significant work. | Records design, construction, inspection and testing responsibility. |
| MEIWC | Certain minor additions or alterations without a new circuit. | Not for every job; check scope. |
| EICR | Condition report for an existing installation. | Records observations, codes and overall assessment; not a certificate for new work. |
| Code | Meaning | Revision note |
|---|---|---|
| C1 | Danger present. | Immediate action required. |
| C2 | Potentially dangerous. | Urgent remedial action required. |
| C3 | Improvement recommended. | Not normally unsatisfactory by itself. |
| FI | Further investigation required. | Needs investigation without delay. |
| LIM | Limitation. | Agreed limitation; must not hide accessible defects. |
EICR Testing Reference
Dense competent-person reference for Electrical Installation Condition Reports, Northern Ireland tenancy context, coding, inspection, testing and report writing.
Competent-person reference only. This section is for electrical learning, revision and professional reference. It is not a substitute for BS 7671, IET Guidance Note 3, manufacturer instructions, risk assessment, safe systems of work, insurance conditions or competent supervision.
Apprentice note. If you are in training, do not carry out EICR work unsupervised unless you are competent and authorised to do so. Use this section to understand the process, terminology, observations and report structure, then verify everything against current standards and supervisor instructions.
Regulation note. Standards, model forms and legal duties can change. Verify current requirements against the applicable version of BS 7671, current IET guidance, Electrical Safety First guidance, current Northern Ireland Department for Communities guidance, manufacturer information and local procedures.
An Electrical Installation Condition Report records the condition of an existing electrical installation within agreed extent and limitations. It is a structured inspection and testing report, not a design certificate for new work and not a quote for remedial work.
What it is
A report on whether an existing installation is satisfactory for continued service, based on inspection, testing, observations, limitations and competent judgement.
What it is not
It is not an Electrical Installation Certificate, not a Minor Works Certificate, not a consumer-unit replacement certificate and not proof that future alterations are safe.
Who carries it out
A competent and authorised person with suitable inspection/testing knowledge, experience, equipment, calibration arrangements, insurance and safe systems of work.
Old installations
Older work is assessed against current safety expectations, but age alone does not make an installation unsafe. Coding depends on risk, condition and context.
| Document | Purpose | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| EICR | Condition report for an existing installation. | Periodic inspection, landlord checks, sale/purchase condition review, workplace maintenance. |
| EIC | Certificate for new installation work. | New installation, rewire, new circuit or major alteration requiring design/construction verification. |
| MEIWC | Certificate for certain minor electrical installation work. | Limited additions or alterations where no new circuit is installed and the certificate scope is appropriate. |
NI private tenancy context
Private landlords in Northern Ireland must have the hardwired electrical installation inspected and tested at least every 5 years by a qualified person, or sooner if the report requires it. New private tenancies apply from 1 April 2025; existing tenancies granted before then must comply by 1 December 2025.
Northern Ireland
NI does not operate the same domestic Part P notification system used in England and Wales. Other duties can still apply, including private-tenancy, HMO, workplace, fire, building and contractual duties.
BS 7671
BS 7671:2018+A4:2026 has been published and is in transition. Confirm which edition/amendment the report is based on before relying on wording or model-form interpretation.
Guidance Note 3
GN3 is the main inspection-and-testing guidance book. It is paid material, so this site summarises principles in original wording and points readers to the official publication.
BPG4
Electrical Safety First Best Practice Guide 4 is a public practical coding aid for domestic and similar installations. Use the latest public BPG4, verified during implementation as Issue 7.2, and cross-check current forms.
Frequency and reports
NI private-tenancy reports are normally required at least every 5 years. Copy, retention, council-request and remedial-work timings should be checked against current DfC guidance.
Guidance not law
This section is revision guidance only. It does not replace the standard, GN3, competent-person judgement, scheme guidance, employer procedures or legal advice.
Agree
Client information, previous reports, extent, limitations, access and power interruption.
Assess
Risk assessment, supply/earthing, occupancy, multiple supplies and sensitive loads.
Inspect/test
Visual inspection, safe isolation, dead testing, live testing only where competent and justified.
Report
Codes, urgent danger communication, report issue, remedial work evidence and next inspection date.
