Electrical Inspection and Testing
Electrical installations and electrical equipment deteriorate with use and time. To maintain a safe and workable system, it is important every installation is periodically inspected and tested by a competent person.
Failure to maintain the condition of your electrical system makes you liable under UK law for any damages or injuries caused by an electrical fire or shock.
There are two areas of electrical inspection and testing; Fixed Wire Testing and Portable Appliance Testing.
Fixed Wire Testing
This involves the inspection and testing of the wiring within a building to determine its condition for safe and continued use. The results of the inspection and testing is the production of an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). The report comprises results of the electrical testing, observations made and any remedial measures required.
Depending on the type of premises and the nature of the electrical installation, the following instances are when an EICR may be required;
Every 10 years for an owner-occupied home
Every 5 years for a private rented property. As of 1st June 2020 this is now a legal obligation for a Landlord in accordance with the Landlord and Tenants Act (1985)
Every 5 years for a commercial property
Every 3 years for a caravan
Every 1 year for a swimming pool
When a property is being prepared for letting (this too is a legal obligation in accordance with Landlord and Tenants Act (1985))
Before selling a property or purchasing a previously owned property
Following any flood damage
Following any fire damage
As a part of any planned work on the existing electrical installation
For more information regarding the process and what to expect from an EICR, click here
Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)
Portable or moveable electrical appliances pose a particular high risk to safety due to the increased potential of damage from being transported and used in different environments.
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 requires that any electrical equipment has the potential to cause injury is maintained in a safe condition. In addition, the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 requires that employers and employees take responsibility for the safety of all those working at the premises. This includes electrical appliances.
An effective way to maintain the safe condition of the electrical appliances is to implement a routine inspection and testing programme. This is where we can come in. We can work with you to put together a programme to regularly visually inspect and electrically test your equipment to ensure they are safe for their continued use.
For more information regarding Portable Appliance Testing, click here