Electrical & Portable Appliance Testing

As electrical installations deteriorate with age and use. They should be inspected and tested at regular intervals to check whether they are in a satisfactory condition for continued operation. These safety checks include, EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Reports) previously know as a Periodic Inspection, and PAT testing on any fixed or portable appliance.

From Mid 2020, private landlords in England are required to have electrical testing carried out at regular intervals. Enquire today to ensure you are following the legal requirements for your property.

An electrical inspection will:

• Highlight any electrical safety concerns.
• Find any potential risks and fire hazards.
• Identify any defective electrical work.

Tests are carried out on fixed wiring to check that they are safe. A schedule of circuits tested will be provided detailing the condition of the electrical installation.

How often is an electrical inspection required?

Your electrics should be inspected and tested every:

• 10 years for an owner-occupied home.
• 5 years for a rented home, shop, office or commercial installation (including Hotels, Public Houses & Community Centres)
• 3 years for an industrial installation
• 1 year for Hospitals and Medical Clinics

Other times when an electrical inspection should be carried out are:

• When a property is being prepared for rental to a new tenant.
• Before selling a property or buying a previously-occupied property.

Who should carry out the electrical inspection?

Electrical inspection and testing should be carried out only by electrically competent persons.

We will check the condition of the electrics against the UK standard for the safety of electrical installations, BS 7671 – Requirements for Electrical Installations (IET Wiring Regulations).

Our process for Electrical Testing

• The adequacy of earthing and bonding.
• The suitability of the switchgear and control gear.
• The serviceability of switches, sockets and light fittings.
• The type of wiring system and its condition. For example, cables coated in black rubber were phased out in the 1960s. Likewise cables coated in lead or fabric are even older and may well need replacing (modern cables use longer-lasting pvc insulation).
• Sockets that may be used to supply portable electrical equipment for use outdoors, making sure they are protected by a suitable residual current device (RCD).
• The presence of adequate identification.
• The extent of any wear and tear, damage or other deterioration, not considered excessive.
• Any changes in the use of the premises that have led to, or may lead to, unsafe conditions.

We will then issue an Electrical Installation Condition report detailing any observed damage, deterioration, defects, dangerous conditions and any non-compliances with the present-day safety standard that might give rise to danger. It is worth noting that the electrical regulations are not retrospective.

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.

What is a Portable Appliance Test?

Portable Appliance Testing or PAT Testing is the process of checking electrical appliances for safety through a series of visual inspections and electronic tests.

Why do I need to have my appliances tested?

The best way of ensuring that your appliances are safe is to have a PAT test carried out on them. This is a good way for landlords and business managers to ensure that they are meeting their legal obligations to maintain high standards of electrical safety in their rented property or place of work.

Upon having all the appliances tested, you will receive a certificate and full inventory of items tested, complete with retest dates.