How to Get a Commercial Electrical Certificate & Why You Need One?

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Commercial Electrical Certificate

As a commercial property owner, you must know the stress of making sure that your property and its inhabitants are safe from all kinds of threats. After all, if something goes wrong, the owner is the one held responsible.

Some things are out of your control, such as natural disasters, but for some things, such as the electrical installations on your property and their safety, you have to take the necessary steps to ensure that they do not pose any risks to anyone or anything.

Electrical faults can be dangerous and the inability to keep them in check can result in some serious problems. They can cause electric shocks upon contact with live parts, burns and injuries from faulty equipment and installations, and in some serious cases, even death from electric fires.

As a commercial property owner, it is your responsibility under the law to ensure the health and safety of your building’s electrical installations to prevent any associated risks.

One way to demonstrate compliance with the regulations laid out by the UK government is to acquire a commercial electrical certificate for your premises.

It ensures that the building’s electrical installations are fault-free and the property is safe to be used by employees, tenants, and whoever may use it.

A commercial electrical certificate offers a variety of benefits to business owners and landlords and helps them get one step closer to safe, cleaner, and more sustainable electricity.

Read on to find out all you need to know about commercial electrical certificates, their different types, why they are important to commercial property owners, and how to get one:

WHAT ARE COMMERCIAL ELECTRICAL CERTIFICATES?

For an electrical certificate, a detailed inspection, followed by a full report must be conducted by a qualified electrician where all the installations and electrical equipment are checked on the property.

The inspections may be carried out for:

  • New installations – where the installations are new or if the property has undergone a complete rewire.
  • Alterations – where one or more existing circuits have been modified, or if equipment such as the consumer unit has been replaced.
  • Additions – where an existing installation has been modified by adding one or more new circuits.

During an electrical inspection, the electrician checks to see if the installations are working as they should and do not carry any risk or hazard.

Checks are conducted on the overall health of the wiring, location of the electrical fixtures such as light fittings, sockets, and switches, earthing and bonding, and any deterioration or damage.

Once these checks are completed, the electrician provides a full report that includes all the details of the electrical installations and their overall condition.

If any faults are noticed during the inspection, the electrical safety on the property is deemed unsatisfactory and remedial action is recommended to be implemented ASAP, depending on the severity of the situation.

TYPES OF COMMERCIAL ELECTRICAL CERTIFICATES

There are three different types of electrical certificates for commercial properties. They are:

  • Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC)

An EIC states that the electrical installations are safe to use and are required for all major installations including new consumer units, circuits, and additional sockets, switches, and light fixtures in special areas of the property such as bathrooms and kitchens.

  • Minor Electrical Works Installation Certificate

This is similar to an EIC; however, it is used when the installations are minor such as light fittings and socket installations in non-special areas of the property.

  • Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)

Previously called a Periodic Inspection Report (PIR), an EICR is a detailed report that identifies any damage, defect, or deterioration that may turn into a potential hazard. It also records several observations in line with the BS 7671 along with providing recommendations for improving the installations.

Once the EICR check is completed, a certificate of the electrical installation is provided, classifying the condition of the installation into three codes:

  • Code C1: indicating that danger exists and immediate action is required,
  • Code C2: indicating that, while the observation is not considered to be dangerous at the moment, it could become a real and immediate danger if a fault or other foreseeable event was to occur, and
  • Code C3: indicating that, while the observation is not considered to be dangerous at the moment, improvements would contribute greatly to the overall health of the system.

WHY DO YOU NEED COMMERCIAL ELECTRICAL CERTIFICATES?

A commercial electrical certificate is a way to show that all your electrical installations are up-to-date and in place which guarantees that the property is safe to be used and inhabited by people.

A detailed inspection will not just tell you about the overall health of your wirings and installations, but also help you make corrections to them including any damages, defects, and deterioration to the system, dangerous equipment that might be on the verge of malfunction, and outdated installations that are no longer compliant with the law.

Failure to obtain the relevant electrical certificates equate to a failure to comply with the law, putting the owners of the commercial property at risk of a lawsuit.

If any employees, tenants, or inhabitants of the building get injured due to the faulty electrical installations and the owners cannot produce proof of an inspection through a certificate, it could land them in hot water, with the injured party likely holding them accountable for the injuries and damages.

Electrical certificates provide several benefits to business owners and landlords, with the cost of getting them being far less than the cost of potential damages for which they could be held responsible.

The benefits of commercial electrical certificates include:

  • Compliance with the law

It is the responsibility of the business owners to have all the electrical installations checked regularly for any signs of damage or defect.

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 enforced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) require that all relevant precautions be taken to prevent the risk of electricity-related injuries and accidents on the property.

