Maintaining a safe and healthy work environment is a top priority for employers, and electrical safety plays a crucial role in that.
Although the risk of electric shock is well known, other potential hazards, such as skin burns and fire risks, are often overlooked.
To prevent these hazards, it is essential to conduct Fixed Wire Testing as part of your planned preventive maintenance strategy.
This type of testing is also known by other names, such as:
This testing aims to thoroughly examine all electrical system parts to detect potential or current faults.
Fixed Wire Testing, also known as an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) or Periodic Inspection, is a crucial part of your planned maintenance program.
The Fixed Wire Test is a total evaluation of an existing electrical installation, and its purpose is to ensure the safety and proper functioning of the electrical system. Moreover, it is a mandatory process designed to guarantee that all electrical installations in buildings are safe to use.
The regulations for fixed wire testing are outlined in the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, which state that electrical systems and equipment must be maintained appropriately, and a competent individual must perform the maintenance.
It is important to note that Fixed Wire Testing and the Electrical Installation Condition Report are two distinct elements. The former is the procedure, and the latter is the result of the procedure.
The Fixed Wire Testing thoroughly examines your electrical installation, including the wiring and circuit systems, to detect any potential hazards. It aims to identify any electrical defects that could pose a risk to individuals using the building and to prevent accidents, such as fires, from occurring.
A qualified electrician typically carries out the testing, which includes various checks such as earth continuity tests, insulation resistance tests, and polarity tests.
These tests examine the condition of the electrical wiring and components within a building, including lighting, power, and control circuits.
Any electrical faults or defects discovered during the testing process must be promptly repaired to ensure the electrical installation is safe.
It is important to distinguish Fixed Wire Testing from Portable Appliance Testing (PAT).
While Fixed Wire Testing examines the overall electrical installation, PAT Testing focuses on maintaining electrical appliances and equipment plugged into the installation.
In simpler terms, Fixed Wire Testing assesses the circuit and wiring integrity, while PAT Testing assesses the integrity of the devices powered by the electrical installation.
The Fixed Wire Test is a comprehensive evaluation of an existing electrical installation, carried out for the purpose of ensuring the safety and proper functioning of the electrical system.
During the test, the inspection focuses on examining various components of the electrical circuits in the building, including hardwiring, distribution boards, switchboards, fuses, circuit breakers, RCDs, air conditioning, lighting socket outlets, and more.
The objective of the test is to identify potential safety risks, damages, or defects and to determine if the electrical circuits or equipment have been overloaded. The test helps in ensuring that the electrical system is functioning properly and meets all safety requirements, thereby providing a safe and secure environment.
The testing process begins with a visual inspection of the equipment to see if anything is clearly in need of repair or replacement. The qualified electrician will isolate and lock off the electrical circuit or equipment from the mains power supply and perform a series of inspections and electrical tests, such as dead testing and live electrical testing.
The live electrical testing is especially important as it checks if the components are in good working condition and can disconnect within the required time limit in case of a fault. The test should be carried out by a competent specialist who is equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge and who can issue a certificate/report as evidence of the maintenance.
In the event of any issues being identified, the specialist will also be able to assist in rectifying them. Overall, the Fixed Wire Test is essential to maintaining the electrical safety and proper functioning of your building.
A competent and qualified electrician must carry out a fixed wire test. This individual must have the necessary training and experience to understand the correct procedures and be able to identify any potential dangers.
In the UK, various organisations offer certification and training for electricians, such as the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC) and the Electrical Contractors Association (ECA).
To be deemed competent and qualified, an electrician must hold a recognised certification from one of these organisations such as -
Verifying the registration of the electrician conducting the Fixed Wire Test with a reputable organization is critical in ensuring the accuracy and high standard execution of the EICR. This gives you peace of mind that the electrical installation in your building underwent a thorough inspection and that any potential hazards have been recognized and addressed.
As an employer or building manager, you are legally required to meet specific regulations to prevent electrical-related injuries to occupants such as employees, customers, and visitors.
