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A dangerous condition - line conductor connected to the metallicenclosure of a light fitting (in addition to exposed conductors)Some certification, registration and membershipbodies make available ‘dangerous conditionnotification’ forms. These assist inspectors to record,and then to communicate immediately to theperson responsible for the safety of the installation,any dangerous condition discovered. The Electrical Safety Councilpage 7

ObservationsThe periodic inspection and testing proceduresshould identify any damage, deterioration, defectsand conditions within the installation that give rise,or potentially give rise, to danger. The proceduresshould also identify any deficiencies for whichremedial action would contribute to a significantimprovement in the safety of the electricalinstallation.After due consideration, each such observed safetyissue should be recorded at the appropriate point inthe inspection or test results schedule, and furtherdetailed in the ‘observations’ section of the report.Only observations that can be supported by one ormore regulations in the edition of BS 7671 currentat the time of the periodic inspection should berecorded. The particular regulation number(s) neednot be entered in the report (unless specificallyrequired by the client), but should serve to remindthe inspector that it is only compliance with BS 7671that is to be considered. Observations based solelyon personal preference or ‘custom and practice’should not be included.The observations should be based on therequirements of the edition of BS 7671 current atthe time of the inspection, not on the requirementsof an earlier edition current at the time theinstallation was constructed.Each observation should be written in a clear,accurate and concise manner that is likely to beunderstood by the person ordering the work.Technical terms should be avoided or explainedunless it is known that the recipient is an electricalengineer or electrician, for example.An electrical installation condition report is intendedto be a factual report on the condition of aninstallation, not a proposal for remedial work.Therefore, each recorded observation shoulddescribe a specific defect, omission or item for whichimprovement is recommended.Recessed luminaire above a bath (outside the zones)The observation should detail what the situation is,and not what is considered necessary to put it right.For example, ‘excessive damage to the consumerunit enclosure’ would be appropriate, whereas‘consumer unit to be replaced’ would not.page 8 The Electrical Safety Council

Classification CodesEach observation relating to a concern about thesafety of the installation should be attributed anappropriate Classification Code selected from thestandard codes C1, C2 and C3. Each code has aparticular meaning:Code C1 ‘Danger present’. Risk of injury.Immediate remedial action required.Code C2 ‘Potentially dangerous’.Urgent remedial action requiredCode C3 ‘Improvement recommended’.Where a Classification Code C1 is consideredappropriate, the client is to be advised immediately,and also in writing, that immediate remedial actionis required (or has been taken) to remove thedanger. As previously indicated, this action isnecessary to satisfy the duties imposed on theinspector and other duty holders by the Health andSafety at Work etc Act 1974 and the Electricity atWork Regulations 1989.Wherever an item in the inspection or test resultsschedule has been attributed a Classification CodeC1, C2 or C3, there should be a correspondingobservation in the ‘observations’ section ofthe report.Only one of the standard Classification Codes shouldbe attributed to each observation. If more than oneClassification Code could be attributed to anobservation, only the most serious one should beused (Code C1 being the most serious).Where the inspection and testing proceduresidentify an item which is dangerous or potentiallydangerous, it should be identified in the inspectionor test results schedule of the report by attributing toit a Classification Code C1 or C2, as appropriate, inthe ‘outcome’ column of the inspection schedule or,where provided, the ‘remarks’ column of the testschedule.Where the inspection and testing proceduresidentify an item which is not dangerous orpotentially dangerous, but for which improvement isrecommended, it should be identified in theinspection or test results schedule of the report byattributing to it a Classification Code C3 in the‘outcome’ column of the inspection schedule or,where provided, the ‘remarks’ column of the testschedule.Live parts exposed to touchWhere during inspection and testing a real andimmediate danger is observed that puts thesafety of those using the installation at risk,Classification Code C1 (danger present) mustbe given. The Electrical Safety Councilpage 9

