Electrical Inspection and Testing

admin — Tue, 15 Dec 2020 11:55:43 +0000

In layman’s terms, electrical inspection and testing refers to the procedures that electricians use to ensure that a circuit is working properly and is totally safe for use. Here at ETR, this is our bread and butter. That’s why we’ve created a list of frequently asked questions about electrical inspection and testing.

Who can carry out electrical inspection and testing?

A competent, registered electrician with the correct experience is the only person who should carry out electrical inspection and testing.

Why do you need an EICR?

It is vital to have an Electrical Installation Condition Report for your business because it keeps track of the safety of your installations. Over time, electrical installations can deteriorate and problems can go undetected. It is important to identify whether your electrical installations are satisfactory and safe for continued use. Remember, business owners can be prosecuted under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 for failing to comply with the Electricity at Work Regulation.

How often should my business undergo an electrical inspection?

The answer to this question depends on the work premises. As a rule, domestic premises that you own should be tested every ten years. However, if you are renting these premises, electrical inspection and testing should be carried out every five years or with every change in tenancy. Commercial premises should be tested every five years and industrial premises every three years.

What does electrical inspection and testing involve?

When you organise for electrical inspection and testing to be carried out, your electrician will discuss with you and agree on the extent and limitations of the EICR before starting. They will walk through the installation with staff and carry out a visual inspection prior to installation. They will also test and inspect any circuits available and highlight any faults; any C1 defects will be reported and fixes immediately. Finally, you will be issued with an electrical safety certificate also known as an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR).

Electrical inspection and testing is a regular thing in the life of a business and it is important to stay on top of it and be aware of the requirements of your premises. This process will keep yourself and your staff safe and save you the huge fine and possible jail time if rules are not complied with.

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Is PAT Testing a legal requirement?

admin — Tue, 15 Dec 2020 11:34:05 +0000

Every electrical appliance in the workplace must be maintained in a safe condition to meet the legal safety requirements, namely the Electricity at Work Regulations. Regulation 4(2) of these states, “As may be necessary to prevent danger, all systems shall be maintained so as to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, such danger”. With this in mind, keep reading to find out ‘is PAT Testing a legal requirement?’

A legal requirement?

PAT Testing itself is not a legal requirement; it’s a method used to identify if maintenance is required. It helps to identify defects that come with usage. However, The UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) will expect you to perform PAT testing to make sure that you are complying with certain regulations. Some of these include:

Health and Safety at Work Act of 1974, The Electricity at Work Regulations of 1989, The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations of 1998 and The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations of 1999.

To ensure that all electrical equipment that is classified as ‘portable’ is safe for use, PAT testing is done. The legislation deems that any competent person can perform it by using a PAT instrument or tester.

What happens if I don’t comply?

Non compliance can result in fines up to £5,000 and/or six months in prison. Offences heard in the Crown Court have carried sentences of more than 2 years imprisonment and unlimited financial penalties. It is worth keeping these penalties in mind, because PAT Testing is not legally required but could save you a lot of money and time. PAT testing is a critical part of your company’s health and safety and should be considered part of a solution to your safety concerns. It is also recommended that you keep an up to date EICR.

What’s an EICR?

An Electrical Installation Condition Report identifies any damage, deterioration, defects and/or conditions which may give rise to danger along with observations for which improvement is recommended. It is strongly advised to keep an up-to-date EICR at your premises to keep you right. Homeowners often ask for, or obtain a condition report as part of a house sale to keep them in the loop. It is recommended to carry out an EICR every 10 years, or when there is a change in occupancy.

PAT Testing itself isn’t a legal requirement, however, in order to avoid violations of the laws surrounding electrical appliances, it is in your best interests to have these performed. Contact us today to discuss testing for your premises.

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