Is Electrical Testing A Legal Requirement For Businesses?
Regular testing of a building’s wiring structure and maintenance is mandatory by law under The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and IET Wiring Regulations BS 7671:2018. The frequency of testing required for compliance varies between environments, determined by a number of factors such as the use, operation and other external influences affecting the installation.
It’s not just businesses that require electrical testing as a legal requirement. All places of work need to follow the regulations. This is to keep everyone who works at or visits the premises safe.
The IET Wiring Regulations provide guidance on the maximum interval between fixed wire tests, based on the type of premises.
How Often Should A Commercial Property Be Electrically Tested?
It is recommended that electrical installation condition reports be carried out at least every five years for commercial properties. For other venues and electrical infrastructure, the maximum period between inspections is reduced to one year. These have been outlined below.
- Commercial – 5 years
- Offices – 5 years
- Industrial – 3 years
- Entertainment venues – 1 year
- Petrol stations – 1 year
- Emergency lighting and fire alarms – 1 year
Do I Need An Electrical Certificate For A Business?
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is not a legal requirement, however, businesses are bound by legal obligations to their employees, customers and visitors which can be met by an EICR inspection.
It’s highly recommended that you get an EICR inspection completed at the right intervals. This helps your premises to stay compliant and ensures professional and fully-accredited electricians have assessed and signed-off all your major electrical infrastructure. The report can highlight any problem areas, meaning you can address and fix any issues before they become unsafe.
The electrical engineers at Remark are qualified to the latest regulation standards and we’re proud to be fully accredited by the likes of the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting. If you’re looking to get Electrical Infrastructure Testing, contact the team at Remark Group today.