The Health and Safety Executive demand high levels of inspecting and reporting on all fixed electricals in premises open to the public. Fixed electrical testing is used to inspect and test all electrical installations. Testing involves identifying any deficiencies or safety issues in accordance with the relevant British Standards and Codes of Practice.
What is involved in fixed wire testing?
Fixed wire testing involves the inspection and testing of all the electrical installations in a building to ensure they are safe and compliant with regulations. This includes checking main panels, distribution boards, lights, plug sockets and air conditioning. It does not include equipment that is plugged in. Testing involves visual inspections and electrical tests on all systems in the building.
Is fixed wire testing a legal requirement?
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 places a duty of care for all employers to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety and welfare at work of all their employees. Fixed wire testing is an important part of that requirement. The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, which cover electrical safety testing, places responsibility on the employer to protect the health and safety of employees and visitors to the workplace. This is legally enforced by the HSE (Health & Safety Executive). An employer can demonstrate compliance with the regulations by engaging a company such as Equiptest to complete a fixed wire inspection of their building.
How often should fixed wiring be inspected?
How often your premises require inspection depends on the environment your electrical installations are in. If you have industrial premises, then the maximum time between inspection is 3 years. If you have a shop, retail outlet or a commercial office the maximum time is 5 years. If your electrical installations are exposed to water, such as a swimming pool or spa, annual inspections are required, as these installations are likely to deteriorate faster than dry environments.
What evidence do we need to show compliance?
After a fixed wire test has been completed, an EICR (Electrical Inspection Condition Report) is issued. A satisfactory EICR report ensures that you are compliant with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.
The results and extent of fixed testing should be recorded on an Electrical Installation Condition Report and provided to the person ordering the inspection, usually the Duty Holder. The report must include the extent of the work, limitations, details of defects and dangerous conditions, and schedules of inspections and test results.
How can Equiptest help me?
Fixed wire testing can cause some disruption as there is a requirement for parts of the installation to be isolated for periods of time. Therefore it may be best to arrange electrical testing to take place outside of core business hours so that disruption can be kept to a minimum.
Our flexible service means we can work around you, offering out of hours site visits if required. We can provide AutoCAD schematic drawings and a Periodic Inspection Report (electronic/log book). As we are experienced, approved contractors we can provide full NICEIC and ECA certification. Following testing if any repairs are required, we can complete these for you to a high standard. All our engineers are qualified to work to BS7671 encompassing all relevant City & Guilds qualifications.
Find out more on our Fixed Wire Testing page or contact us to arrange testing for your premises.
