Table of Contents
All electrical installations deteriorate over time. You can’t expect to have them installed once and use them indefinitely without having them checked.
Using outdated, damaged, and obsolete connections is not just against the law but also carries huge risks in the form of serious property damage, financial losses, human injuries, and even fatalities in a few cases.
If your electrical installations do not function properly, you run the risk of power cuts or surges, electrocution, short circuits due to poorly insulated wires, and fires.
As a commercial property owner, you must ensure that the electrical installations on your premises are safe and do not pose a hazard to the inhabitants and other assets.
Since most electrical installations are concealed behind walls, it can sometimes be difficult for regular people, without the relevant knowledge, to catch certain faults unless they become too apparent and have already started to cause issues.
To counteract such problems, there are certain precautions and safety measures that you can take for the safety of yourself and your property, and to ensure that issues never arise or get out of control.
The best way to go about that is to have periodic electrical inspections done for your commercial premises and here’s everything you need to know about them:
Periodic electrical inspections efficiently test the overall health of the electrical installations on your property and provide you with a detailed Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) showing what, if anything, needs to be done to ensure electrical safety and compliance with the latest electrical regulations.
The testing is carried out by a trained professional who does a visual inspection followed by a thorough condition report to:
During a visual inspection, the certified professional runs a basic check to identify any visual signs of damage, defect, or deterioration which includes checking the consumer units, sockets, plugs, light fittings, light switches, electrical cables and leads, earthing and bonding, extension leads, signs of wear and tear, and any visible signs of burning or scorching.
After everything is checked, the observations are recorded and recommendations are provided in a Visual Inspection Report (VIR).
It is followed by a more thorough electrical installation condition report (EICR) which helps identify any defects or issues that could not be identified during a visual inspection.
It involves the testing of various circuits and highlighting of any issues that might be risky upon prolonged use, followed by recommendations to improve said issues.
The purpose of an EICR is to determine whether the current electrical installations are satisfactory for continued use or not.
Once the EICR check is completed, a certificate of the electrical installation is provided, classifying the condition of the installation into three codes:
Periodic inspections are an important part of a commercial property’s electrical safety. Here are four key reasons why you must always have your electrical installations checked by a certified professional:
Electrical installations and wiring deteriorate over time with constant wear and tear, making periodic inspections a necessity to identify any faults and fix them before they become a safety hazard.
It is a requirement under The Electricity of Work Act 1989 that as a business or commercial space you make sure that your installations are deemed safe for use by your employees and the public.
The inability to do so, especially if there is an electricity-related incident or mishap on your premises, can land you in some serious trouble and deep lawsuits.
Periodic inspections help identify faults and defects before they pose any substantial damage to you or your property.
Power surges and outages can cause long-term damage to expensive equipment, such as computers, causing them to either malfunction or stop working completely – the resulting repairing costs for which could be huge and unanticipated.
Also, faulty and inadequate electrical installations could unnecessarily add to your electricity bill despite you not consuming that much power. Regular electrical inspections not just check and rectify issues in your current installations, but also provide time and cost savings for future inspections.
Safety is probably the biggest benefit you can get out of regular electrical inspections, all other being secondary advantages.
Faulty wiring and installations can pose a serious threat to a property and the people in it. Electric shocks and burns are very common and in serious cases, they can cause sparks in the wiring resulting in fires.
A thorough inspection guarantees that all your installations are compliant with the law and there are no safety risks associated with the electrical system.
Having your installations thoroughly and periodically tested minimises the risk of damages, injuries, and other incidents – which is something that all insurance companies look for.
They just want to be sure that you have done all that you are required to do to make your property safe from all potential electricity-related risks.
You must always keep the important documents issued to you after the inspection in a safe place since providing evidence of up-to-date electrical installations not just reduces your insurance premiums, but also helps you make a claim in the event of an electricity-related mishap.
To stay compliant with UK laws and regulations, you must get your electrical installations tested periodically.
Under the Electricity of Work Act 1989, you are required as a business or commercial space owner to carry out a periodic electrical inspection at regular intervals, which can range from 3 to 5 years.
If you are a landlord, you must ensure that your rented commercial property is safe for use and up to electrical standards and regulations, which is why the inspections must be carried out every 5 years or whenever there is a change in occupancy.