Client questions
- reason for report and property use
- previous EIC/EICR/MEIWC availability
- known faults or nuisance tripping
- whether power can be interrupted
Installation clues
- property age and occupancy
- number of consumer units or DBs
- likely supply/earthing type
- outbuildings and external supplies
Special systems
- PV, battery storage, generators or UPS
- EV charging
- immersion, shower, cooker and heating
- alarms, data, security and ELV systems
Occupied property risk
- vulnerable persons and medical equipment
- fridges, freezers, IT equipment and alarms
- pets and access to rooms, lofts or garages
- tenant/landlord communication route
Core test kit
Multifunction tester, proving unit, two-pole voltage indicator or approved test lamp, GS38-compliant leads/probes, continuity leads and long lead/wander lead where appropriate.
Support kit
Lock-off kit, warning notices, labels, camera, notebook, forms/software, suitable hand tools, PPE and torque screwdriver where relevant.
Condition and calibration
Check instrument condition, lead condition, battery state, calibration status and suitability for the installation category before use.
Socket tester warning
Plug-in socket testers can indicate some issues but do not replace competent inspection, testing, safe isolation or calibrated instruments.
Competent-person only
Inspection and testing of live or potentially live installations must only be carried out by a competent and authorised person using suitable test equipment and safe working procedures.
Do not rely on neon screwdrivers, assumptions, labels, conductor colours or non-contact indicators as the primary method of proving dead. Watch for borrowed neutrals, multiple supplies, PV, battery storage, generators, UPS, heating/control circuits, smart controls, automatic switching and diverted neutral currents.
Intake and supply
- service head, metering and isolator visual condition
- main switch and tails visible condition
- earthing arrangement indicators
- supplier/distributor defects referred appropriately
Consumer unit
- covers, blanks, barriers and IP suitability
- signs of overheating, damage or loose equipment
- RCD/RCBO/SPD/AFDD presence where relevant
- accessibility, schedules and labels
Earthing and bonding
- main earthing conductor and MET
- main protective bonding to gas, water, oil, steel or other services where relevant
- continuity and connection condition
- extraneous-conductive-parts judgement
Circuits and accessories
- cable condition, support and mechanical protection
- safe zone awareness and damage signs
- sockets, switches, accessories and evidence of poor alterations
- lighting, downlights, showers, cookers, heating and outdoor equipment
| Type | Revision effect | EICR caution |
|---|---|---|
| TN-S | Separate supply neutral and earth paths. | Confirm by inspection/enquiry/testing; appearance alone can mislead. |
| TN-C-S / PME | Combined supply conductor separated at the installation. | Open-PEN risk awareness for EV, outbuildings and outdoor conductive parts. |
| TT | Local electrode provides installation earth reference. | RCD effectiveness, electrode condition and bonding require careful review. |
| IT | Rare/special arrangement. | Do not assume domestic TN/TT logic applies; check specialist design information. |
Ring finals
Inspect accessories, spurs, load signs and continuity evidence. Common issues include broken ring conductors, borrowed/shared neutrals, damaged accessories and poor additions.
Radial sockets
Review route, load, RCD/RCBO protection, CPC continuity, polarity and outdoor-use implications.
Lighting
Check CPC presence, Class I fittings, downlight heat/fire issues, borrowed neutrals, switching and older colours.
High-load circuits
Cookers, showers, immersion heaters and heating circuits need review against load, isolation, route, protection and manufacturer data.
External/outbuilding
Consider mechanical protection, water ingress, glands, earthing/bonding, extraneous parts, future loads and PME/TT decisions.
Special interfaces
EV, PV, batteries, smoke/heat alarms and ELV/data separation need system-specific awareness and source checks.
