It's been a long time coming, but PIRform Premium is finally here. With the inclusion of our powerful Certificate Sharing feature, and Fire Alarm and Emergency Lighting Certification, the Premium Edition is the best value for money certification software available.

2 for 1 Premium Licence

Second licence for install onto another machine
We have had much demand from users who want to install PIRform on a second machine, perhaps to take to site, or for a colleague to use. Now we are introducing a fantastic deal for users who upgrade to Premium, or buy their first Premium licence, to be issued with a second licence, absolutely free!

Fire Alarm Certificates

Premium now includes a full range of Fire Alarm Certification to BS 5839-1:2002. Individual certificates for all aspects of Fire alarm work, allows separate companies to be responsible for different sections such as Design, Install or Commissioning. A dwelling certificate is included for domestic premises and similar installations.

Emergency Lighting Certificates

Premium also includes Emergency Lighting Certification to BS 5266-1:2011. The model forms from this standard allow the user to choose whether the installation is large or small, small being denoted as less than 25 emergency lighting luminaires.

Certificate Sharing

Available for some time as an optional bolt-on, Premium also contains our powerful certificate sharing feature. This allows the export of individual certificates and reports, and allows them to be imported on another machine.

Create Minor Works Certificates from Existing Certificates

Create Anything from Anything!

New Look and Feel

We've given the program a fresh "paint job" and updated the desktop icon. We've also made some improvements to the performance which should be noticable on all but the slowest of machines. We hope you like it!

Bug Fixes and Changes

This is a maintenance release, PIRform 2011.3.549, improves on our previous Amendment One release, PIRform 2011.3.508. For details of all the previous Amendment One changes, please read our blog post here: http://goo.gl/u7kbf.

Create EIC from EICR or PIR

We’ve added a feature to let you create an EIC from either an EICR or a PIR. Just select the EICR or the PIR in the Home Screen then click Copy or Create From and select the Create EIC option, as shown below. Your new EIC will open up with the same details as the EICR or PIR.

Scrolling improvements

We’ve made it easier to scroll by making certificates scroll using the mouse wheel. This was requested by users to help with navigation on smaller screens.

Other changes and fixes

· Installer now supports installation on XP x64 SP2.

· Simplified new EIC dialog engineer options.

· Test instrument categories default to selected for new instruments.

· Now informs the user when updating certificate details is complete.

· Removed unused complete report and send for review buttons.

· The import file is now checked before importing.

· Made clear that the option for separate circuit and test result pages applies only for 2008.

· Removed the installer message about uninstalling the previous version during an update.

· Removed 6A OPD rating from drop down lists.

· Reduced size of main certificate database file.

· Added inspection schedule engineer to EICR and VCR 2011 inspection schedule.

· Changed position of EICR fuse rating field.

· Added main fuse rating to EICR page 3.

· Added confirmation of supply polarity to EICR page 3.

· Changed DC text from pole to wire on EICR page 3.

· Feature not available dialog now points to www.pirform.co.uk/products.

· Fixed multi-line and text overspill in printed certificates.

· Adjusted Minor Works Zs intelligence adjusted.

· EIC 2011 continuation page now includes comments.

· Schedule item section headings no longer print values in the two right hand columns.

· Improved database maintenance routines to be faster reduce database file size bloating.

· Improved startup and certificate opening times by loading when preview page is first shown.

Fixes

· Duplicated entries after archiving and recycling certificates.

· Improved DB Ipf behaviour when clicking new boards.

· Orphaned engineers removed during DB maintenance.

· Removed stray engineers that have no company.

· Deleting a company now deletes associated engineers.

· Operational limitations and reasons now spill over to continuation page properly.

· EIC 2011 installation extent now spills over correctly onto continuation page.

· EICR operational limitations and reasons added to continuation page.

· Now loads schedule items added after the certificate was created.

· Schedule manager now visible in EICR & VCR 2011.

· Overall assessment field now available for VCR 2008 & 2011.

After releasing the last version of PIRform , which included the new EICR and all the updates for Amendment One,
we thought a quick maintenance update was in order to fix a couple of issues and release some great new features.

Inspection Schedule manager

One of the main updates is to the Inspection Schedule. We have included 4 new optional inspection sections,
that may apply to your installation. If they do, use the Inspection Schedule Manager to select which sections you
require. These additional sections will now be available for inspection and will appear in the printed report.

