From the blog
04 – Electrical leaks or faults that can lead to electrical shocks
Leakage is where an electrical current is passes down a path it is not intended to travel. This could be in an electrical installation or an applia...
03 – Overload – Protective Devices
Overload – Protective Devices There are a number of devices that are used in fuse boards, distribution boards and consumer units to prevent circuit ...
02 – Electrical Safety – Protection methods
Two fundamental electrical faults that require protective measures within any installation are: • Overloads or shorts • Electrical leaks or faults t...
Fixed Wire Testing made easy (also known as a P.I.R. or Periodic Inspection Report)
Many businesses do not appreciate the need to have building electrical wiring tested and yet it remains one of the main causes of fire.
Damage and wear and tear can both take their toll which is why insurance companies show such a high level of insistence that inspections be carried out, quite aside from the requirement to comply with The Electricity at Work Regulations and a need for Fire Risk Assessment Compliance.
The main risk to any business of not having fixed wire installations checked is simply that they could be in breach of the terms and conditions of their insurance policy which could have far reaching effects in the event of any claim, not just one relating to a fire caused by an electrical fault.
Our electricians all have the additional qualification necessary to carry out fixed wire testing and will advise upon the frequency relevant to your particular premises, normally a 1 to 5 year time frame depending upon the type of business.
We only use fully trained, CRB checked, professional testers using the most up-to-date testing equipment and, as each installation is different, will happily provide free quotations.
Everyone’s needs are different and we appreciate the need to minimise disruption to your business and so will always try to organise inspections at the time most convenient to you. Our quotation will keep you fully informed about cost and we will do our best to avoid hidden extras, keeping things as affordable, simple and straightforward as possible.
All our reports can be transmitted electronically to speed up the process and make filing that much simpler plus we will keep a copy ourselves as a backup. If there are any faults with the installation we will explain to you what needs to be done and discuss with you the most cost effective ways to resolve any problems in a simple and easy to understand way.
Why not give us a call on 01823 668623 to find out how we can help make Fixed Wire Inspections less painful.
Why do I need a fixed wire test (Periodic Inspection) for my company?
If you have been told you need a fixed wire test it has probably been requested by your insurance company. As the most common cause of fires in buildings these days are electrical faults, insurance companies are becoming more insistent on companies having up to date electrical certificates. It will be highlighted as an action on your company’s fire risk assessment for the same reason.
As an employer you also have a legal duty of care to ensure the electrical installation in your premises is safe to use
Why do I need a fixed wire inspection for my house?
If you are renting out your property you should have a valid electrical certificate to prove that the electrical installation of the property was supplied in a safe manner to the tenant.
If your insurance or mortgage company has requested the inspection, it is likely that your property is considered to be at a higher risk of electrical fire. One such group is thatched properties. They are more likely to get vermin in the roof space and vermin like to eat PVC cables, hence creating a high risk of electrical fire.
It is also a good idea, if you do not have an up to date certificate on a property when you buy it to have one done. Electrical work is frequently undertaken on a DIY basis and to the untrained eye it is hard to spot if the wiring of the house you bought is safe and likely to protect you from electrical faults or your property from fire.
How long does it take?
Every installation is different. As a guide a 2-3 bedroom house or small shop /office would take about ½ a day and a 4-5 bedroom house with outbuildings a day.
Commercial premises vary widely depending on access etc. That’s why we offer a free survey and quotation service. Give us a call to discuss your needs.
How long does the certificate last?
It varies depending on the type of property and its use but there are guidelines. Some examples are:
Mobile home / catering van – 1 year
Industrial premises – 3 years
Commercial/offices/hotels/rental properties – 5 years
Domestic properties – 10 years
Do you need to turn off the power to carry out the tests?
Yes we do but, a lot of the work can be done with the power on. We work with clients to determine the best time to turn the power off in order to minimise disruption. We can also carry out testing in the evening or weekends when power is required during the working day.
I do not own my business premises I rent them, do I still need to do this?
As an employer you are legally responsible for ensuring the premises are safe to work in. You are also responsible for carrying out fire risk assessments.
If you rent the property you need to ensure your landlord gives you a copy of the existing certificate. It may be as part of your lease that you are responsible for carrying out this test.
Either way to cover your duty of care, and possibly your insurance requirements, you should ensure that somebody carries out the inspection.
Why should I test the property, I have never had a problem?
Electrical installations, like anything else suffer from wear and tear, switches stick, connections work loose and cables get damaged. Not all wear and tear is visual. Think of it like the airbag in your car. With a bit of luck you’ll never need it, but if you do it’s good to make sure it would work properly.
Also how we use our electrical installations change. We have many more appliances than we used to, and far more than most installations were designed for. Tests are needed to ensure that the installation is safe for how it is currently being used
How much is it going to cost?
One reason people do not check installations is that they assume it is going to be expensive and it does not have to be. Tests start from £100 + VAT depending on the size of the premises and access.
We offer a free no obligation survey and quotation service so please call us to discuss how we can help
Health and Safety at Work Act (1974)
This puts the duty of care upon the employers to ensure that employees and members of the public using their premises are safe. This includes electrical safety.
Electricity at Work Regulations (1989)
requires "All electrical systems shall be maintained so as to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, any danger". This is taken as covering the fixed electrical installation as well as portable and transportable equipment connected to it. The Regulations also state "It is the duty of every employer and self employed person to comply with the provision of these Regulations."