  • Validate business insurance

In the event of a mishap, such as an electrical fire on the premises, a commercial electrical certificate will help prove that you, as a business owner or landlord, had done all that you could to prevent it from happening and that the situation was unavoidable.

Many insurance companies encourage periodic electrical inspections to be carried out and ask for certificates or reports as part of the policy conditions, using the health of the system to decide whether the pay-out will be granted or not.

  • Save money

A detailed inspection of the electrical system will be able to identify faults, such as overloaded circuits or equipment overheating, that might be costing you huge amounts of money in wasted energy, much more than what you are consuming.

It will also help with two other major faults, power surges and outages, that cause long-term damage to expensive business equipment such as computers, and can cause them to either malfunction or stop working completely. Periodic maintenance checks will keep these issues in check, resulting in substantial savings.

  • Reduce your carbon footprint

Regular inspections and maintenance checks will also help improve efficiency, and in turn, improve your energy consumption by regulating and monitoring your usage.

By keeping a close eye on the performance of your electrical installations, you will have the ability to foresee and rectify any problem areas and try to reduce your carbon footprint for the benefit of the community as a whole.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU GET AN ELECTRICAL CERTIFICATE?

A commercial electrical certificate is given to you after thoroughly inspecting your electrical installations. It not just provides a clear picture of the overall health of the system but also helps identify potential risks and hazards.

This practice not just helps you stay compliant with the law but, as mentioned above, provides several benefits in the form of safety and saving you money on huge repairing, insurance, and legal costs.

The best way to ensure that the wiring on your property keeps working as it should and stays in good condition is to have a reliable electrical contractor regularly check it out. The professional electrician will be able to identify any potential or developing problems and fix them before they become an issue.

It is a requirement under the Electricity of Work Act 1989 that as a business or commercial space, you must make sure that the electrical installation is deemed safe for use by your employees and the public. This is done by carrying out an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) at regular intervals, which can range from 3-5 years.

For landlords, a Landlords Safety Certificate, which provides an electrical installation condition report to identify any issues and to make sure the property is safe for use and up to electrical standards and regulations, must be carried out every 5 years or whenever there is a change in occupancy.

For items that are not part of the fixed wiring, and so do not fall under the electrical testing of the premises, Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is recommended between 3-12 months depending on the type and usage of the item.

HOW TO CHOOSE AN ELECTRICAL CERTIFICATE PROVIDER

Electrical inspections and certifications are a vital part of any installation and must be carried out by a reliable contractor.

Before you hire someone to conduct an electrical inspection on your property, there are a few things that you need to understand and consider:

  • Weigh your options and do your research. Do not hire the first person that you stumble upon, even if the price that they quote is cheaper than others. Read online reviews, ask around and see what other businesses are opting for, compare alternative options, and choose the best professional for your requirements.
  • Most, but not all, electricians are authorised to issue a commercial electrical certificate. Make sure that the one you choose is and is trained to do the job efficiently.
  • When deciding to get an inspection done, always get a written document laying out a clear outline of the work that is to be carried out, along with the services included in the quotation to avoid any miscommunication and misunderstandings.
  • Always make sure that the electrician working on your property is insured and holds liability for any damages or unexpected incidents happening during the inspection.
  • As is with any product bought or service rendered, make sure you get a written confirmation in the form of a receipt after you’ve made the payment. This protects you from any kind of disputes that might arise.

COST OF A COMMERCIAL ELECTRICAL CERTIFICATE

The cost of a commercial electrical certificate depends on three main factors: the size of the property, the complexity of the electrical system, and the type of equipment used. It may fall anywhere between £250 to £800.

HOW TO GET A COMMERCIAL ELECTRICAL CERTIFICATE?

If you wish to get an electrical certificate for your commercial property, the first thing that you need to do is contact an electrical services company, such as Calder Electrical, to perform a detailed inspection of your wiring and installations.

The process includes a few technical questions, an assessment of the premises, and an on-site inspection.

The questions asked will help the electrician get a better idea about your current installations, the type of work you’ve had done, and whether they are up to the current standard or not.

Some of the things that you might need to provide the electrician during the inspection include insurance certificates, risk assessments, complaint logs, commissioning records, and calibration certificates.

The process might take a couple of hours depending on the type of electrical certificate, the size of your commercial property, and the complexity of your electrical installations.

Once the inspection has been done, make sure you receive all the relevant paperwork in the form of reports and certificates and keep them in a safe place for future reference. They will demonstrate the work you had done and will help streamline and speed up the process in the future.

If you are the tenant of a building and wish to get an electrical inspection done, you must contact your landlord since they are the ones required to provide proof of electrical certification.

