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 legislation that covers the legal requirements for electrical installations are:

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.

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