FIXED WIRE TESTING

Fixed Wire Testing is an essential practice for any business. Cables, terminations and the fixed equipment can deteriorate over time, your workplace or home could quickly be deemed no longer safe and compliant with current Electricity at Work Regulations, this could put the duty holder at risk, of liability for an electrical incident, including any damage to the building, and injuries sustained by a member of the public or your staff.

Argo ensures maximum safety for your business that’s built around your schedule, reducing the risk of disruption and ensuring you can continue to trade as usual.

Fixed wire installation testing involves performing a sequence of rigorous visual inspections followed by formal testing of the electrical services, systems and equipment that conduct electricity around a building. It can cover all of the hard wiring in a building and usually includes items such as main panels, distribution boards, lighting, socket outlets, air conditioning and other fixed plant.

Fixed Wire Testing may also be referred to as:

  • Electrical Installation Condition Reporting (E.I.C.R)
  • Periodic Inspection & Testing
  • Fixed Installation Testing
  • Hard Wire Testing
  • Test and Inspection
  • Fixed Testing
  • Periodic Testing
  • Electrical Testing

The Fixed wire installation testing will also determine if items such as earthing, bonding and incoming supply IS sufficient. All this data will be contained in the report Produced. Our test engineers will check every circuit of each distribution board to ensure full compliance and maximum protection.

Argo carry out a thorough inspection and test, but please be aware of companies and individuals carrying out Fixed wire installation testing quicker by not carrying out a thorough inspection and not undertaking all the required testing. For commercial properties there are many variables that determine the timescale required to undertake a Fixed wire installation test this usually will be indicted on request.

Below shows the BS7671 recommended intervals between periodic tests and inspections.

Type of installation – Maximum period between inspections and testing

  • Domestic premises (general) = 10 years/Change of Occupancy
  • Domestic premises (rented houses and flats) = 5 years/Change of Occupancy
  • Residential accommodation (HMO, halls of residence, nurses accommodation etc) = 5 years/Change of Occupancy (some local authorities ask for HMO properties to be tested every 3 years)
  • Commercial premises = 5 years/Change of Occupancy
  • Educational establishments = 5 years
  • Industrial premises = 3 years
  • Offices = 5 years
  • Shops = 5 years
  • Laboratories = 5 years
  • Hospitals and medical clinics (general areas) = 5 years
  • Hospitals and medical clinics (medical locations) = 1 year
  • Cinemas = 1-3 years (local authorities license should stipulate frequency)
  • Churches = 5 years
  • Leisure complexes (excluding swimming pools) = 3 years
  • Places of public entertainment = 3 years
  • Restaurants and hotels = 5 years
  • Theatres, etc. = 3 years
  • Public Houses = 5 years
  • Village halls/community centres = 5 years
  • Agricultural and horticultural = 3 years
  • Caravans = 3 years but should be reduced to every 1 year if used frequently
  • Caravan parks = 1 year
  • Highway power supplies = 6-8 years
  • Marinas = 1 year
  • Fish farms = 1 year
  • Swimming pools = 1 year
  • Emergency lighting = 3 years – although luminaries should be discharge tested every 1 year
  • Fire alarms = 1 year
  • Launderettes = 1 year
  • Petrol filling stations = 1 year
  • Construction site installations = 3 months
  • Temporary installation = 3 months

Is there any benefits to having my fixed wires tested?

It will ensure your electrical system is safe and fit for purpose will reduce the risk of fire, electrocution and injury to your employees, visitors or members of the public and possibly saving lives.

Will there be any disruption?

This type of work will require the main supply to be isolated for a short while 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 or out of hours.

How much does this service cost?

The cost very much depends on the installation. If everything has been well maintained you receive a lower, more cost effective price than if no maintenance has been carried out for a number of years. For more details or a quote please don’t hesitate to contact.

What are the Legal Requirements?

The Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 (HASW 1974) is an Act set by Parliament that places a duty of care on Employers & Employees to ensure the safety of all persons using the work premises. This Act is law, and to contravene this law is a criminal offence.

As HASW 1974 is an “enabling act” it does not enter into detail of how you will achieve compliance but looks to other Regulations to achieve it.