Once you receive the certificate, it must be your responsibility to have it renewed every few years through periodic inspections carried out by an NICEIC approved electrician.

HOW TO CHOOSE AN ELECTRICAL CERTIFICATE PROVIDER

Electrical inspections and certifications are a vital part of any installation and must be carried out by a reliable contractor.

Before you hire someone to conduct an electrical inspection on your property, there are a few things that you need to understand and consider:

  • Weigh your options and do your research. Do not hire the first person that you stumble upon, even if the price that they quote is cheaper than others. Read online reviews, ask around and see what other businesses are opting for, compare alternative options, and choose the best professional for your requirements.
  • Most, but not all, electricians are authorised to issue a commercial electrical certificate. Make sure that the one you choose is and is trained to do the job efficiently.
  • When deciding to get an inspection done, always get a written document laying out a clear outline of the work that is to be carried out, along with the services included in the quotation to avoid any miscommunication and misunderstandings.
  • Always make sure that the electrician working on your property is insured and holds liability for any damages or unexpected incidents happening during the inspection.
  • As is with any product bought or service rendered, make sure you get a written confirmation in the form of a receipt after you’ve made the payment. This protects you from any kind of disputes that might arise.

CONTACT CALDER ELECTRICAL

Here is why you must choose Calder Electrical Services:

  • We are a one-stop-shop for a wide range of services including all aspects of domestic, commercial, and industrial electrical installations, along with their inspection, testing, and maintenance.
  • We have experienced and fully qualified NICEIC registered electrical engineers on hand to deliver a professional and high-quality service.
  • All our work is fully insured and compliant with the current wiring regulations.
  • We provide a call-out service to rectify and solve any problems ranging from circuits tripping, loss of power, broken items that need repairing, to checking for potential hazards.
  • Our team can generate a Visual Inspection Report (VIR) to identify anything visual that does not comply with the standards or looks unsafe.
  • We also generate Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs) where we identify and test each circuit to make sure they are not deteriorating and are safe for use within the current standards and regulations set by the BS 7671.
  • We can also provide PAT testing of appliances to make sure that any items such as kettles, computers, and microwaves are safe for use in the home and workplace.

Contact us here or call us on 0800 612 3001 to have your commercial electrical installations inspected right away. After all, safety comes first!

Image by Maximilian Fritsche from Pixabay

As a commercial property owner, you must know the stress of making sure that your property and its inhabitants are safe from all kinds of threats. After all, if something goes wrong, the owner is the one held responsible.

Some things are out of your control, such as natural disasters, but for some things, such as the electrical installations on your property and their safety, you have to take the necessary steps to ensure that they do not pose any risks to anyone or anything.

Electrical faults can be dangerous and the inability to keep them in check can result in some serious problems. They can cause electric shocks upon contact with live parts, burns and injuries from faulty equipment and installations, and in some serious cases, even death from electric fires.

As a commercial property owner, it is your responsibility under the law to ensure the health and safety of your building’s electrical installations to prevent any associated risks.

One way to demonstrate compliance with the regulations laid out by the UK government is to acquire a commercial electrical certificate for your premises.

It ensures that the building’s electrical installations are fault-free and the property is safe to be used by employees, tenants, and whoever may use it.

A commercial electrical certificate offers a variety of benefits to business owners and landlords and helps them get one step closer to safe, cleaner, and more sustainable electricity.

Read on to find out all you need to know about commercial electrical certificates, their different types, why they are important to commercial property owners, and how to get one:

WHAT ARE COMMERCIAL ELECTRICAL CERTIFICATES?

For an electrical certificate, a detailed inspection, followed by a full report must be conducted by a qualified electrician where all the installations and electrical equipment are checked on the property.

The inspections may be carried out for:

  • New installations – where the installations are new or if the property has undergone a complete rewire.
  • Alterations – where one or more existing circuits have been modified, or if equipment such as the consumer unit has been replaced.
  • Additions – where an existing installation has been modified by adding one or more new circuits.

During an electrical inspection, the electrician checks to see if the installations are working as they should and do not carry any risk or hazard.

Checks are conducted on the overall health of the wiring, location of the electrical fixtures such as light fittings, sockets, and switches, earthing and bonding, and any deterioration or damage.

Once these checks are completed, the electrician provides a full report that includes all the details of the electrical installations and their overall condition.

If any faults are noticed during the inspection, the electrical safety on the property is deemed unsatisfactory and remedial action is recommended to be implemented ASAP, depending on the severity of the situation.