Dead tests establish continuity, insulation condition, polarity foundations, circuit identity and protective conductor presence without energising test points. They are not a substitute for competence, calibrated equipment or current GN3/BS 7671 instructions.
| Dead test purpose | What it establishes | Common traps |
|---|---|---|
| CPC/bonding continuity | Protective path and bonding connection continuity. | Parallel paths, poor contact, wrong conductor or inaccessible points. |
| Ring final r1/rn/r2 | Continuity of line, neutral and CPC around the ring. | Cross-connections, spurs mistaken for ring legs, loose terminals. |
| R1+R2 | Line-to-CPC continuity contribution to fault path. | Borrowed neutrals, open CPCs, parallel earth paths. |
| Insulation resistance | Condition between conductors and circuits. | Sensitive equipment, connected loads, SPDs, electronics and damp conditions. |
| Dead polarity | Line conductor switching/protection and conductor identification. | Assumptions from colour, older wiring and mixed-age alterations. |
Live testing warning
Live tests are competent-person-only work. They require suitable approved test equipment, safe systems of work, risk assessment and current guidance. This section explains purpose and risk, not public test steps.
| Live test | Purpose | Risk/limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Ze | External earth fault loop impedance at origin or by enquiry/measurement as appropriate. | Requires care around supply equipment and live conditions; verify current method. |
| PFC/PEFC/PSCC | Prospective fault current values for breaking-capacity assessment. | Supply conditions and measurement method affect result. |
| Zs | Earth fault loop impedance at circuit points for disconnection assessment. | No-trip tests have limitations; RCD support needs current guidance. |
| RCD/RCBO checks | Confirms residual-current device function against relevant requirements. | Type AC/A/F/B awareness, load effects and manufacturer data matter. |
| Functional/voltage/polarity | Confirms operation, voltage presence and line/neutral arrangement. | Can expose users and equipment to risk if poorly planned. |
| Code/term | Meaning | Outcome note |
|---|---|---|
| C1 | Danger present, risk of injury. | Immediate remedial action required; affects overall assessment. |
| C2 | Potentially dangerous. | Urgent remedial action required; affects overall assessment. |
| C3 | Improvement recommended. | Advisory; normally does not make the report unsatisfactory by itself. |
| FI | Further investigation advised/required where risk cannot be resolved from the inspection. | Check current model forms and guidance for exact wording and outcome treatment. |
| LIM | Agreed limitation. | Must be recorded honestly and not used to hide poor inspection quality. |
| N/V or N/A | Not verified or not applicable where the form/software supports it. | Use consistently with the form and agreed extent. |
| Observation | Look for | Why it matters | Likely range | Context affects | Remedial direction | Check note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No RCD for sockets likely to supply outdoor equipment | Socket circuits used for portable outdoor equipment. | Additional shock protection risk. | C2 often cited by BPG4 examples. | Socket use, labels, location, circuit arrangement. | Add appropriate RCD/RCBO protection where required. | Verify current BS 7671 and BPG4. |
| No RCD for bathroom circuits/socket | Bathroom circuits or accessories requiring additional protection. | Increased shock risk in special locations. | C2 context commonly cited. | Equipment type, location, age, supplementary bonding, current requirements. | Provide compliant protection/remedial design. | Verify Section 701/current guidance. |
| Missing main bonding | Gas, water, oil or other extraneous services not effectively bonded where required. | Dangerous potential differences. | C2 commonly cited. | Whether service is extraneous, supply type, continuity evidence. | Install/verify suitable main protective bonding. | Verify against current BS 7671. |
| Undersized or ineffective bonding | Bonding present but unsuitable, damaged or not continuous. | Protective measure may be ineffective. | C2/C3 context-dependent. | Actual size, continuity, supply type and risk. | Upgrade or repair bonding as required. | Do not guess sizes from memory. |
| Exposed live parts / damaged accessory | Broken accessories, missing covers, exposed conductors. | Immediate shock/burn risk. | C1 where live parts accessible. | Accessibility and energised condition. | Make safe immediately, then repair/replace. | BPG4 gives strong examples. |
| Missing consumer-unit blank | Open way or missing device with accessible live parts. | Direct access to live parts. | C1 where accessible live parts exist. | Accessibility, enclosure condition, live state. | Fit correct blank/device and verify enclosure integrity. | BPG4 gives strong examples. |
| Burnt or overheated equipment | Discolouration, smell, melted insulation, heat damage. | Fire risk or loose/overloaded connection. | C2/FI/C1 depending danger. | Severity, access to live parts, active overheating. | Investigate, isolate if dangerous, repair. | Use competent judgement. |
