Post Connection Tests – Enforcement

A prime objective of the new regulatory system is to ensure that the post connection tests are satisfactorily completed by registered contractors for every single new installation and extensions to installations i.e. for Controlled Works. In the last issue of RECI news we gave the CER definition of Controlled Works. This definition is also included in the RECI yearbook and diary. You can also look at the RECI newsletter on our website www.reci.ie.

New Completion Certificates

ETCI in association with the CER have made some minor amendments to the Completion Certificates and there is also a fourth copy provided. This copy is to be sent by the contractor to RECI after the post connection tests have been carried out and been found to be satisfactory. Contractors who have unused completion certificates can continue to use them but must make a photocopy and send this to RECI when the post connection tests have been completed. The CER have instructed that this procedure must be implemented from January 2010 and we are therefore advising you that you must send a copy of the completion certificate to RECI after the post connection tests. Non-compliance with this new requirement will lead to disciplinary action.

Enforcement

Not only will the contractor be subject to disciplinary action but the customer will also be held responsible for their electrical installation and non-compliance will lead to de-energisation of supply. Enforcement is  critical aspect of regulation and seeks to ensure that the requirements of the regulatory model, as specified by the CER, are adhered to in the interests of safety. Its objective is to offer adequate incentive to customers to arrange for the completion of Post-Connection Tests and ensure that new electrical installations are safe.

The customer is, ultimately the party that is primarily affected by the safety of the installation, has an interest and a responsibility with regard to the safety of an electrical installation, and is in control of the appointment of parties for the carrying out of any electrical installation work. Where
the customer fails to comply within a reasonable time with the directions issued by the Safety Supervisory Body (RECI) with regard to an installation which has been discovered to be in breach of the connection conditions (with respect to the failure of the installation to be in compliance with the technical rules) ESB Networks will deenergise the connection to the Networks in accordance with the specified procedures.

If a contractor does not submit the final certificate with the Post Connection Tests entered within a defined period after the certificate is processed (35 days) the Safety Supervisory Body (RECI) will contact the contractor to check the position. If no satisfactory response or explanation is
received within five days, an Enforcement Notice is issued to the contractor (with a copy to the customer) giving him/her a further five days to submit the final certificate or rectify the non compliances. If not rectified within five days the issue is referred to an Authorised Officer. The Authorised Officer will contact the customer and point out the breach of connection conditions and unless immediately rectified (i.e within five days) ESB Networks will be contacted to de-energise the connection.

Common Procedures

The CER have published Common Procedures for the following:

• Certification
• Third Party inspection
• Change of Contractor
• Enforcement

These procedures were described in the last issue of RECI News. They may also be viewed on the RECI website www.reci.ie.

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RECI

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Unit 9 KCR Industrial Estate Kimmage Dublin 12 Telephone: 01 4929966 Fax: 01 4929983

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Source: RECI