Rank: Forum user 
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Hi all,
Wondering if someone with electrical experience (or a copy of the British Standard to hand) can explain the definition of 'Commercial' and 'Industrial' within the context of fixed electrical installation testing and inspection.
I am having a debate with management regarding 'the use' of our buildings - which will determine frequency of the inspection regime.
Thanks
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Rank: Super forum user
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'Industrial' generally means a place where 'items are made or adapted for sale' - so a workshop in the back of a shop which refurbishes washing machines is 'industrial' whilst the shop out front where the second-hand goods are sold is 'commercial'.
'commercial' means any premises not industrial and not residential... Includes e.g. offices, shops and railway premises, hotels and boarding houses and etc etc.
Hope this helps.
Steve
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Rank: Forum user
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Thanks Steve
Does anyone know where does the guidance on frequency for inspection and testing originate? Is it from the 17th Edition?
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Rank: Super forum user
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B.Bruce wrote:Thanks Steve
Does anyone know where does the guidance on frequency for inspection and testing originate? Is it from the 17th Edition? Frequency of inspection might also be dictated by your Insurer, so it is worth cheking with your Broker.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Quite right. BS7671 (17th)as amended qith Ref to Guidance not 3
Part 6
622
622.1
The frequency of periodic inspection and testing of an installation shall be determined having regard to the type of installation and equipment, its use and operation..etc
Also, with regard to the recommendations noted in any previous reports.
The 'next test due by' label on the distribution boards.
A change of use of the installation
The type and quality of maintenance
If the installation is damaged
Please refer to an NICEIC ECA or NAPIT contractor or PM me for more help.
Keep an eye open here for Paul.S he's cool
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Rank: Super forum user 
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OP,
What does the original EIC state?
When was the install completed?
As has been said, what does you insurer have to say?
When was the last PIR/EICR undertaken?
What was the interval stipulated on that?
There is no statute law to define this.
The period is down to the engineering competence of the designer/inspector & tester, trouble is, this is a diminishing skill in the, "industry" & there are too many incompetent people undertaking, design, inspection & testing of commercial & industrial premises electrical installations.
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Rank: Forum user
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The original design documents will state the period between testing.
Guidance note 3 will state the timescale for different buildings etc, this is a guidline.
We do a percentage Of the building every year, which means we do 100 percent over 5 years, it spreads the remedial works and costs over a longer period. It works for us.
Try to make sure your tester has a 2391 qualification, a good indication he knows what he is doing, as unfortunately anyone can call them a spark and set up business.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Rank: Forum user
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I know, but i cant remember what its called it was 2391 when i did mine.
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Rank: Forum user
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And you will find many an electrician with the 2391 qualification, but not so may with the new one.
Its not a course i will repeat to get a new qualification thats for sure.
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Rank: Forum user
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paul.skyrme wrote:OP,
What does the original EIC state?
When was the install completed?
As has been said, what does you insurer have to say?
When was the last PIR/EICR undertaken?
What was the interval stipulated on that?
There is no statute law to define this.
The period is down to the engineering competence of the designer/inspector & tester, trouble is, this is a diminishing skill in the, "industry" & there are too many incompetent people undertaking, design, inspection & testing of commercial & industrial premises electrical installations.
Hi Paul, We have 15 different buildings, all of varying ages and both commercial and industrial. Some of the buildings are 40-50 years old. Our Electrical Contractor has stated on the PIR 5 yearly on all our buildings. On trying to search around I found references to 5yr for Commercial and 3yr for Industrial - just wondered where this comes from. Is it Guidance Note 3 which suggests thsi timetable?
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Rank: Super forum user
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The 3/5 Yrs is from GN3.
If the contractor is happy with 5 years on Ind then fine.
I have done the same, as the client has their own maint dept.
Remember EICR's are not compulsory, even under 7671, there are other ways of meeting this requirement.
It's just that the insurance companies see them as a get out.
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Rank: Super forum user
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C&G 2391 is still the real deal. The exam as was is now two. One for new installations and the other for existing (old P..I.R.)
The 'old' 2391 is still top dollar as it shows that you should be competent to work on both.
And, of course, us old blokes will have experience of both old and new wiring. (7.029, twin with 1.00mm cpc and so on!
:-) be nice to each other
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Rank: Super forum user
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As Paul says..as long as the installation has been well maintained then...not compulsory
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