The 'Electricity at Work Regulations 1989' requires all electrical systems to be maintained to a safe standard. To meet the requirements of BS7671 (formally the IEE regulations), all electrical systems from the main intake through to the final fixed appliances and accessories, Have to be tested and inspected on a regular basis. 

Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (EAWR) places a legal responsibility on employers and employees, as duty holders to ensure that electrical systems used at work under their control, are safe.

 We inspect and test just about anything electrical, industrial and commercial premises, houses, halls, museums, public buildings, colleges, office blocks, government buildings, shopping malls, council assets, water company assets, utility company assets…

Why do electrical installations need periodic testing?
Although an installation may have passed its initial inspection and tests, faults may have developed over a period of time or it may not comply with the current Regulations since these are regularly updated to take into account technological developments and increasing standards.

Periodic inspection and testing is carried out with four objectives in view:

1         To ensure that people and livestock are saved from the effects of electric shocks and burns.

2         To prevent potential fire and heat damage caused by a defect in the installation.

3         To check that the installation has not become unsafe through deterioration or damage.

4         To make sure that there are no installation defects or evidence of non-compliance with the current Regulations which might be dangerous.

The safety of electrical systems in the workplace is not only essential to protect employees, it is also a legal requirement under the:
Health & Safety Legislation - The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.

 Reason for the regulations 

There are some 50 deaths and 1000 serious injuries each year from electrical systems, caused by shock, burns, fire and explosions. Secondary injuries or death can also occur, for example when a person working at height receives a non-fatal electrical shock, which causes them to fall.

Testing Method 

1.   In accordance with current guidelines 20% of power circuits and 10% of lighting circuits to be tested. This is to be increased up to 100% if faults are in evidence (Circuits utilised at the time of inspection and testing)
2. All Distribution boards to be tested for earth loop impedance and prospective short circuit current, a report of distribution board general condition to be obtained.
3. All socket outlets to be tested for earth loop impedance
4. All fixed appliances to be tested for earth loop impedance, a further 10% sample to be insulation tested between isolator and appliance
5.  All control panels (not tested as fixed appliances) to be tested for earth loop impedance, and a report of panel general condition obtained.
6.  Provide all documentation and certificates pertinent to the above inspection and testing in accordance with and the requirements of BS7671

 N.B. This is by no means a comprehensive list of the inspection and testing performed on site, reference to our technical department should be made for specific requirements/queries.

Documentation

All our documentation is produced with the latest in industry standard computer software, all are printed to a high standard to ensure clarity.

Inspector’s qualifications. 

Our BS 7671 inspectors are all fully qualified time served electricians and are at the very least qualified to: 

1         City & Guilds, BS7671: 1992, Requirements for Electrical Installations (IEE wiring regulations, 16th Edition)

2         City & Guilds 2391, Inspection, Testing and Certification of Electrical Installations

 A copy of inspector’s certificates can be provided upon demand

 Other testing services. 

• Electrical Inspection and Testing to BS7671
• Full tracing of electrical installations
• Schematic drawings of electrical distribution systems
• Labelling of electrical distribution systems
• Fire Alarm testing and certification
• Portable Appliance Testing  

Please refer to our technical department for specific queries