Set all values to PASS with one click!

Another great feature incorporated in the Inspection Schedule Manager, is the ability to set All values in a particular section to PASS.

Set all the values you want first, then change any odd values to whatever they should be.

We also made a few changes and fixes to things that just weren’t right.

New: can now set all values in a section to PASS
New: Can copy an entire certificate, including test results
New: additional inspection sections for installations beyond the scope of the model form
Change: drop down menus now automatically size their list up to 15 rows
Change: observations and recommendations removed from EIC 2011 and MW 2011
Change: design engineer 2 now available for change if Does All is chosen
Fix: improved certificate number generation, especially when copying certificates
Fix: Minimum height set for agreed limitations field in MW 2008
Fix: crash fixed when selecting newly added engineer in board manager
Fix: Next inspection field replaced in EIC 2008
Fix: Comments field now prints from EIC 2011

Amendment One version now available, Free update!!

We are delighted to announce the launch of the
2011 Amended version of PIRform which includes the new Electrical Installation Condition Report!
On July 1st 2011, the 1st Amendment of BS 7671:2008 was released. With notable changes  and some new sections, the biggest change by far was the introduction of the new Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR).
Download it here.

Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)

This new report is replacing the outgoing Periodic Inspection Report (PIR). It was felt that the old inspection schedule was too non-specific for periodic inspections, and so the new inspection schedule simplifies the task of visually inspecting an electrical installation.
From January 1st 2012, this new report form MUST be used for all new periodic inspection and tests.
We have enhanced the intelligence to make the automatic observations even more descriptive.
Some of the over current devices in use today have been replaced with new standards. This has meant that the maximum Zs values are different. Don’t worry, we have made the necessary changes, and you will always be able to access the old devices.

New layout

We have introduced a new clear layout in the PIRform Home Screen.
This makes it easy to see  which type of report or certificate you need.
All your existing work will still be available for edit and print, and we have introduced a great new feature that allows you to create EICR’s from existing PIR’s or even EIC’s! The red and green icons couldn’t be clearer as to what they refer to (providing you have a copy of both books that is!)

RCD test button check

You will notice a new field in the Circuits & Test Results section for RCD test button check. Whilst it has always been a requirement to check the test button operation, there was only ever one place to record a failure (the old inspection schedule). Now, each circuit’s test button can be checked if applicable. Of course, intelligence will be applied for you should this check fail.

Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) 2011

We have made some small changes to the EIC for 2011.
We used to have an Observations  page, and Agreed
Limitations sections. The general consensus was that we shouldn’t have these for new work, and so they have been removed.
This has shortened the form, and any comments on the existing installation can be placed at the foot of the second page.
Departures for Design, Construction and Inspection & Testing can be entered on Page 1.

Create EICR’s from existing reports!

We have introduced a great new feature that allows you to generate a new EICR, based on the information in existing certificates and reports. This is handy when you want to re-visit work in the future.

Certificate Sharing

Don’t forget we have also just released our fantastic new feature called Certificate Sharing. This allows users to share live certificate data between other users with this feature, and is ideal for any size of organisation to ensure their valuable data is safe. To find out how much it will cost to upgrade to this feature, log in to the website, and click Buy.

Visual Condition Report 2011

The 2011 Visual Condition Report is not quite ready for use. As this is our own creation and not a specific requirement of BS 7671, we wanted to concentrate on the official certification first. The 2008 version can still be used for now. Rest assured we will have this ready in time for the big switchover.

Want a trial?

If you already had a trial of the previous version, and would like another one just to make sure, email us at support@pirform.co.uk and we’ll send you a new trial licence.

Online demo

If you would like to take advantage of our online demonstration service, where you can see the program in action as it was intended, email us sales@pirform.co.uk.

Maintenance release: http://blog.pirform.co.uk/post/2011/11/25/Maintenance-release.aspx

We will be exhibiting the latest version of PIRform at ELEX Sandown Park on the 10th and 11th November.
Come and see the changes to the program, including what’s new in Amendment One of BS 7671.

If anyone would like free tickets to the event, which entitles you to a free bacon sandwich and a fetching t-shirt, contact us here. info@pirform.co.uk

PIRform’s powerful new import/export feature allows users to share editable certification with other users. We call it Certificate Sharing, and is the quickest way to get certificates and reports out of the door the same day it arrives.

