Post connection testing is an essential requirement to prove that the various protective devices of an electrical installation will operate satisfactorily in the event of a fault. As a result the installation can be considered as safe.
A prime objective of the regulatory system is to ensure that the post connection tests satisfactorily completed by registered contractors for every single new installation and extensions to installations i.e. for Controlled Works. A definition of the Controlled Works can be found on our website www.reci.ie.
4-Part Completion Certificates
RECI sell 4-parts Completion Certificates since 27 April 2010. The fourth copy of the certificate is to be sent by the contractor to RECI after the post connection tests have been carried out and been found to be satisfactory, as a proof that these test have been carried out. The post connection tests date of the installation is recorded in the RECI data base.
Enforcement
Enforcement is a 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. 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 may lead to deenergisation of supply. 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.
Enforcement of the post connection tests is described in Common Procedure No 5 which can be seen on the RECI web site.
Common Procedure No 5 specifies that the final certificate with the Post Connection Tests needs to be returned within 35 days from the date the certificate was processed in RECI. This time is monitored and if exceeded, a reminder letter will be sent to the contractor. If no feedback is received from the contractor after an additional 5 days, an enforcement
notice is sent to the REC (with a copy to the customer) giving him/her an additional 5 days to complete the tests and/or return the test certificate to RECI.
If 5 days later no feedback has been received by the REC, the issue will be referred to an Authorised Officer who shall be appointed by the CER. Ultimately deenergisation of the installation may follow if not satisfactory.