In general terms, theClassification Codes should beused as follows:Code C1 (Danger present)This code should be used to indicate that dangerexists, requiring immediate remedial action.Further investigationThe model forms in BS 7671: 2008 incorporatingAmendment 1 provide for a need for furtherinvestigation to be indicated against each inspectionand test outcome, and against each observation.Usually, however, it should be possible to attribute aClassification Code to each observation without theneed for further investigation.The persons using the installation are at immediaterisk. The person ordering the report should beadvised to take action without delay to remedy theobserved deficiency in the installation, or to takeother appropriate action (such as switching off andisolating the affected parts of the installation) toremove the danger. The inspector should not waitfor the full report to be issued before giving thisadvice.The purpose of periodic inspection, as previouslystated, is not to carry out a fault-finding exercise, butto assess and report on the condition of aninstallation within the agreed extent and limitationsof the inspection. Therefore, where an observationcan be attributed a Classification Code, furtherinvestigation would not be required for the purposesof completing the condition report.As previously indicated, some certification,registration and membership bodies make available‘dangerous condition notification’ forms to enableinspectors to record, and then to communicateimmediately to the person ordering the report, anydangerous condition discovered.Further investigation should not be called for inrespect of any observation unless that investigationcould reasonably be expected to reveal danger orpotential danger. Further investigation should not becalled for simply because it would be ‘nice to know’– for example, why a socket-outlet is unearthed.Code C2 (Potentially dangerous)If an observation cannot be attributed aClassification Code due to reasonable doubt asto whether danger or potential danger exists,the outcome of the assessment must bereported to be unsatisfactory.This code should be used to indicate that, whilst anobserved deficiency is not considered to bedangerous at the time of the periodic inspection, itwould become a real and immediate danger if afault or other foreseeable event was to occur in theinstallation or connected equipment.The person ordering the report should be advisedthat, whilst the safety of those using the installationmay not be at immediate risk, remedial actionshould be taken as a matter of urgency to removethe source of potential danger.The person ordering the report should be advisedthat the inspection and/or testing has revealed apotential safety issue which could not, due to theagreed extent or limitations of the inspection, befully determined, and that the issue should beinvestigated as soon as possible.An example of an observation that might possiblyjustify further investigation is given on page 17.Code C3 (Improvement recommended)This code should be used to indicate that, whilst anobserved deficiency is not considered to be a sourceof immediate or potential danger, improvementwould contribute to a significant enhancement ofthe safety of the electrical installation.page 10Departures from the requirements of the currentedition of BS 7671 that do not give rise todanger or need improvementAmendment 1 to BS 7671: 2008 no longer requiresdepartures from the requirements of the currentedition of BS 7671 that do not give rise to danger orneed improvement to be recorded in conditionreports. (Examples of such departures are given onpage 17.) The Electrical Safety Council

Summary of the conditionof the installationThe summary should adequately describe thegeneral condition of the installation in terms ofelectrical safety, taking into account the specificobservations made. It is essential to provide a clearsummary of the condition of the installation havingconsidered, for example: The adequacy of the earthing and bondingarrangements The suitability of the consumer unit and othercontrol equipment The type(s) of wiring system, and its condition The presence of adequate identification andnotices The extent of any wear and tear, damage orother deterioration Changes in use of the premises that have ledto, or might lead to, deficiencies in theinstallation.The serviceability of equipment, includingaccessoriesMinimal descriptions such as ‘poor’, andsuperficial statements such as ‘recommend arewire’, are considered unacceptable as they donot indicate the true condition of aninstallation. It will often be necessary orappropriate to explain the implications of anelectrical installation condition report in acovering letter, for the benefit of recipients whorequire additional advice and guidance abouttheir installation.For example, where an installation has deterioratedor been damaged to such an extent that its safeserviceable life can reasonably be considered to beat an end, a recommendation for renewal should bemade in a covering letter, giving adequatesupporting reasons. Reference to the covering lettershould be made in the report. The Electrical Safety CouncilUnsatisfactory connection to a downlighterOn the model electrical installation condition reportgiven in BS 7671, a box is provided for the overallassessment of the condition of the installation to begiven. After due consideration, the overall conditionof the installation should be given as either‘satisfactory’ or ‘unsatisfactory’.If any observation in the report has been givena Code C1 or Code C2 classification ascategorised in this Guide, or if any observationsrequire further investigation to determinewhether danger or potential danger exists, theoverall assessment of the condition of theinstallation must be reported to be‘unsatisfactory’.If there are no observations in the report classifiedas C1 or C2, or that require further investigation, itwould not be reasonable to report the overallcondition of the installation as unsatisfactory.The recommended interval until the nextinspection should be made conditional upon allobservations that have been given aClassification Code C1 (danger present) beingremedied immediately and all observations thathave been given a Code C2 (potentiallydangerous) or that require further investigationbeing remedied or investigated respectively as amatter of urgency.Where the space provided for the description of thegeneral condition of the installation is inadequatefor the purpose and it is necessary to continue thedescription on an additional page(s), the pagenumber(s) of the additional page(s) should berecorded.page 11