| Broken ring final continuity | Open r1, rn or r2, inconsistent readings or test evidence. | Load distribution and protective path risk. | C2 often cited. | Which conductor, load, protection, spur arrangements. | Trace and repair ring continuity. | Verify current BPG4/GN3. |
| Reversed polarity | Line/neutral reversal at accessories or supply points. | Switching/protection may not be in line conductor. | C2 commonly likely. | Location, device type, exposure risk. | Correct polarity and retest. | Verify before coding. |
| No CPC on lighting circuit | Older lighting circuit with no protective conductor. | Class I fittings/accessories may become dangerous. | C2 where Class I equipment or metal plates depend on CPC. | Actual accessories, labels, RCD, user risk. | Replace Class I fittings, rewire, or design suitable remedial work. | BPG4 gives specific examples. |
| Borrowed or shared neutral | Unexpected neutral paths, RCD trips, two-circuit interaction. | Danger during isolation and device operation issues. | C2 commonly cited. | Which circuits, protective devices, isolation risk. | Separate/rewire circuits correctly. | Competent investigation required. |
| High Zs without suitable support | Loop impedance not supporting device operation. | Automatic disconnection may not occur as intended. | C2 context commonly cited. | Device data, RCD support, supply type, measurement method. | Improve fault path/protection after design review. | Verify current tables/device data. |
| Low insulation resistance | IR result or symptoms suggesting damaged insulation. | Shock/fire/unreliable operation risk. | FI/C2 context-dependent. | Circuit type, equipment connected, moisture, trend. | Investigate and repair damaged circuit/equipment. | Verify current guidance and limitations. |
| Plastic consumer unit | Plastic enclosure, especially under stairs/escape routes. | Fire containment concern, but not automatically a fail. | C3 in common BPG4-type scenarios. | Location, condition, damage, overheating, escape route. | Recommend improvement where appropriate. | Do not code solely because it is plastic. |
| SPD absence | No surge protection where current rules/risk indicate it. | Equipment damage and safety/service continuity risk. | C3/observation commonly context-dependent. | Installation type, risk assessment, client requirement, current BS 7671. | Assess and install SPD where required/recommended. | Verify current A4 wording. |
| AFDD absence | No AFDD in categories where current rules recommend/require. | Arc-fault fire risk reduction in specific premises. | C3 or observation context-dependent. | Premises type, circuit type, current BS 7671 category. | Recommend/install where applicable. | Verify current A4 wording. |
| EV charger on PME with unmet requirements | EV supply lacking required open-PEN/earthing safeguards. | Potential touch-voltage risk in open-PEN conditions. | C3/C2/FI context-dependent. | Charger design, protection, supply type, manufacturer data. | Review EV earthing/protection design. | Verify current BS 7671 and manufacturer data. |
| Inadequate labels or circuit ID | Missing schedules, unclear circuit labels, no RCD notices where relevant. | Future isolation/testing risk. | C3/observation usually. | Severity, occupancy, emergency use and risk. | Update labels and schedules. | Use form guidance and judgement. |
Example only: a typical occupied house with one consumer unit, socket ring final, lighting circuits, cooker circuit, shower circuit, boiler controls, outdoor light/socket and detached garage. No fake measurements are provided.
Example observations
- consumer unit schedule incomplete
- one damaged socket in kitchen
- lighting circuit with mixed older colours
- garage supply needs limitation due no access to buried route
Example limitation
Loft areas partly boarded and stored items restricted access; concealed cable routes not fully inspected. Limitation agreed before inspection and recorded.
Example report wording
"Kitchen double socket adjacent to worktop damaged, exposing internal parts when plug removed. Immediate repair/replacement required. Classification subject to condition found at inspection."
Example outcome
Overall outcome follows the highest-risk observations and current model-form guidance. C1/C2 or unresolved FI normally drive unsatisfactory; C3-only observations normally remain advisory.
| Form area | Revision note |
|---|---|
| Client and address | Identify person ordering report and installation address accurately. |
| Reason, extent and limitations | Record why the report is needed and what was/was not covered. |
| Supply, earthing and bonding | Record characteristics, protective conductors and bonding details. |
| Schedules | Inspection schedule, circuit details and test results accompany the report. |
| Observations and codes | Write concise, defensible observations with location, issue, risk, code and action direction. |
| Declaration and next date | Authorisation, summary and recommended next inspection date should reflect findings. |
Certificate boundary
Remedial work is certified using the appropriate certificate/report for that work. Do not misuse an EICR as a certificate for new installation work.