These regulations are monitored by the government's Health & Safety Executive (HSE).
Key regulations include:
Additionally, the British Standard BS 7671 (also known as the IET Wiring Regulations) specifies the standards of electrical installations for design and installation, which is the responsibility of an accredited electrical contractor to adhere to.
To ensure you have qualified electrical technicians and comply with these regulations, look for companies with the NICEIC logo.
As a business owner or landlord, you have a legal obligation to ensure your employees' and tenants' safety and well-being.
This includes ensuring all electrical installations in the building are safe to use and free from potential hazards.
To fulfil this responsibility, you must have an EICR conducted by a qualified engineer.
Before letting a property, landlords are required by law to have an EICR carried out to ensure that it is safe for future tenants.
Once a registered engineer has performed the EICR, it is their responsibility to identify any hazards and report them to you.
If any issues are found, it is your responsibility as the owner or landlord to arrange for necessary repairs to be made on time.
In conclusion, as a business owner or landlord, it is important to understand your legal obligation to maintain a safe electrical environment for your employees and tenants.
By arranging for an EICR to be conducted by a qualified engineer, you can fulfil your legal duty of care and ensure that your building is a safe place to work or live.
There's yet to be a final answer here, as it all depends on the type of building, the environment and the type of electrical installation.
For example, Offices, Schools And Care Homes would need less frequent testing - once every five years. However, a higher risk environment would be every three years, as an industrial unit with heavy machinery.
Above all, regular fixed wire testing could prevent future problems by significantly reducing the risk of harm if an incident happens.
The table below is from the BS 7671 IET Wiring Regulations 18th Edition (2018). It represents how often you should have Fixed Wire Testing according to your building type.
Type of InstallationRoutine checkTesting PeriodDomestic Accommodation - General1 YearChange Of Occupancy Or 10 YearsDomestic Accommodation -
Rented Houses And Flats1 YearChange Of Occupancy Or 5 YearsResidential Accommodation (Houses of
Multiple Occupation) - Halls Of Residence,
Nurses' accommodation, etc.1 YearChange Of Occupancy Or 5 YearsEducational Establishments6 months5 YearsIndustrial1 Year3 YearsCommercial1 YearChange Of Occupancy Or 5 YearsOffices1 Year5 YearsShops1 Year5 YearsLaboratories1 Year5 Years
Type of InstallationRoutine checkTesting PeriodHospitals And Medical Clinics -
General Areas 1 Year5 YearsHospitals And Medical Clinics -
Medical Locations6 Months1 Year
Type of InstallationRoutine checkTesting PeriodCinemas1 Year1-3 YearsChurch Installations1 Year5 YearsLeisure Complexes
(Excluding Swimming Pools)1 Year3 YearsPlaces Of Public Entertainment1 Year3 YearsRestaurants And Hotels1 Year5 YearsTheatres1 Year3 YearsPublic Houses1 Year3 YearsVillage Halls/Community Centres1 Year3 Years
Type of InstallationRoutine checkTesting PeriodAgricultural & Horticultural1 Year3 YearsSwimming Pools4 Months1 YearCaravans1 Year3 YearsCaravan Parks6 Months1 YearHighway Power SuppliesAs Convenient6-8 YearsMarinas4 Months1 YearFish Farms4 Months1 YearEmergency LightingDaily/Monthly3 YearsFire AlarmsDaily/Monthly1 YearLaunderettesMonthly1 YearPetrol Stations1 Year1 YearConstruction Site Installations3 Months3 Months
Upon completion of the Fixed Wire Testing, you will receive an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) certificate from your electrical contractor. This certificate will outline any issues or observations that have been identified during the testing process and will be coded based on the level of risk they pose.
It is important to keep this report in a secure and accessible place as your insurance provider may request it.
Failure to produce this evidence, even if the maintenance was carried out, can lead to prosecution if an electrical-related injury occurs.
