Electrical Installations And Inspections Explained

To keep your premises safe, it’s important to schedule regular inspection and testing of your electrical installations. After all, every electrical installation shows wear and tear with age, and with deterioration can come electrical faults and potential issues.

Electrical inspection and testing are critical aspects of maintaining a safe and efficient electrical system in any commercial building. Reduce risks by identifying potential hazards, ensuring compliance with legal requirements, and enhancing the overall performance of your electrical installations. In this blog, we’ll explain the key aspects of electrical inspection and testing, their importance, and best practices to follow.

What is an electrical installation?

First things first, let’s explain what we’re talking about precisely.

An electrical installation is a comprehensive system of electrical components and equipment designed to deliver electricity. It includes a network of wires, switches, outlets and the infrastructure required to power lighting, appliances, machinery, and various electrical devices.

electrician working on a switchboard

What is inspection and testing?

Inspection and testing (always in that order, importantly) are the testing procedures that electricians use to make sure that a circuit’s working as it should and is safe to use. These processes and procedures check that an electrical installation is functioning as expected and in accordance with wiring regulations.

Electrical Inspection involves a thorough examination of existing electrical installations to ensure they meet electrical safety standards and don’t have defects. This inspection process includes checking wiring, circuit breakers, switches, and other electrical components for signs of wear and tear, damage, or poor installation.

Electrical Testing involves measuring the performance of electrical systems. This can include testing for continuity, safe isolation, insulation resistance, earth fault loop impedance, and other factors that indicate the health and safety of the electrical installation. Experienced electricians will use specific tools and test equipment including multimeters, insulation resistance testers, loop impedance testers, and residual current device (RCD) testers.

How often should a commercial electrical installation be inspected and tested?

Qualified electricians must complete a full inspection and testing procedure on every new electrical installation. This will comprise an initial verification of electrical installations inspection and testing procedure. On successful completion, an Electrical Installation Certificate is issued as proof of compliance. When an existing electrical installation is updated or altered, a Minor Electrical Work Certificate is completed.

In addition, inspection and testing should be carried out for all electrical installations at regular intervals. Legally, a commercial electrical inspection by a competent person is needed at least every 5 years. However, it should also be done if there’s a change of occupancy, a change in usage or if there are possible issues or damage. Buildings open to the public should be inspected and tested more frequently, say 1-3 years.

Find out more about periodic inspection and testing of electrical installations

electrician checking on amp socket

Electrical Installation Condition Report

A key electrical installation testing process is the Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). This series of checks and tests identify potential electrical faults. After the electrical test, an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is issued. The report lists the findings from the visual inspection along with recommendations. The EICR keeps you compliant with relevant safety regulations and is proof that your electrical systems are deemed safe.

Ensure the safety and compliance of your electrical circuits with our thorough fixed wire testing services (also known as an EICR), designed to identify potential electrical safety issues and provide a comprehensive list of remedial electrical works required to bring your fixed electrical installation up to a satisfactory standard.

Who can do inspection and testing?

Inspection and testing has to be carried out by a competent person with relevant experience and qualifications, such as NICEIC or City & Guilds (2391-52 Level 3 Award in Initial Verification and Periodic Inspection and Testing of Electrical Installations). We recommend you always employ an experienced, qualified electrician for competent inspection and testing of your electrical systems.

Why electrical inspection and testing are so important

  1. Safety: The primary goal of electrical inspection and testing is to ensure safety – of the occupants and the building. Faulty electrical systems can lead to fires, electric shocks and other hazards. Regular inspections help to identify and rectify issues before they become dangerous.
  2. Efficiency: Regular inspection and testing can identify inefficiencies in the electrical system. Addressing these issues can improve the overall performance and improve energy efficiency.
  3. Preventive maintenance: Nip problems in the bud. Make inspections and testing part of a proactive maintenance strategy. By identifying potential problems early, you can prevent costly repairs and downtime.
  4. Compliance: There’s an array of legal requirements and regulations regarding health and safety. Inspections ensure that installations meet these standards, so you can avoid legal issues and potential fines. Details are listed below.
PAT testing equipment

Legal requirements regarding electrical installation

Electrical installations must comply with UK regulations (although there can be some variations between England, Wales, Scotland and N. Ireland). The key ones being:

The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989

All electrical systems must be maintained to prevent danger. This includes regular electrical inspections, tests, and maintenance.

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

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

Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER)

Any work equipment, including electrical systems, must be suitable for its intended use, be maintained in safe condition, and inspected regularly.

BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations: 18th edition)

The latest UK standard for electrical installation safety requires installations to be designed, erected and verified in accordance with the latest edition of the wiring regulations.

BS 5839 (Fire Detection and Fire Alarm Systems for Buildings)

This standard outlines requirements for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of fire detection and alarm systems to ensure they’re fit for purpose and provide adequate protection.

BS 5266 (Emergency Lighting)

This standard specifies the requirements for the design, installation, and maintenance of emergency lighting systems to ensure safe evacuation in the event of an emergency.

Let Prolec keep you safe and compliant

We offer a complete electrical compliance package, including periodic testing and inspection.

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 – including emergency lighting and fire detection systems – are compliant with statutory duties. And importantly, safe to use.

Get in touch today

Written by
Pippa Jackson

Call us on 020 8651 5565 Email us