One thing to note here is that the durations mentioned above are not set in stone. You can also get an electrical inspection done if:
CHOOSING THE RIGHT ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR
Electrical inspections and maintenance are a vital part of any installation and must be carried out by a reliable electrical contractor.
They should be done periodically to make sure your home, rental properties, workplace, and businesses are electrically safe, and to identify any hazards that could occur to prevent accidents, electric shocks, and fires.
Choosing the right contractor to carry out your commercial electrical inspection is crucial in how well it will be carried out.
With so many people pretending to be professionals and offering the lowest quotes, you might be tempted to pick one based solely on the fact that their services will cost you less.
What you need to understand is that cheap is not always good, and having an incompetent contractor inspect your installations might do you more harm and not at all worth saving a few pounds for.
It is always best to have a discussion with your electrical contractor about your expectations and whether they can fulfil them or not.
This allows you to communicate your requirements fully, and also for the contractor to explain to you what exactly the work entails.
Here are a few key points to look out for when hiring an electrical contractor for your commercial property:
Hiring an electrical contractor certified by the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC) is one of the most critical factors to look for.
It assesses the competence of domestic and commercial electricians and ensures that the work carried out conforms to the standards set out by the Institute of Electrical Engineers (IEE).
The applicants are awarded the certification only after meeting the NICEIC’s stringent criteria that include a strict assessment of samples of their work, site visits, reviews, documentation, along with the competence of their supervisory staff.
An electrical contractor is expected to work to the highest safety standards that ensure you, your property, and its assets will remain safe from potential electrical hazards.
They are expected to follow the BS 7671:2018 wiring regulations, which are the most updated and a requirement for all new electrical installations from 1st January 2019.
What people say about a company or individual tells so much about their competence and level of service, and if previous clients are attesting to their work, it means they might be worth considering for your electrical inspection as well.
To gather information, you may ask other commercial property owners in the area for first-hand feedback, run a quick Google search and read the online reviews, and check their social media pages.
Don’t hesitate to talk to previous clients and ask additional questions if you feel that it will help you make a decision. Just remember that you aren’t looking for perfection here, rather the contractor’s skilled workmanship and willingness to address any issues that may arise.
Just ensure that whatever feedback you receive is genuine, which is why it is a good idea to have more than one source so that you may be sure of their authenticity.
Customer service is key, especially in the services industry. The way you deal with people and how satisfied they are with your work can make or break your business.
Clients need to be sure that they can depend on their electrical contractor to provide them with efficient and effective services and to advise on the best fixes and upgrades to make their electrical installation 100% safe to use.
Some of the things to look out for include reliability, punctuality, professionalism, willing to take out the time to explain the plans for the work required, cleanliness, finesse, respect for privacy, and completion of work within time and budget.
In addition to having your electrical installations periodically inspected, there are a few best practices you must adopt to keep your property safe for everyone.
Here are our top electrical safety tips:
Sometimes, due to prolonged use or whatever reason, your installations might start to deteriorate and show visible signs of damage.
These include flickering lights, sparks or buzzing sounds, discoloured outlets, cracked wall outlets, weird odours, smoke, and fire.
It is crucial that you keep an eye out for such signs, stop using the installations as soon as you notice them, and call a certified electrician to check it out ASAP.
Most people have a habit, especially in commercial settings such as offices, to never turn off the equipment before leaving for home. This includes computers, printers, and other office equipment such as that in the kitchen.
They might not realise it, but leaving such appliances on unattended pose a serious safety hazard since it may cause the equipment to overheat and possibly catch fire.
Therefore, just to be on the safe side, it is recommended to always turn off the appliances when not in use, and not rely on others to do it for you.
Extension cords can be very convenient and are found in most commercial establishments. However, one must be very careful when using them since they may not be able to handle excess current, especially when they are at full capacity, and may lead to electric shocks or fires.
Extension cords must be placed away from doorways and walkways and plugging one extension cord into another must be avoided at all costs.
It is advised to call an electrician to install as many wall outlets as possible to avoid using extension cords completely.
Heavy machinery and high-powered equipment tend to heat up, and we all know what happens to things when they heat up – they catch fire.
Ventilation is extremely important and, to ensure that there must be a minimum of 3 feet distance in front of the electrical panels and between equipment.
