Fixed Wire Testing is something that isn’t negotiable. It is required, by law, that you do it regularly – but just how often? The actual frequency of how often you test is dependent on your business type and can be as often as every year up to every five years.
Fixed Wire Testing is also known as an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR Report). It is a tool that makes sure you are compliant with workspace safety legislation, keeping your business and staff as safe as possible. It is a test that checks whether your electrical installations and circuits are fitted correctly and are in line with the latest wiring regulations.
A handful of factors determine how often you require an EICR as a business. These are:
- The kind of electrical installation
- How often the installation is used
- Any external influences
A Fixed Wire Test includes performing visual inspections and electrical tests on the various systems in your building. However, this can often be done outside of regular working hours so that it does not disrupt your employees and customers. All inspections allow us to produce a detailed EICR, which is essentially an assessment of your electrical installations. Here, you will receive recommendations on moving forward and resolving any issues.
If you are a business, it is vital to take note of the maximum period allowed between tests. You must not exceed this.
1 – 3 Years Fixed Wire Testing
If your workplace is exposed to various environmental factors that may affect the general public, you may have to go through frequent testing. This includes the likes of moisture, extreme high and low temperatures or dust, as these can constitute a risk to the public.
The types of workplaces/environments that may need 1 – 3-year Fixed Wire Testing are:
1 Year – Medical Locations, Swimming Pools and Saunas, Caravan Parks, Petrol Stations
3 Year – Spa Hotels, Leisure Centres, Industrial Units, Theatres, Caravans
5 Year Fixed Wire Testing
It is more common that you will need an EICR every five years. But despite this, we would always recommend that you have annual reviews and inspections to ensure maximum safety.
The workplaces that would need 5-year tests are:
5 Year – Commercial offices & retail outlets, Hotels, Restaurants, Education buildings, Laboratories, Community Centres, Pubs, Care homes, Halls of residence
Working Around Your Testing
As we previously mentioned, it’s important to have your fixed wire installations checked annually for the highest safety levels. This will allow you to identify and solve any issues before the official testing. Although these do not necessarily have to be carried out by an electrical professional, they must be someone who can recognise any issues and use the installation properly.
You can look out for several things when doing these routine checks. These include general wear and deterioration, overheating, loose or mixing parts and fixings, or general breakages. These are all things to note, and then you can hire an electrical professional to fix any indicated issues.
Do you need help with Fixed Wire Testing in London, or are you not quite sure where to begin? We can help. Give us a call on 0208 988 1662 to discuss your needs.
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