UK 3rd Party Testing

[SparkySy]

Tbh judging by the caliber of most of the building inspectors on our BC I wonder if they would even know what one is (test report that is) apart from the fact it should be there!

 

[Julie.]

I never really understand the outraged and strenuous objections to third party testing, after all the EIC is designed for this very thing.

On large projects I would receive the EICs for me to complete as the designer, they would already be installed and signed by one "installer " - usually the supervisor of the team of electricians who completed the installation to my design, and signed by another as the "inspector" - usually the one individual who completed the testing.

Yes, sometimes the designer, "installer", and tester worked for the same company, but not always.

In many cases when the tester was third party the tester would highlight the extent of testing/inspection possible (not able to verify zones etc).

So it is not beyond the wit of man (woman) to do the same for smaller installations and the part P notification when applicable.

 

[DPG]

I never really understand the outraged and strenuous objections to third party testing, after all the EIC is designed for this very thing.

On large projects I would receive the EICs for me to complete as the designer, they would already be installed and signed by one "installer " - usually the supervisor of the team of electricians who completed the installation to my design, and signed by another as the "inspector" - usually the one individual who completed the testing.

Yes, sometimes the designer, "installer", and tester worked for the same company, but not always.

In many cases when the tester was third party the tester would highlight the extent of testing/inspection possible (not able to verify zones etc).

So it is not beyond the wit of man (woman) to do the same for smaller installations and the part P notification when applicable.

Yes, but it's not really in the spirit of the regulations for some random non registered spark to fit some new sockets then try and find a registered spark who is willing to give him a ticket for it, despite him never even having seen the job before.

 

[Julie.]

Yes, but it's not really in the spirit of the regulations for some random non registered spark to fit some new sockets then try and find a registered spark who is willing to give him a ticket for it, despite him never even having seen the job before.

That example isn't, but just because there can be bad situations, doesn't mean that every other case is.

Hence I can't understand the outright objections.

Sure object in the right circumstances, but also accept it's a valid arrangement when it is.

 

[DPG]

That example isn't, but just because there can be bad situations, doesn't mean that every other case is.

Hence I can't understand the outright objections.

Sure object in the right circumstances, but also accept it's a valid arrangement when it is.

I think the outright objections are generally aimed at the type of thing I mentioned though, rather than anybody objecting to legitimate jobs where there may be a different designer/installer/tester.

 

[plugsandsparks]

I have 3rd part signed off, i think, twice. Once for an apprentice who was doing his own place, i followed NAPITs rules to the letter, checking cable runs before plastering etc and asked him not to terminate at the board end and leave all accessories unscrewed. It worked out quite well, but it was never energised before i had completed the tests and signed off. I think this is where it goes wrong. I know a firm that had energised a cct (to keep the lights on) in a commercial setting prior to testing and signing off and the next electrician (doing another job) got a belt and it all got messy. I was asked to help be the "impartial" opinion.

The second job was when i was working with the local electricians in an industrial setting, i was the designer and tester and they were the installer. As Julie says , this can work very well.

However, rocking up to an installation that has been designed , installed and probably energised and then asking me to test it is simply a *iss take. As mentioned there is no upside.