No more waiting for illegible paperwork or incorrect pdf’s, Certificate Sharing allows anyone with this feature to edit, review, correct and amend certificates. Cutting down on admin time is vital, and one of the benefits of Certificate Sharing is that the job can be invoiced almost immediately.

There is no need to be connected to a network to use Certificate Sharing, anyone can share files freely via the internet, email, or hard disk.

How does it work?

You’ll notice two new buttons on the Home Screen of PIRform, you will need to upgrade to the Certificate Sharing Bolt On to make these work.
Clicking the Export button will open up a simple step by step Export wizard that will guide you through the short procedure.
PIRform exports your certificate(s) as a .PEX file. This is a custom made format that can only be opened by other PIRform programs with this feature enabled.
The file is compressed to allow email transportation, and the file can be renamed to something memorable .

After you have sent this file wherever you want it to go, other PIRform users can now Import this into their version of PIRform. The certificate can then be opened, edited if required, reviewed and issued to the client.

For more information on Certificate Sharing, or to find out how much it will cost to upgrade, visit the PIRform Store, or email sales@pirform.co.uk

PIRform now has a new feature that allows you to disregard high Zs readings for TT installations. This feature must only be used if the requirements of Regulation 411 in relation to disconnection by means of an RCD has been met.

How does it work?

If your installation has a RCD as a main switch, you can select the “Disregard Zs for this certificate” option. Now, when entering values that exceed the maximum permissible, the intelligence will not trigger.

If you do not have an RCD as a main switch, but have a particular board that is protected by an RCD, then select the  “Disregard Zs for this board” option.

If there is a split board, and only some of the circuits are protected by an RCD, then individual circuits can be selected.

We are pleased to announce the release of a new version of PIRform is now available from our download area.

The main new feature of this release is the ability to import and export your certificates and reports. Please note that certificate import and export is available as a paid addition to the Lite Edition licence. You can add this “bolt on” to your Lite Licence using our website store.

Certificate Sharing

PIRform now lets you export one or more certificates to and from a file. Whilst very simple and flexible to use, this is a major feature and we will be posting some more articles about this feature later this week.

Ignore High Zs Values

You can now control whether to disregard high Zs readings in TT installations. You can do this for the entire installation, for particular boards or even for particular circuits.

Of course, this must be used with caution and only when there is adequate protection by means of an RCD. Tripping times must meet the requirements of Regulation 411.

Other Changes

New: you can now set the default backup location in PIRform Options.
New: added a setting to control background loading.

Change: agreed limitation lookup no longer user definable.
Change: help links available on forms (http://www.pirform.co.uk/help).
Change: improved licence entry and activation feedback.
Change: better use of available screen height throughout.

Fix: crash when activating licence using internet.
Fix: crash when previewing a blank report.
Fix: long lines in limitations & installation extent causing text to be hidden.
Fix: options dialog was showing scroll bars.
Fix: default phase was not saved.
Fix: instruments not properly initialising in new cert and cert options dialogs.
Fix: engineer selections in new cert dialog now show correctly on certificate.
Fix: error when recalculating max Zs.
Fix: machine code not showing in licence details.
Fix: bad refreshing of main form certificate views.
Fix: was not loading association logo.
Fix: bad handling of items moving between archive, recycle bin and main views.
Fix: engineers now deleted when company deleted.
Fix: crash when moving circuit when board phase has not been set.

We Want Your Feedback

We welcome your feedback and want to hear what you think about PIRform and about the features that are important to you. You can get in touch with us in a number of ways: you can put a comment on the blog, use our forums, or find us on Facebook and Twitter, or use our contact details on the website.

There is now a comprehensive Help Section available on the website.
To access it, click here

If there is a topic that does not help you, or you feel we could elaborate further to help other users, please let us know and we will do what we can.

It’s now over a year since PIRform Lite was released for sale and for those who purchased early, it may be time to renew your licence(s).

It couldn’t be easier to renew, simply log in to the PIRform website, and go to your Client Centre.
Click My Licence Codes and you will see a list of all the licences you have purchased, and which are available to renew.
If you have less than 3 months to run on any of your licences, they can be renewed straight away.
You will be sent the usual licence key, that you can install when the previous one expires. This means you won’t be left wanting when you need PIRform the most.