Fixed wire testing is an important part of maintenance and highlights potential problems that you may have with your electrical installation. So What are the Fixed Wire Testing Rules?
You may not be aware of problems, which is why it’s essential to have a periodic test of your fixed wiring, not just around your business premises but also domestic.
Legal Requirements
Tests take place to satisfy the requirements of:
- The Electricity at Work Regulations Act 1989, Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 and BS 7671 (IEE Wiring Regulations 17th Edition as amended).
- Insurance companies
- Mortgage Lenders
- Landlords
- Licensing Authorities
- General peace of mind!
The legislation that covers the legal requirements for electrical installations are:
- Health & Safety at Work Act 1974
- The Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999
- The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and the
- Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992
Testing Intervals
There are also some minimum periods of testing that you should be aware of as in the table below, as a general rule testing is required every 1-5 years depending on the building and function, however there are some routine checks that are recommended every 3 months:
Fixed Wiring Installation Type |
Recommended Routine Check |
Maximum Period Between Testing and Inspection |
General |
||
Residential | Change of occupancy/1 year | 5 years |
Commercial | 1 year | Change of occupancy/5 years |
Domestic | Change of occupancy/10 years | |
Offices and Shops | 1 year | 5 years |
Hospitals and Laboratories | 1 year | 5 years |
Educational Buildings i.e. Schools | 6 months | 5 years |
Industrial | 1 year | 3 years |
Public Buildings/Those Open to the Public |
||
Community and Village Halls | 1 year | 5 years |
Restaurants, Hotels and Public Houses | 1 year | 5 years |
Public Entertainment | 1 year | 5 years |
Leisure Complexes (Not Swimming Pools) | 4 months | 3 years |
Church Installations | 1 year | 5 years |
Cinemas | 1 year | 1-3 years |
Other Installations |
||
Horticultural and Agricultural | 1 year | 3 years |
Swimming Pools | 4 months | 1 year |
Caravan Parks | 6 months | 1 year |
Highway Power Supplies | As and when required/convenience | 6 years |
Marinas and Fish Farms | 4 months | 1 year |
Emergency Lighting | Daily/Monthly | 3 years |
Fire Alarms | Daily/Weekly/Monthly | 1 year |
Launderettes | 1 month | 1 year |
Petrol Filling Stations | 1 year | 1 year |
Construction Site Installations | 3 months | 3 months |
If you’re unsure whether or not your installation has been inspected recently and you run a commercial or public facility, please get in contact with us as soon as possible to make sure it is completed to fulfil your legal requirements. Without it your insurance policy could be invalid.