Fixed Wire Testing FAQ Guide
Why do I need to carry it out?
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 places a "duty of care" on employers and landlords to maintain electrical systems to prevent danger where otherwise it may exist. The only way of ensuring your duties are performed and adequate records are kept is by carrying out a Periodic Electrical Test and Inspection in accordance with BS 7671 (The IEE Wiring Regulations).
By following this practice, you can be sure that your obligations have been met under the Health and Safety at Work Act so far as electrical safety is concerned and more importantly that your staff, visitors, patients, buildings and possessions are safe and that your insurance company will pay out in the event of a claim arising from an electrical fault or fire (check your small print!).
What does it involve?
Periodic Test and Inspection or Fixed Wire Testing
requires a series of visual inspections and electronic tests to be performed to establish the safety and suitability of your electrical system. If performed correctly, you can expect that each electrical circuit within your workplace will have to be de-energised for a period of 15 minutes whilst the Engineer injects test voltages and currents into the cables and protective devices to ensure their integrity and carries out a thorough visual inspection of the Installation. This type of work will require the main supply to be isolated and with careful planning can be done with little disruption to your business. Alternatively, this work can be carried out whilst your workplace is empty, such as nights or weekends.
Who should do the work?
It is vital that this type of work is carried out by qualified and experienced Approved Test Engineers. Such Engineers are generally fully qualified electricians who have been trained and qualified to City & Guilds 2391 in Electrical Inspection work specifically. All IQ Electrical engineers meet these requirements.
Will it impact on my workplace?
There will be some impact such as short periods of downtime on circuits; however, with careful planning and strong liaison between us, this can be conducted at a time that best suits your business. Be wary of contractors that tell you this work can be carried out without isolating circuits - it is impossible.
What will I receive?
Upon completion of the Periodic Inspection or Fixed Wire Testing you will receive a bound BS7671 report and CD-ROM that details the following:
- Installation details and characteristics
- Circuit information and test results
- Schedule of items tested and inspected
- A list of defects or deviations from BS 7671 (these may require attention)
- Schematic drawing of the installation (if included in package)
- Digital images of all Distribution Boards (if included in package)
If you are not a technical person, then we will be pleased to talk through your report with you and advise you of any further action required.
Any necessary remedial works can be carried out by ourselves or a 3rd party contractor of your choice. On completion, a ‘satisfactory' assessment can be issued.
How much will it cost?
There are many factors that can affect the cost of Fixed Wire Testing work such as location, type of installation, size of building(s), access and availability of previous records. As a rule of thumb, we will attend site (free of charge) prior to quoting to survey the building(s) in order to establish all of the necessary details, you should be wary of accepting a quotation unless a full survey has been conducted or you are sure you have provided enough information.
What could happen if I don't do it?
Reasons such as cost, inconvenience, or lack of knowledge will not be accepted as a defence in the event that an accident or fire occurs. Aside from the threat of prosecution in the event of injury or death, many insurance companies will not pay out if documented evidence of maintenance and inspections is not available.
Why use IQ Electrical Ltd?
- We only ever use fully qualified, experienced 2391 inspectors.
- We do not insist on carrying out remedial works.
- We provide hard and digital copies of reports.
- We can include digital images of Distribution Boards (internal and external) and mains incomer.
- We can provide testimonials and references from satisfied clients across all sectors and regions.
- We can carry out Portable Appliance Testing (additional package).
- We carry out periodic inspections
- We provide electrical safety certificates
- We can carry out Thermal Imaging Testing which is often an insurance company requirement (additional package).
- We are an NICEIC assessed company.
- We are a CHAS fully accredited contractor.
BS7671 intervals between periodic inspections or fixed wire testing
| Type of Installation | Maximum period between inspections |
|---|---|
| Domestic premises (not rented) | 10 years or change of occupier |
| Commercial premises (including rented housing) | 5 years or change of occupier |
| Educational establishments | 5 years |
| Hospitals | 5 years |
| Industrial premises | 3 years |
| Cinemas | 1 year |
| Churches | 5 years |
| Leisure complexes | 1 year |
| Places of public entertainment | 1 year |
| Theatres, etc. | 1 year |
| Agricultural and horticultural | 3 years |
| Caravans | 3 years |
| Caravan Sites | 1 year |
| Emergency lighting | 3 years |
| Fire alarm systems | 1 year |
| Launderettes | 1 year |
| Petrol filling stations | 1 year |
| Public Houses | 5 years |
| Marinas | 1 year |
| Highway power supplies | 6 years |
For a free quotation or to discuss your requirements, please give us a call today on:
