The 2391-52 syllabus, area by area

Verifying a new installation before it is energised: the information you need before starting, the inspection schedule, and the dead and live tests required by BS 7671 Part 6.

• Information required before verification begins
• Schedule of Inspection for a new installation
• Sequence of dead tests and why order matters

Assessing an existing installation: agreeing the extent and limitations, sampling, the checks that can safely be carried out on an occupied installation, and reaching an overall assessment.

• Agreeing extent and limitations with the client
• Sampling and why it is recorded
• Inspection and testing on an in-service installation

The tests themselves: continuity of protective conductors, ring final circuit continuity, insulation resistance, polarity, earth fault loop impedance, prospective fault current and RCD operation.

• Continuity of protective conductors and R1+R2
• Ring final circuit continuity, step by step
• Insulation resistance test voltages and minimum values

Choosing and completing the right document — EIC, Minor Works Certificate or EICR — together with the Schedule of Inspections and Schedule of Test Results that must accompany it.

• EIC vs Minor Works Certificate vs EICR
• Schedule of Inspections and Schedule of Test Results
• Recording supply characteristics and earthing arrangement

Classifying observations on an EICR as C1, C2, C3 or FI — the single skill the 2391-52 tests hardest, and the one that decides whether a report is satisfactory or unsatisfactory.

• C1 — danger present, immediate remedial action required
• C2 — potentially dangerous, urgent remedial action required
• C3 — improvement recommended

Proving a circuit dead before working on it: the prove–test–prove sequence, HSE Guidance Note GS38 test-probe and lead requirements, and voltage indicator CAT ratings.

• The prove–test–prove sequence
• GS38 probe tip, barrier and lead requirements
• Fusing of test leads and probes

The legal framework around inspection and testing: the Electricity at Work Regulations, the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act, Building Regulations Part P and where BS 7671 sits among them.

• Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
• Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and duty holders
• Statute, approved codes of practice and guidance