Limitations can be agreed before the inspection or arise operationally on site. They must be honest, specific and defensible, and must not be used to hide poor inspection quality.
| Limitation | Good wording | Poor wording |
|---|---|---|
| No loft access | Loft hatch blocked by stored items; roof-space wiring not fully inspected. | Could not check upstairs. |
| No power interruption | Client refused isolation of freezer/IT circuit; dead/live tests limited and recorded. | Testing not done. |
| Sensitive equipment | Equipment could not be disconnected; IR test limitation recorded for affected circuit. | Skipped IR. |
| Sealed DNO equipment | Distributor equipment visually inspected only; defects referred appropriately. | Supply looks fine. |
No-CPC lighting
Code depends on Class I fittings/accessories, user risk, labels and remedial practicality. Verify current BPG4.
Old colours / rewireable fuses
Age is not automatically unsatisfactory. Condition, protection, labels, damage and risk drive observations.
TT systems
RCD dependence, electrode condition, bonding and test evidence need careful competent review.
EV, PV and batteries
Multiple supplies, isolators, DC risks, open-PEN and manufacturer data must be considered.
HMO/private rented
NI private tenancy and HMO licensing contexts can add duties beyond a normal homeowner EICR.
Commercial/three-phase/agricultural
Use this as awareness only; specialist competence and additional standards/procedures may be required.
Before you touch anything
- know who is supervising you
- understand the isolation plan
- ask before removing covers
- never assume a circuit is dead
Watch the supervisor
- how scope/limitations are agreed
- how visual observations are written
- how test equipment is proved
- how codes are justified
Useful questions
- What risk makes this code appropriate?
- What source would you check?
- What limitation should be recorded?
- What remedial certificate would follow?
Common mistakes
- copying old codes without context
- messy circuit IDs
- forgetting limitations
- treating live tests casually
| Term | Apprentice recap |
|---|---|
| Extent | What the inspection covers. |
| Limitation | What was agreed or could not be inspected/tested. |
| Observation | A recorded issue with location, risk and classification. |
| Schedule | Inspection or test-result record attached to the report. |
| FI | Further investigation where risk cannot be resolved from available evidence. |
All diagrams are original conceptual revision visuals. They are not copied from BS 7671, GN3 or proprietary guides, and they do not show terminal-level instructions.
Pre-visit
- reason for report
- previous paperwork requested
- access and power interruption agreed
- special systems identified
Tools
- MFT and proving unit
- voltage indicator
- lock-off kit
- leads/probes checked
Safe isolation
- identify circuit
- inform occupants
- secure isolation
- prove/test/re-prove
Visual inspection
- intake visual check
- consumer unit condition
- earthing and bonding
- accessories and external equipment
Dead testing
- CPC/bonding continuity
- ring final continuity
- R1+R2
- insulation resistance precautions
Live testing
- risk assessment
- Ze/Zs/PFC purpose
- RCD/RCBO checks
- functional checks
Coding
- risk identified
- code justified
- source checked
- urgent danger communicated
Report completion
- extent and limitations complete
- schedules attached
- observations defensible
- next inspection date set
Apprentice day
- supervisor identified
- do not work unsupervised
- record neatly
- ask before touching
Common defects
- exposed live parts
- missing bonding
- broken ring
- polarity/RCD/Zs issues
IET BS 7671 update page
Use for current edition and transition status. Open source
IET A4 EICR model forms
Use for current form structure, schedules and coding wording. Open source
IET Guidance Note 3
Use as the main inspection-and-testing guidance publication; check errata and current edition. Open errata
Electrical Safety First BPG4
Use the latest public coding guide as practical support, verified here as Issue 7.2. Open source
Electrical Safety First BPG2
Use for safe-isolation procedure context and industry-agreed safe working reminders. Open source
DfC NI private tenancy guidance
Use for Northern Ireland landlord dates, report duties and remedial/further-investigation timing. Open source
HSE GS38 and HSENI
Use for test-equipment and competence/safe-working context. Open GS38
HSENI electrical safety
Use for Northern Ireland workplace competence, isolation and testing context. Open source
Bathrooms and special locations
Bathrooms and shower rooms have increased electric shock risk because of water and reduced body resistance.
