How often should fixed wire testing be carried out?
The Health and Safety Executive demand high levels of inspecting and reporting on all fixed electricals in premises open to the public. Depending on the type and activities carried out within the workplace this is between 1 and 5 years.
What is fixed electrical testing?
Fixed electrical testing, also known as an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), checks that your electrical installations or circuits conform to the latest regulations. Testing involves visual inspections and electrical tests on all systems in the building including main panels, distribution boards, lights, plug sockets and air conditioning, it does not include equipment that is plugged in. It aims to identify any deficiencies or safety issues in accordance with the relevant British Standards and Codes of Practice.
Is it a legal requirement?
Yes - The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 places a duty of care for all employers to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety and welfare at work of all their employees. Fixed wire testing is an important part of that requirement. The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, which cover electrical safety testing, places responsibility on the employer to protect the health and safety of employees and visitors to the workplace. This is legally enforced by the HSE (Health & Safety Executive). An employer can demonstrate compliance with the regulations by engaging a company such as MBC Electrical & Testing to complete a fixed wire inspection of their building.
How often should your premises be tested?
For many commercial businesses an EICR will be required for at the lowest frequency interval, which is 5 years. Workplaces that require testing every 1 -3 years are typically places that carry a higher risk. They are likely to have more exposure to moisture, dust, extreme temperatures, or are open to the general public. These, therefore, require more frequent testing along with more routine inspections.
Here’s the frequency of testing as specified in the latest version of the IET Wiring Regulations (currently BS7671:2018)
EVERY 5 YEARS
• Commercial spaces such as offices and retail outlets
• Hotels and restaurants
• Schools, colleges and universities
• Laboratories
• Community centres, churches and public houses
• Care homes
• Hospitals
• Halls of residence, houses of multiple occupancy
EVERY 1-3 YEARS
Typical workplaces or environments which require 3, or 1 year Fixed Wire Testing include:
• Leisure Centres – 3 years (swimming pools and saunas – 1 year)
• Theatres and places of entertainment
• Industrial Units
• Cinemas (back of house), (front of house - 1 year)
• Agricultural or horticultural establishments
• Spa Hotels
• Caravans
EVERY YEAR
• Cinemas – 1 year (front of house), (back of house – 3 years)
• Medical locations in hospitals or clinics
• Swimming pools and saunas
• Caravan Parks & Marinas
• Fish farms
• Launderettes
• Petrol stations
Manufacturing, warehouses, workshops and maintenance garages generally fall under the industrial category (3 years) if they utilise heavy machinery.
Who should we call?
MBC Electrical & Testing of course! We are accredited and NICEIC approved electrical contractors specialising in independent verification and inspection services. We have over 20 years in the industry and offer a friendly, responsive service with competitive pricing. We’ll work with you to develop an inspection and testing schedule and if you need us to work out of hours to minimise business disruption, not a problem.
If you are unsure which category your business falls into, or would like to arrange a visit, please contact us today to speak to a member of our team for advice.