TYPES OF COMMERCIAL ELECTRICAL CERTIFICATES

There are three different types of electrical certificates for commercial properties. They are:

  • Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC)

An EIC states that the electrical installations are safe to use and are required for all major installations including new consumer units, circuits, and additional sockets, switches, and light fixtures in special areas of the property such as bathrooms and kitchens.

  • Minor Electrical Works Installation Certificate

This is similar to an EIC; however, it is used when the installations are minor such as light fittings and socket installations in non-special areas of the property.

  • Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)

Previously called a Periodic Inspection Report (PIR), an EICR is a detailed report that identifies any damage, defect, or deterioration that may turn into a potential hazard. It also records several observations in line with the BS 7671 along with providing recommendations for improving the installations.

Once the EICR check is completed, a certificate of the electrical installation is provided, classifying the condition of the installation into three codes:

  • Code C1: indicating that danger exists and immediate action is required,
  • Code C2: indicating that, while the observation is not considered to be dangerous at the moment, it could become a real and immediate danger if a fault or other foreseeable event was to occur, and
  • Code C3: indicating that, while the observation is not considered to be dangerous at the moment, improvements would contribute greatly to the overall health of the system.
WHY DO YOU NEED COMMERCIAL ELECTRICAL CERTIFICATES?

A commercial electrical certificate is a way to show that all your electrical installations are up-to-date and in place which guarantees that the property is safe to be used and inhabited by people.

A detailed inspection will not just tell you about the overall health of your wirings and installations, but also help you make corrections to them including any damages, defects, and deterioration to the system, dangerous equipment that might be on the verge of malfunction, and outdated installations that are no longer compliant with the law.

Failure to obtain the relevant electrical certificates equate to a failure to comply with the law, putting the owners of the commercial property at risk of a lawsuit.

If any employees, tenants, or inhabitants of the building get injured due to the faulty electrical installations and the owners cannot produce proof of an inspection through a certificate, it could land them in hot water, with the injured party likely holding them accountable for the injuries and damages.

Electrical certificates provide several benefits to business owners and landlords, with the cost of getting them being far less than the cost of potential damages for which they could be held responsible.

The benefits of commercial electrical certificates include:

  • Compliance with the law

It is the responsibility of the business owners to have all the electrical installations checked regularly for any signs of damage or defect.

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 enforced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) require that all relevant precautions be taken to prevent the risk of electricity-related injuries and accidents on the property.

  • Validate business insurance

In the event of a mishap, such as an electrical fire on the premises, a commercial electrical certificate will help prove that you, as a business owner or landlord, had done all that you could to prevent it from happening and that the situation was unavoidable.

Many insurance companies encourage periodic electrical inspections to be carried out and ask for certificates or reports as part of the policy conditions, using the health of the system to decide whether the pay-out will be granted or not.

  • Save money

A detailed inspection of the electrical system will be able to identify faults, such as overloaded circuits or equipment overheating, that might be costing you huge amounts of money in wasted energy, much more than what you are consuming.

It will also help with two other major faults, power surges and outages, that cause long-term damage to expensive business equipment such as computers, and can cause them to either malfunction or stop working completely. Periodic maintenance checks will keep these issues in check, resulting in substantial savings.

  • Reduce your carbon footprint

Regular inspections and maintenance checks will also help improve efficiency, and in turn, improve your energy consumption by regulating and monitoring your usage.

By keeping a close eye on the performance of your electrical installations, you will have the ability to foresee and rectify any problem areas and try to reduce your carbon footprint for the benefit of the community as a whole.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU GET AN ELECTRICAL CERTIFICATE?

A commercial electrical certificate is given to you after thoroughly inspecting your electrical installations. It not just provides a clear picture of the overall health of the system but also helps identify potential risks and hazards.

This practice not just helps you stay compliant with the law but, as mentioned above, provides several benefits in the form of safety and saving you money on huge repairing, insurance, and legal costs.

The best way to ensure that the wiring on your property keeps working as it should and stays in good condition is to have a reliable electrical contractor regularly check it out. The professional electrician will be able to identify any potential or developing problems and fix them before they become an issue.

It is a requirement under the Electricity of Work Act 1989 that as a business or commercial space, you must make sure that the electrical installation is deemed safe for use by your employees and the public. This is done by carrying out an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) at regular intervals, which can range from 3-5 years.

For landlords, a Landlords Safety Certificate, which provides an electrical installation condition report to identify any issues and to make sure the property is safe for use and up to electrical standards and regulations, must be carried out every 5 years or whenever there is a change in occupancy.

For items that are not part of the fixed wiring, and so do not fall under the electrical testing of the premises, Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is recommended between 3-12 months depending on the type and usage of the item.

