Fixed Wire Testing Explained
Fixed wire testing involves checking and assessing a building’s electrical safety to meet health and safety regulations. As a business or commercial property owner, you’ll want to keep your business, your property and your people safe from potential harm. So it’s important to ensure your electrical installations are tested rigorously to prevent accidents and disruption.
But what needs to be tested, how often and by whom? Here, we’ll run through all you need to know about fixed wire testing.

What is fixed wire testing?
The fixed wire testing process involves inspecting, testing and assessing an electrical installation’s main electrical wiring system. The aim is to ensure it’s safe to use and complies with British standards.
If you’re wondering what’s meant by an electrical installation, it’s fixed electrical equipment like wiring, air conditioning, switches, light fittings and sockets, as well as distribution boards, circuit breakers and residual current devices (RCDs).
Previously, fixed wire testing was known as a periodic inspection. Now, it’s part of the Electrical Installation Condition Reporting (EICR) process. The report – the EICR – is issued on successful completion of the testing.
Read more: Periodic Electrical Inspections For Commercial Premises Explained
Fixed wire testing is also known as:
- Electrical testing
- Periodic inspection and testing
- EICR testing
- EICR report
- Electrical Installation Condition Reporting
- Hard wire testing
What does fixed wire testing involve?
Fixed wire testing involves inspecting and testing electrical installations and circuits to check that they’re safe to use. The test includes a visual inspection, as well as an electrical test using professional testing equipment.
It checks all low voltage electrical systems in a building, including main panels, circuits, distribution boards, lights and plug sockets, looking for potential issues like defects and overloading. The test results are given to the business owner or relevant person (known as the ‘duty holder’) in the form of an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR).
Is fixed wire testing a legal requirement?
There are various reasons to conduct electrical inspections and testing on a regular basis. The main ones being:
- To ensure your electrical system is safe to use ongoing
- To detect potential issues early, reduce risk, avoid downtime and subsequent loss of earnings for businesses
- To comply with your building and contents insurance requirements
- To adhere to statutory duties to ensure the safety and compliance of your electrical installations and equipment.
Commercial property and business owners also need to comply with a number of regulations enforced by the HSE (Health & Safety Executive). Overall, you’re obliged to keep the occupants of your premises safe from potential electrical hazards, such as electric shock or fire. Key regulations regarding electrical work are:
- All electrical installations must meet the British Standard BS 7671 (18th edition), IET wiring regulations (Institution of Engineering and Technology).
- The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
- Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER)
- The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.
Find out more about electrical compliance
How often is a fixed wire test needed?
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. Similarly, higher risk areas that are exposed to moisture (like swimming pools and changing rooms), or dust (like industrial units) also require testing every 1-3 years.
Who can do fixed wire testing?
Electrical testing needs to be carried out by a competent person (ideally a qualified, experienced, professional electrician) who knows what they’re doing, what to look out for, and has the specialist equipment used for carrying out the tests. They need to be able to issue you with a certificate/report (EICR) as evidence of your electrical maintenance and due diligence. It’s advisable to check your insurance requirements. Some state that electrical testing must be done by an accredited professional (usually a NICEIC Approved Contractor).
Prolec can help to keep your electrical systems safe and compliant
Whether you’re responsible for office space, educational institutions, data centres, industrial units, hospitals and care homes or historic buildings, our professional NICEIC qualified specialists can keep your premises safe and compliant with our rigorous wire testing services and remedial work.
We offer a complete compliance package, including electrical testing & inspection, and certification for fixed wiring (in line with BS 7671), portable appliance testing (PAT testing), fire alarms (in line with BS 5839), and emergency lighting (in line with BS 5266).
Please get in touch to discuss your needs with our knowledgeable, friendly team