Electrical Testing

A periodic inspection is an inspection and associated testing to check whether an electrical installation is in a satisfactory condition for continued service. An inspection results in an Electrical Installation Condition Report detailing any observed damage, deterioration, defects, dangerous conditions and any non-compliances with the present-day safety standards.

Periodic inspection and testing should be carried out only by electrically competent persons, who are registered contractors with a competent persons scheme, for example the NICEIC.

The current recommendations state the following times and frequencies for inspections:

• Tenanted properties, every 5 years or at each change of occupancy, whichever is sooner The Landlords and Tenant Act 1985 requires landlords of properties with short leases to keep the electrical wiring in repair and in proper working order.
• Commercial premises at least every 5 years
• Industrial premises at least every 3 years
• Rented Caravans every 3 years, unless high usage then every year
• Swimming Pools every year

There is a big difference between an Electrical contractor who is NICEIC approved and one who is not. Whether you are hiring an electrician for your business, or for your home, it might be useful to know what the difference is…

NATIONAL INSPECTION COUNCIL for ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION CONTRACTING or N.I.C.E.I.C. is the main recognised professional body for all electricians in the UK.

It means the Electrical contractor has attained specific professional standards and gives their official seal of approval that their work will be performed to the current standards.

It covers industrial, commercial and domestic electrics and includes everything from installing a light switch to designing and installing a commercial electrical system and searching for faults.

There are many different regulations to comply with for wiring, consumer boards, lighting, and commercial electrics and the NICEIC exists as the overarching professional regulatory body to ensure that the company who is working on your electrics, is in full compliance.

NICEIC guarantees that your Contractor works to safe practices and should anything go wrong, you can rely on this UK wide organisation to resolve the problem for you.

Insurance Claims prefer NICEIC Companies

Most Insurance Companies will be more likely to pay out following any damaged property or goods if you used an accredited NICEIC Contractor than if you didn’t. It may give them an excuse not to pay out on a claim.

This means it is good business practice to use a contractor who has NICEIC accreditation, especially if you have a business premises with employees and expensive stock.

You don’t need to spend money on new equipment to save on your premises electricity bills. Having a Power Factor Correction Inspection will reveal any of your machines that are using more energy than they actually require in doing the job.

Blaby Electrical can install a device that monitors too much power draw, and stop it from happening, so you will only use exactly the amount of electricity needed, without wasting unused power drawn off by your machines. (Power Factor Correction)

If you have a production plant with many machines, this can make a huge difference to your electricity bills every month.

Advice on Efficient Appliances and Business Machines

Blaby Electrical can review all your appliances and business machinery to see whether your circuits are operating at maximum efficiency, or whether you have too many appliances or machines which are overloading their circuit, or drawing more power than they actually need.

Book a Power Factor Review

A Power Factor Review can result in a significant reduction in your Electricity bills, just by adding a small device that limits the amount of power that any machine can draw above its efficient working capacity. This means that each machine will operate at its maximum output, using its minimum input of power, without drawing off too much which is then not used and wasted – but costing you money on your bill.

Book an Electrical Report and Inspection

A business electrical report and inspection testing will locate any problems with your electrical appliances or machines, that are invisible to the eye. This means: overloaded sockets at risk of burning out, cables that are old and possible now illegal or a fire risk, circuits with too many appliances or machines plugged in which can cause an electrical fire.

If you own any kind of premises, that has an electricity supply and people in it, then you certainly do, whether it’s a business, a private home, a rented home, a caravan or even a swimming pool! So here are the reasons why, how often you need it, and what should happen:

How often:

• Every business premises should have one every 3-5 years
• Rented properties every 5 years – unless it changes tenancy meanwhile
• Owner occupied homes need one every 5 years – unless it changes ownership
• Caravans should be done every 3 years
• Swimming Pools need one every year because of the higher risks of water and electricity.

Why do I need a Periodic Electrical Inspection?

Electrical installations will slowly deteriorate with age and use. You may have added extra machines or sockets into the original circuit, or you may have damaged a fitting or socket without realising it.

They should be inspected and tested at regular intervals to make sure everything is working properly and it is in a satisfactory condition for continued use. These safety checks are known in the trade as ‘periodic inspection and testing’.

What will a periodic inspection reveal?

• If there is any overloading of electrical circuits or equipment
• If there are any potential Fire hazards or electric shock risks
• If there are any defective electrical parts, not earthed or bonded
• If any wiring or fixed electrical equipment is unsafe by testing it.

What Will I Get After the Inspection?

After the inspection, you will receive an Electrical Condition Report (EICR) along with a schedule of circuits, which is invaluable for any property.

Who should carry out the periodic inspection and what happens?

Periodic inspection and testing should be carried out only by electrically competent persons, and ideally by an electrical contractor who is accredited by the NIC EIC Then you can be sure that the inspection will meet the criteria for the UK standard for the safety of electrical installations, BS 7671 – Requirements for Electrical Installations (IEE Wiring Regulations).

If anything dangerous or potentially dangerous is found, the overall condition of the electrical installation will be declared to be ‘unsatisfactory’, meaning that remedial action is required without delay to remove the risks to those in the premises.