Posted By Peter Still Graham, I'm surprised at the lack of responses to your questions - I guess that's the problem with rhetorical questions! I'm not an installation expert but I do have many of the standards, so here's my attempt at some answers. 1. Yes that's correc t. I have Chapter 62 "Inspection and Testing" of BS 7671: 2008 open as I type, and it states that the frequency of testing shall be determined having regard to the type of installation and equipment, its use, operation, maintenance, etc., including the results of any previous testing. It goes on to state that under an effective management system for preventive maintenance, periodic inspection and testing may be replaced by continuous monitoring and maintenance by competent persons. This has not changed from the 16th Edition (BS 7671:2001), and is in line with the HSE's guidance on the EAWR. 2. In the past there has been a tendency by some less-competent persons to rely solely on test results rather than making informed judgements about the condition of the electrical installation, for example old perished rubber insulated wiring has been left in place simply because it passed the tests. Also in some installations it is extremely difficult or dangerous to perform the tests. 3. In some organisations with extensive installations it is normal practice to test 20% of the fixed installation every year, so the whole installation is tested every 5 years. This needs a robust management system, but as long as the testing is a backup for a preventive maintenance regime that should be more than adequate. 4. You can't. £65 from BSI but probably better for your health than a night out in Swansea! On the other hand you could get a trade association to nominate you as a member of the responsible BSI committee, and participate actively in the next revision, then you'll get a complimentary committee member's copy. 5. Compared to some other standards, the cost of BS 7671, aka "the IEE Wiring Regs" is quite reasonable. It is written by a joint committee of BSI and the IET, and seems to be a lower price than would be expected for other British Standards of similar size. Maybe this is because the IET make a lot of money out of selling their Guidance Notes so are effectively subsidising the standard. Standards cost a lot of money to develop, the number of meetings and circulated documents involved in the process would surprise most people who aren't involved, but are essential to achieve a reasonable consensus among the participants. Hope this helps you. Peter

Posted By paul.skyrme Hi, I can assist in this, but don't have BS7671 to hand, and that is not the only suitable reference as there is an IET document known in the trade as GN3, it relates to inspection & testing. This is my area and, you have mentioned my home! PM me if you want further help, or we can put this on the forum I will get the documents home tomorrow or the night after & try to have them available to answer your qestions. i am a qualified fixed wiring inspector as well!