ELECTRICAL WIRING AND EQUIPMENT

 

INFORMATION

 

This inspection applies to all vehicles including electric and hybrid vehicles

 

Some tow bar electrical sockets are ‘hidden’ behind an access panel in the bumper or bodywork. These panels should not be removed. 

 

If a tow ball or pin is not fitted at the time of test, e.g. because it is detachable, has been unbolted or otherwise removed, but the attachment brackets are still in place, the electrical socket should still be assessed where fitted. This does not apply if the tow ball or pin attachment brackets have been deliberately rendered unfit for further use. 

METHOD OF INSPECTION

  1. Check the condition and security of the battery.

 

  1. Check the condition and security of all visible electrical wiring.

 

  1. On vehicles fitted with a towbar, check the condition and security of the trailer electrical socket.

 

Note: This check applies to both 7 and 13 pin electrical sockets.

 

  1. Check switches controlling all obligatory lights.

 

 

REASON FOR REJECTION

 

 

 

 

 

Deficiency

Category

 

1. A battery slightly insecure

MINOR

 

 

2. A battery likely to fall from its carrier, cell closure missing or leaking electrolyte.

MAJOR

 

 

3. Electrical wiring:

 

             

  1. insecure or inadequately supported              MINOR

      

  1. insecure or inadequately supported so that it is likely to   MAJOR become damaged

             

  1. damaged or deteriorated to the extent that it is likely to      MAJOR cause a short circuit or become detached

      

  1. insulation damaged or deteriorated but wiring is not          MINOR exposed.

             

  1. insulation damaged or deteriorated to the extent that        MAJOR bare wiring is exposed.

             

  1. Positioned so that it is chafing or likely to be damaged     MAJOR

by heat

             

  1. A trailer electrical socket:           

             

    1. Insecure             MINOR

             

    1. damaged or deteriorated to the extent that the MAJOR connecting lead could not be securely connected.

             

  1. Switches controlling all obligatory lights:       

             

    1. Insecure             MAJOR

             

    1. Malfunctioning MAJOR