HOW TO CHOOSE AN ELECTRICAL CERTIFICATE PROVIDER

Electrical inspections and certifications are a vital part of any installation and must be carried out by a reliable contractor.

Before you hire someone to conduct an electrical inspection on your property, there are a few things that you need to understand and consider:

  • Weigh your options and do your research. Do not hire the first person that you stumble upon, even if the price that they quote is cheaper than others. Read online reviews, ask around and see what other businesses are opting for, compare alternative options, and choose the best professional for your requirements.
  • Most, but not all, electricians are authorised to issue a commercial electrical certificate. Make sure that the one you choose is and is trained to do the job efficiently.
  • When deciding to get an inspection done, always get a written document laying out a clear outline of the work that is to be carried out, along with the services included in the quotation to avoid any miscommunication and misunderstandings.
  • Always make sure that the electrician working on your property is insured and holds liability for any damages or unexpected incidents happening during the inspection.
  • As is with any product bought or service rendered, make sure you get a written confirmation in the form of a receipt after you’ve made the payment. This protects you from any kind of disputes that might arise.
COST OF A COMMERCIAL ELECTRICAL CERTIFICATE

The cost of a commercial electrical certificate depends on three main factors: the size of the property, the complexity of the electrical system, and the type of equipment used. It may fall anywhere between £250 to £800.

HOW TO GET A COMMERCIAL ELECTRICAL CERTIFICATE?

If you wish to get an electrical certificate for your commercial property, the first thing that you need to do is contact an electrical services company, such as Calder Electrical, to perform a detailed inspection of your wiring and installations.

The process includes a few technical questions, an assessment of the premises, and an on-site inspection.

The questions asked will help the electrician get a better idea about your current installations, the type of work you’ve had done, and whether they are up to the current standard or not.

Some of the things that you might need to provide the electrician during the inspection include insurance certificates, risk assessments, complaint logs, commissioning records, and calibration certificates.

The process might take a couple of hours depending on the type of electrical certificate, the size of your commercial property, and the complexity of your electrical installations.

Once the inspection has been done, make sure you receive all the relevant paperwork in the form of reports and certificates and keep them in a safe place for future reference. They will demonstrate the work you had done and will help streamline and speed up the process in the future.

If you are the tenant of a building and wish to get an electrical inspection done, you must contact your landlord since they are the ones required to provide proof of electrical certification.

Once you receive the certificate, it must be your responsibility to have it renewed every few years through periodic inspections carried out by an NICEIC approved electrician.

HOW TO CHOOSE AN ELECTRICAL CERTIFICATE PROVIDER

Electrical inspections and certifications are a vital part of any installation and must be carried out by a reliable contractor.

Before you hire someone to conduct an electrical inspection on your property, there are a few things that you need to understand and consider:

  • Weigh your options and do your research. Do not hire the first person that you stumble upon, even if the price that they quote is cheaper than others. Read online reviews, ask around and see what other businesses are opting for, compare alternative options, and choose the best professional for your requirements.
  • Most, but not all, electricians are authorised to issue a commercial electrical certificate. Make sure that the one you choose is and is trained to do the job efficiently.
  • When deciding to get an inspection done, always get a written document laying out a clear outline of the work that is to be carried out, along with the services included in the quotation to avoid any miscommunication and misunderstandings.
  • Always make sure that the electrician working on your property is insured and holds liability for any damages or unexpected incidents happening during the inspection.
  • As is with any product bought or service rendered, make sure you get a written confirmation in the form of a receipt after you’ve made the payment. This protects you from any kind of disputes that might arise.
CONTACT CALDER ELECTRICAL

Here is why you must choose Calder Electrical Services:

  • We are a one-stop-shop for a wide range of services including all aspects of domestic, commercial, and industrial electrical installations, along with their inspection, testing, and maintenance.
  • We have experienced and fully qualified NICEIC registered electrical engineers on hand to deliver a professional and high-quality service.
  • All our work is fully insured and compliant with the current wiring regulations.
  • We provide a call-out service to rectify and solve any problems ranging from circuits tripping, loss of power, broken items that need repairing, to checking for potential hazards.
  • Our team can generate a Visual Inspection Report (VIR) to identify anything visual that does not comply with the standards or looks unsafe.
  • We also generate Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs) where we identify and test each circuit to make sure they are not deteriorating and are safe for use within the current standards and regulations set by the BS 7671.
  • We can also provide PAT testing of appliances to make sure that any items such as kettles, computers, and microwaves are safe for use in the home and workplace.

Contact us here or call us on 0800 612 3001 to have your commercial electrical installations inspected right away. After all, safety comes first!

Image by Maximilian Fritsche from Pixabay