Regulations for testing residential gas and electrics

[Murph7355]

Are there any statutory regulations for regular testing of gas and electrics in a residential (not rental) property?

I'm not aware of any, but would be useful to know if there are. I know certificates on installs or modifications are needed now, but what about steady state testing?

[R1 CKY]

A Landlord/Homeowner's Gas Safety Certificate or CP12 is pretty much an MOT for Gas in your house.

But I don't think there are any rules in force to say you must have one in a private home.

[Cogcog]

I am part exchanging a house and they require gas and lectrical safty certificates.

I wouldn't be surprised if these certificates are not next on the 'expected' list as invariably surveyors have the recommendation in their report (along with we recommend a specilsist damprrofer, wood treatment, draining expert be instructed..").

[rsv gone!]

A surveyor would include all of those surveys if they were paid enough.

But for your problem, tell them you don't have them. Do they want the house?

[Ganglandboss]

The recommended inspection test interval for electrical installations in domestic dwellings is 10 years (IEE Guidance Note 3). There is no legal obligation to do so.

For any new works, Part P of the Building Regs, which was introduced in 2005 requires work in dwellings to comply with BS 7671 ('the wiring regs'). An installation certificate is required for jobs such as a full rewire, new circuit or new consumer unit. For smaller works (eg. and extra socket) a minor works certificate should be issued. Any works deemed notifiable should have a building control certificate or a certificate issued by the installer if he is an approved domestic installer.

[Murph7355]

Thanks guys.

As per cogcog am selling a house and the buyer's surveyor has suggested they get these.

Have given them the install certificates and told them it's not been tested since install (5yrs). And that if they would like to test them they are more than welcome to pay someone to do so (as I have for the house I'm buying).

A bit daft really - to spend a lot of money on a house and not have this stuff independently checked out yourself...

[Chrisgr31]

I hope you are having someone you know and trust doing the testing. Otherwise theres a danger of being told that this, this and this doesn't comply and needs doing. Whilst in reality whilst it might not comply it doesnt actually need doing.

There's a danger that all a myriad of reports will tell you is that further works need to be done to investiagte as they cant see this or that without going into the loft, lifting carpets etc.

[Murph7355]

Chrisgr31 said:

I hope you are having someone you know and trust doing the testing. Otherwise theres a danger of being told that this, this and this doesn't comply and needs doing. Whilst in reality whilst it might not comply it doesnt actually need doing.

There's a danger that all a myriad of reports will tell you is that further works need to be done to investiagte as they cant see this or that without going into the loft, lifting carpets etc.

[jason s4]

You should ask for a Periodic Inspection Report on the electrical installation.

This will then confirm the condition of the electrical system as a whole..

Whatever way you look at it, it will not be 100% compliant, however, that does not mean it is unsafe.

[Ganglandboss]

Murph7355 said:

Have given them the install certificates and told them it's not been tested since install (5yrs). And that if they would like to test them they are more than welcome to pay someone to do so (as I have for the house I'm buying).

Is the full installation only 5 years old (i.e. full rewire or new build)? If so it doesn't need testing for another 5 years, unless there is evidence to suggest the installation certificate is no longer valid (eg. there are signs of damage or uncertified alterations).

If the buyer wants a test (or his lender does), it is their prerogative. I wouldn't pay for it though.

[dickymint]

Ganglandboss said:

Murph7355 said:

Have given them the install certificates and told them it's not been tested since install (5yrs). And that if they would like to test them they are more than welcome to pay someone to do so (as I have for the house I'm buying).

Is the full installation only 5 years old (i.e. full rewire or new build)? If so it doesn't need testing for another 5 years, unless there is evidence to suggest the installation certificate is no longer valid (eg. there are signs of damage or uncertified alterations).

If the buyer wants a test (or his lender does), it is their prerogative. I wouldn't pay for it though.

But it's residential - it doesn't need a re-test does it? I thought only commercial or rented property need a 5 year instalation test (plus annual PAT testing).

[Ganglandboss]

dickymint said:

But it's residential - it doesn't need a re-test does it? I thought only commercial or rented property need a 5 year instalation test (plus annual PAT testing).

All installations should be inspected and tested periodically. Guidance note 3 says 5 years for most commercial buildings and 10 years for domestic.

There are no legal requirements for testing in dwellings so it is up to the parties involved to sort out between themselves. The lender may want the inspection carrying out and in this case someone will have to cough up. In the OP's case I would defend any attempt to make me as a vendor pay for the test if I have a valid ticket.

If I was buying and there was no up to date certificate, I would be putting pressure on the vendor - get it tested or my offer is based on the assumption I have to rewire.

[Murph7355]

Full rewire.

They've accepted my stance