- zones concept
- IP rating concept
- equipment suitability
- SELV where relevant
- electric shower risks
- towel rails and underfloor heating
- extractor fans
- shaver supplies
- supplementary bonding considerations
- RCD/RCBO additional protection
- manufacturer instructions
Outdoor supplies and outbuildings
Outdoor electrical work needs attention to mechanical protection, environment, water ingress, earthing, bonding and future loading.
- SWA concept
- buried route considerations
- IP ratings
- glands/earthing continuity concept
- detached garage/shed supplies
- TT vs PME design dependency
- extraneous-conductive-parts
- outdoor sockets
- garden lighting
- workshops
No blanket rules
Do not use blanket rules about TT or PME for every outbuilding. The correct arrangement is design-dependent.
EV charging revision notes
EV chargers introduce high continuous load and specific earthing/open-PEN considerations.
Assessment
Load and supply
Maximum demand, supply capacity and circuit route.
Earthing
Open-PEN / PME
Specific risks and protection concepts.
Protection
RCD and device data
Device/application/current standard dependent.
NI
NIE notification
NIE Networks must be notified of an EV charge point installation.
Smoke, heat and carbon monoxide alarms
Northern Ireland private rented properties have specific alarm duties.
Private tenancy dates
Alarm requirements apply to new private tenancies granted on or after 1 September 2024. Existing tenancies granted before that date had to comply by 1 December 2024.
- smoke alarm in the room most frequently used for general daytime living
- smoke alarm in every circulation space such as halls, stairs, landings and corridors
- heat alarm in every kitchen
- carbon monoxide alarm in any room or circulation space containing a flue or fixed combustion appliance as described in DfC guidance
- smoke and heat alarms must be interlinked in private rented properties
- hardwired alarms must be fitted by a qualified electrician
Northern Ireland compliance recap
NI has its own domestic electrical compliance context. Do not import England/Wales assumptions.
Correction
Part P
NI does not use the same domestic electrical Part P system as England and Wales.
Domestic work
No direct Part P equivalent
Work still needs safe design, installation, inspection and testing.
Correction
Technical Booklet P
It relates to sanitary appliances, unvented hot water and scalding risk.
Workplace
HSENI context
Competence, isolation/testing and appropriate standards remain relevant.
NI private tenancy electrical safety checks
Private landlords in Northern Ireland must arrange periodic inspection and testing by a qualified person.
| Item | Recap |
|---|---|
| Interval | At least every 5 years, or sooner if the report requires it. |
| New tenancies | New private tenancies granted on or after 1 April 2025 must comply from that date. |
| Existing tenancies | Existing tenancies granted before 1 April 2025 must comply by 1 December 2025. |
| Inspection scope | Fixed wiring, socket-outlets, light fittings, consumer units and permanently connected equipment such as showers and extractor fans. |
| Report duties | Landlords must obtain, retain and provide reports where required and arrange required remedial work or further investigation. |
Source library
Official/current source links used as review anchors.
| Source | Used for | Link |
|---|---|---|
| IET BS 7671 current edition/amendment | Edition and amendment status. | Open source |
| Electrical Safety First NI Building Regulations | NI domestic electrical Building Regulations context. | Open source |
| Department of Finance NI Technical Booklet P | Technical Booklet P correction. | Open source |
| DfC NI private tenancy electrical safety | Private-tenancy electrical safety dates, scope and duties. | Open source |
| DfC NI smoke, heat and CO alarms | Private-tenancy alarm dates and requirements. | Open source |
| HSENI electrical safety | Workplace competence and safety context. | Open source |
| Consumer Council NI EV charging | EV charging and NIE Networks notification context. | Open source |
| NIE Networks EVs / Heat Pumps | Low carbon technologies application and notification process checks. | Open source |
Manual review checklist
Sections that need qualified/current-standard review before being relied upon.
- BS 7671 edition/amendment note
- safe isolation wording
- inspection and testing wording
- EICR coding notes
- consumer unit/protective device notes
- SPDs and AFDDs
- bathroom and special-location notes
- EV charging/open-PEN/PME notes
- outbuilding earthing and bonding notes
- NI private tenancy electrical safety dates and duties
- NI smoke, heat and CO alarm dates and duties
- Building Control and NI compliance wording