Does Commercial Electrical Work Need Certification?

The short answer is yes. As a commercial property owner, it’s your responsibility to keep the premises and people within it safe from harm. That’s not just for your own peace of mind. It’s a legal requirement and condition stated by most insurance companies too.

It’s vital you ensure that electrical installations and repairs are carried out to a high standard within your commercial building. Beyond that, they need regular inspections and periodic testing too.

Here, we explore the key electrical safety regulations and certifications necessary for commercial electrical work.

Legal requirements for commercial electrical work

Commercial electrical installations must comply with the following key regulations:

1. The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989

This legislation places a duty on employers and business owners to ensure that electrical systems are safe to use, properly maintained, and do not pose a risk to employees or the public.

2. BS 7671: Requirements for Electrical Installations (IET Wiring Regulations)

Also known as the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations, BS 7671 is the standard for electrical installations in the UK. It provides guidance on the design, installation, inspection, and testing of electrical systems.

3. Building Regulations (Part P – Electrical Safety)

This Part P regulation applies primarily to homeowners and domestic electrical work. However, some commercial properties also need to comply.
Part P focuses on the safe installation and modification of electrical systems. A Part P notification refers to work that is considered “notifiable”, (i.e. a building control body must be notified that the work has taken place).

4. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

Employers must prioritise their employees’ health, safety, and welfare. This refers to the safe installation and maintenance of electrical equipment and systems.

What certification is required for commercial electrical work?

When electrical work is carried out in a commercial setting, it must be tested and certified to confirm that it meets safety and regulatory standards. The required certification depends on the type of work completed:

1. Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC)

• Required for new electrical installations, major alterations or additions.
• Confirms that the work complies with British safety standard BS 7671.
• Typically issued by a qualified electrician after completing the installation.

2. Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate (MEIWC)

• Issued for small modifications to an existing installation, such as adding a new socket, fuse box or lighting point.
• Ensures that the work does not compromise the safety of the installation.

3. Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)

• A periodic inspection report that assesses the condition of electrical systems.
• Required at regular intervals, typically every five years for commercial properties.
• Identifies any defects, potential hazards, and non-compliance with regulations.

An Electrical Safety Certificate is also known as a Fixed Wiring Certificate or an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) and was previously referred to as a Periodic Inspection Report. They all mean the same thing – a series of checks and tests to identify potential electrical faults. They look at various aspects, such as the quality of earthing and bonding, the condition of the wiring system, and the safety of electrical components.

Once an electrician’s inspected your property, and the electrical systems and equipment within it, they’ll issue an Electrical Safety Certificate. It’ll show what’s been checked and the condition of your electrical equipment and systems. It’ll also outline any remedial work that needs to be carried out to keep you compliant. That might involve rewiring, updating consumer units or adding new electrical circuits.

Don’t forget PAT testing for commercial premises is important too. It’s best practice to ensure the safety standards of your portable electrical equipment and electrical systems.

Who can carry out commercial electrical work?

You don’t want anyone tampering with your electrical systems unless they know what they’re doing. Only qualified electricians should perform electrical work in commercial settings.

We always advise businesses to hire qualified electricians who are accredited by an approved certification body, such as:

• NICEIC (National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting)
• ELECSA (Part of NICEIC, covering building regulations compliance)
• NAPIT (National Association of Professional Inspectors and Testers)
• ECA (Electrical Contractors’ Association)

As registered electricians are assessed regularly, you have peace of mind that their work meets high quality and safety standards.

What happens if you don’t comply?

Failing to have electrical work certified can have serious consequences for the business owner. You could face:

• Legal liability: non-compliance with regulations could result in prosecution under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.
• Invalid insurance: your commercial property insurance policies are likely to require certified electrical work. If work’s not certified, claims may be denied.
• Safety risks: uncertified electrical work is at higher risk of electric shocks, fires, and other hazards.
• Business disruption: unsafe installations can lead to costly repairs, business downtime, and even fines from local authorities.

Keep your commercial property safe and compliant

It’s crucial that commercial electrical work is certified. It’s a legal requirement, insurance prerequisite and a moral obligation as a business owner to keep your staff safe.

Business owners and landlords should always hire a qualified electrician to carry out commercial electrical work. As NICEIC approved contractors, Prolec’s team of fully qualified electrical engineers is well aware of the relevant regulations and standards. We’ll ensure that your electrical systems and equipment are safe to use, fully functioning and compliant with statutory duties.

Check out our complete electrical compliance package, including periodic testing and inspection. Let’s work together to keep your property safe – get in touch today.