Upon completing the testing, your electrical contractor will present you with an EICR that lists any issues or observations that they have coded according to the level of risk they pose. The report provides an assessment of the installation's safety and compliance with current regulations, including the IET Wiring Regulations.
The EICR report typically includes the following information:
The EICR report serves as a record of the electrical installation's condition and provides valuable information for building owners, landlords, and electrical contractors.
Any queries about the electrical installation will be listed as 'observations' on the report. Observation codes C1, C2, C3 and FI are given to items based on the risk levels.
However, what exactly do these codes signify?
A Code 1 observation signifies a dangerous situation that poses a risk of harm and requires immediate attention. This code highlights a current threat to the safety of people on the premises, and it must be addressed without delay. An instance of a Code 1 defect is exposed live wires resulting from damage, enclosures that have been poorly modified, or missing panels for maintenance. In addition, incorrect polarity that can cause parts not meant to be live to become so will also be considered a Code 1 issue.
In the event of a Code 1 observation, your electrical contractor will notify the person in charge of the installation verbally and in writing about the potential danger. They may even disconnect access to the faulty circuit or shut it down until the problem is resolved to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
A Code 2 (C2) is a warning that there is a potential risk to safety, which requires prompt attention. Although not as severe as Code 1 (C1), a C2 defect can lead to harm if left unattended. The fault is considered "potentially dangerous" and requires urgent remedial action.
Examples of C2 issues include missing equipment covers, faulty switchgear, and damaged insulation. Your electrical contractor will immediately notify the person responsible for the installation and provide written documentation of the potential hazard and suggested solutions for rectifying the problem.
Code 3 is labelled as "Suggested Improvement." This code indicates non-hazardous non-compliance with the latest regulations. It may be due to outdated regulations or damaged fixtures that don't have live parts exposed. A Code 3 observation, by itself, should not result in an unsatisfactory overall report.
The final code is FI, meaning "Further investigation required immediately." This occurs when the person conducting the electrical inspection spots something that needs to be in compliance with the BS 7671 regulations, such as an unverified circuit. This code requires immediate attention and could potentially result in an unsatisfactory Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) if a significant number of circuits are unverified.
An EICR is considered unsatisfactory when there are Code 1 (C1) and Code 2 (C2) observations, indicating a danger to the safety and requiring immediate rectification.
Additionally, if there are many observations with "Further Investigation" (FI) codes, the report may also be considered unsatisfactory as it cannot be determined if the electrical installation is safe.
To comply with electrical safety regulations, all C1, C2, and FI faults must be addressed. While it's always recommended to rectify all defects, it's not necessary to use the same electrical contractor for testing and repairs.
Once repairs have been made, a certificate should be obtained for the changed elements, but it is not necessary to have the entire installation re-tested.
The IET Wiring Regulations oversee the Fixed Wire Testing process, with the latest edition, BS 7671 18th Edition, becoming effective on January 1, 2019.
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), also referred to as fixed wire testing or an electrical inspection, entails the examination and testing of electrical components such as light fittings, fuse boxes, and plug sockets. When it comes to distinguishing an EICR from Fixed Wire Testing, the reality is that there's no distinction.
Although it's not a direct legal mandate, having an up-to-date EICR shows your adherence to the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) and Electricity at Work Regulations (1989), ensuring the safety of your premises for employees, customers, and other visitors.
The duration of a fixed wire test can vary depending on the size and complexity of the electrical installation being examined. In a typical residential setting or a small business, the testing process may take a few hours to half a day. However, for larger and more complex installations, such as industrial facilities or large commercial buildings, the testing can take several days or even longer to complete.
Fixed wire testing frequency varies by property type:
Varlowe offers a comprehensive industrial electrical service across the country.
Our electricians, who have years of experience, are based in the West Midlands and provide a high-quality service.
Whether it's maintenance to prevent issues or complete factory electrical installations, we will collaborate with you to find the best solutions to meet your needs.
To learn more, contact us at 01902 861042 or email us at info@varlowe.co.uk.