Examples of the use of Classification CodesExamples of the use ofClassification CodesIt is entirely a matter for the competent personconducting the inspection to decide on theClassification Code to be attributed to anobservation. The inspector’s own judgement asa competent person should not be undulyinfluenced by the person ordering the work. Theperson(s) signing the report are fully responsiblefor its content and accuracy. Conductive parts have become live as theresult of a fault Incorrect polarityCode C2 (Potentially dangerous)Observations that would usually warrant a Code C2classification include: Absence of a reliable and effective means ofearthing for the installationThe following examples are not exhaustive. Allreferences to RCD protection mean additionalprotection by an RCD having a rated operating(tripping) current (I n) not greater than 30 mAand an operating time not exceeding 40 ms at aresidual current of 5 I n.Code C1 (Danger present)Observations that would almost certainly warrant aCode C1 classification include: Exposed live parts that are accessible to touch,such as where: a fuse carrier or circuit-breaker is missingfrom a consumer unit and a blanking piece isnot fitted in its placeterminations or connections have no (ordamaged) barriers or enclosureslive conductors have no (or damaged)insulationAbsence of a reliable means of earthing A public utility water pipe being used as themeans of earthing for the installation A gas or oil pipe being used as the means ofearthing for the installation Cross-sectional area of the earthing conductordoes not satisfy adiabatic requirements (that is,does not comply with Regulation 543.1.1) Absence of a circuit protective conductor for alighting circuit supplying one or more items ofClass I equipment, or connected to switcheshaving metallic face plates2 Absence of a notice warning that lightingcircuits have no circuit protective conductor2 Absence of a circuit protective conductor for acircuit, other than a lighting circuit, supplyingone or more items of Class I equipment Absence of earthing at a socket-outletan accessory is badly damaged.Absence of main protective bondingSocket-outlet with broken face plate2 See the Electrical Safety First Best Practice Guide No 1 - replacing a consumer unit in domestic premises where lighting circuits haveno protective conductor.page 12 The Electrical Safety Council

Examples of the use of Classification Codes Inadequate cross-sectional area of a mainprotective bonding conductor where theconductor is less than 6 mm2 or where there isevidence of thermal damage Socket-outlets other than SELV or shaver socketoutlets located less than 3 m horizontally fromthe boundary of zone 1 in a location containinga bath or shower Absence of supplementary bonding whererequired3 , such as in a location containing abath or shower, where any of the followingthree conditions are not satisfied: Absence of fault protection (protection againstindirect contact) by RCD where required, suchas for a socket-outlet circuit in an installationforming part of a TT system Circuits with ineffective overcurrent protection(due, for example, to oversized fuse wire inrewireable fuses) All final circuits of the location comply withthe requirements of Regulation 411.3.2 forautomatic disconnection, andAll final circuits of the location haveadditional protection by means of a 30 mARCD, andAll extraneous-conductive-parts of thelocation are effectively connected to theprotective equipotential bonding (mainearthing terminal).Checking a fuse carrier (base missing) A protective device installed in a neutralconductor only Separate protective devices in line and neutralconductors (for example, double-pole fusing)Absence of supplementary bonding The main RCD or voltage-operated earthleakage circuit-breaker on a TT system fails tooperate when tested with an instrument orintegral test button Absence of RCD protection for portable ormobile equipment that may reasonably beexpected to be used outdoors Absence of RCD protection for socket-outlets ina location containing a bath or shower, otherthan for SELV or shaver socket-outletsDouble-pole switch with fuses in each pole3Where the presence of supplementary bonding cannot be confirmed by inspection, it may be verified by a continuity test ( 0.05Ω) The Electrical Safety Councilpage 13

Examples of the use of Classification Codes Earth fault loop impedance value greater thanthat required for operation of the protectivedevice within the time prescribed in the versionof BS 7671/IET Wiring Regulations current atthe time of installation A ring final circuit having a discontinuousconductor A ring final circuit cross-connected withanother circuit Inconsistent resistance values for theconductors of ring final circuits Unsatisfactory electrical connection (such asa loose connection or type, number and/orsize of conductors unsuitable for the meansof connection) Insulation of live conductors deteriorated tosuch an extent that the insulating materialreadily breaks away from the conductorsCrumbling vulcanised rubber insulation Sheath of an insulated and sheathed nonarmoured cable not taken inside the enclosureof an accessory, such as at a socket-outlet orlighting switch, where the unsheathed cores areaccessible to touch and/or likely to come intocontact with metalwork. (Note: Code C3 wouldapply if the unsheathed cores are notaccessible to touch nor likely to come intocontact with metalwork)Unsatisfactory electrical connections A ‘borrowed neutral’, for example where asingle final circuit neutral is shared by two finalcircuits (such as an upstairs lighting circuit anda separately-protected downstairs lightingcircuit)Insulation resistance of less than 1 MΩbetween live conductors connected togetherand Earth, when measured at the consumerunit with all final circuits connectedpage 14Cable sheath not taken inside metallic enclosure Unenclosed electrical connections, such as atluminaires. (Such a defect can contribute to afire, particularly where extra-low voltagefilament lamps are used) Fire risk from incorrectly installed electricalequipment, including incorrectly selected orinstalled downlighters The Electrical Safety Council

Examples of the use of Classification Codes Fire risk from lamps exceeding the maximumrated wattage for the luminaires, or placed tooclose to combustible materials Evidence of excessive heat (such as charring)from electrical equipment causing damage tothe installation or its surroundings Unsatisfactory functional operation ofequipment where this might result in danger Immersion heater doe

Every electrical installation deteriorates with use and time. Therefore, if the safety of the users is not to be put at risk, it is important that every installation is periodically inspected and tested by a competent person. Indeed, it is recommended in BS 7671: 2008 as amended (Regulation 135.1) that every