Electrical Compliance

Electrical Compliance for Businesses: A Guide

Electrical installations in commercial and industrial premises must meet industry regulated standards in order to ensure safety for on-site staff and visitors, making frequent inspections of your electrical equipment an absolute necessity. 

Testing should be completed on all electrical appliances – both fixed and portable – by a qualified electrician on a regular basis to ensure you and your business are fully compliant at all times of operation. 

Types of electrical testing 

Whilst visual inspections of your electrical equipment can help to identify any faults or defects before they have the opportunity to develop into a serious hazard, it’s important to schedule comprehensive inspections and tests for your electrical systems and equipment on a regular basis. 

Types of electrical testing and the procedures they involve will vary depending on the type of installation being tested. For example: 

  • Initial Verification Inspection and Testing 

Initial Verification Inspections are carried out on new fixed installations. This type of testing will also be required if any alterations have been made to your existing fixed installations.

  • Periodic Inspection and Testing 

This involves what’s known as ‘fixed wire testing’, which should be carried out on your existing electrical installations periodically. 

  • Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) 

PAT testing is carried out on all portable electrical appliances. 

 

What is periodic fixed testing? 

Business owners are advised to devise and invest in a programme of regular testing and inspection for the electrical installations and systems within their premises, in order to ensure continued compliance, and thereby protect the safety of staff and visitors. This is known as periodic fixed testing, the frequency of which is determined by the type of equipment or system that’s installed. 

Should your electrical engineer identify any potential or existing defects with your electrical equipment, the necessary works will need to be carried out in order to see this rectified, and a new report may then be issued once the repairs have been completed. 

 

What is fixed wire testing? 

Fixed wire testing involves the testing of all electrical circuits and hard wiring that distribute electricity around the property. This includes: 

  • Lighting supplies
  • Power circuits 
  • Distribution boards 
  • Consumer units 

A fixed wire test will highlight any existing or potential issues with the electrical appliances in your premises, such as a lack of earthing or bonding. Your electrical engineer will also be able to identify circuits that are potentially overloaded, fitted with faulty components, or any circuits that may have been installed incorrectly. 

Employers and business owners are required by law to ensure that all electrical equipment and circuitry is regularly checked and properly maintained (in accordance with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989). Once your fixed wire testing is complete, you’ll receive an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) certificate as proof of your compliance with these regulations. 

The frequency of your fixed wire testing required will be dependent on the environment you work within and the conditions of use and operation of the equipment. Get in touch with our team for further advice. 

 

Emergency lighting testing 

Complete and accurate maintenance of your emergency lighting system is vital to ensure your building remains well lit at all times, which is essential not only for the purposes of safety in the event of an emergency evacuation, but also for crime prevention purposes. 

All emergency lighting systems must be tested on a monthly basis in accordance with BS EN 50172 / BS 5266-8. 

At Citi Group, we provide a comprehensive emergency lighting service, from design through to installation and certification, including specialists procedures for all industries. 

 

Fire alarm system testing 

Thorough and regular maintenance and inspections of your fire alarm system are vital to ensure the safety of the people on site. 

At Citi Group, we deliver all aspects of installation, inspection and maintenance for commercial fire alarm systems in premises of all sizes. Get in touch to find our more about our commercial fire alarm services. 

 

Our electrical compliance services 

At Citi Group, we provide a comprehensive service for electrical compliance, helping our clients to fulfil their legal obligations so that they can continue to operate safely. 

We’re trusted by clients across the UK for the provision of efficient and cost-effective electrical compliance services, including: 

Our online platform allows clients to set up an automatic reminder for the maintenance of their electrical appliances, so that they never fall behind with their electrical compliance. Our online reporting software also provides a detailed audit trail and proactive assistance when required, helping clients to achieve and maintain a compliant working environment with ease. 

Ready to discuss your electrical compliance and testing requirements? Get in touch with our team today.