At Calder Electrical Services, we offer a wide range of services to meet the demands of our clients which include all aspects of domestic, commercial, and industrial electrical testing and inspections.
We offer a professional, friendly, and reliable service with high-quality standards so that our customers are 100% satisfied.
We have been undertaking electrical work since 1976 and have plenty of experience in all aspects of electrical work.
The work done by our qualified electrical engineers is fully insured and meets the high standards set out by the NICEIC.
Photo by intrapixel on Unsplash
Our testing and inspection services include:
Get in touch with our experts right away! Contact us here or call us on 0800 612 3001.
All electrical installations deteriorate over time. You can’t expect to have them installed once and use them indefinitely without having them checked.
Using outdated, damaged, and obsolete connections is not just against the law but also carries huge risks in the form of serious property damage, financial losses, human injuries, and even fatalities in a few cases.
If your electrical installations do not function properly, you run the risk of power cuts or surges, electrocution, short circuits due to poorly insulated wires, and fires.
As a commercial property owner, you must ensure that the electrical installations on your premises are safe and do not pose a hazard to the inhabitants and other assets.
Since most electrical installations are concealed behind walls, it can sometimes be difficult for regular people, without the relevant knowledge, to catch certain faults unless they become too apparent and have already started to cause issues.
To counteract such problems, there are certain precautions and safety measures that you can take for the safety of yourself and your property, and to ensure that issues never arise or get out of control.
The best way to go about that is to have periodic electrical inspections done for your commercial premises and here’s everything you need to know about them:
Periodic electrical inspections efficiently test the overall health of the electrical installations on your property and provide you with a detailed Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) showing what, if anything, needs to be done to ensure electrical safety and compliance with the latest electrical regulations.
The testing is carried out by a trained professional who does a visual inspection followed by a thorough condition report to:
During a visual inspection, the certified professional runs a basic check to identify any visual signs of damage, defect, or deterioration which includes checking the consumer units, sockets, plugs, light fittings, light switches, electrical cables and leads, earthing and bonding, extension leads, signs of wear and tear, and any visible signs of burning or scorching.
After everything is checked, the observations are recorded and recommendations are provided in a Visual Inspection Report (VIR).
It is followed by a more thorough electrical installation condition report (EICR) which helps identify any defects or issues that could not be identified during a visual inspection.
It involves the testing of various circuits and highlighting of any issues that might be risky upon prolonged use, followed by recommendations to improve said issues.
The purpose of an EICR is to determine whether the current electrical installations are satisfactory for continued use or not.
Once the EICR check is completed, a certificate of the electrical installation is provided, classifying the condition of the installation into three codes:
Periodic inspections are an important part of a commercial property’s electrical safety. Here are four key reasons why you must always have your electrical installations checked by a certified professional:
Electrical installations and wiring deteriorate over time with constant wear and tear, making periodic inspections a necessity to identify any faults and fix them before they become a safety hazard.
It is a requirement under The Electricity of Work Act 1989 that as a business or commercial space you make sure that your installations are deemed safe for use by your employees and the public.
The inability to do so, especially if there is an electricity-related incident or mishap on your premises, can land you in some serious trouble and deep lawsuits.
Periodic inspections help identify faults and defects before they pose any substantial damage to you or your property.
Power surges and outages can cause long-term damage to expensive equipment, such as computers, causing them to either malfunction or stop working completely – the resulting repairing costs for which could be huge and unanticipated.
Also, faulty and inadequate electrical installations could unnecessarily add to your electricity bill despite you not consuming that much power. Regular electrical inspections not just check and rectify issues in your current installations, but also provide time and cost savings for future inspections.
Safety is probably the biggest benefit you can get out of regular electrical inspections, all other being secondary advantages.
Faulty wiring and installations can pose a serious threat to a property and the people in it. Electric shocks and burns are very common and in serious cases, they can cause sparks in the wiring resulting in fires.
A thorough inspection guarantees that all your installations are compliant with the law and there are no safety risks associated with the electrical system.
Having your installations thoroughly and periodically tested minimises the risk of damages, injuries, and other incidents – which is something that all insurance companies look for.
They just want to be sure that you have done all that you are required to do to make your property safe from all potential electricity-related risks.
You must always keep the important documents issued to you after the inspection in a safe place since providing evidence of up-to-date electrical installations not just reduces your insurance premiums, but also helps you make a claim in the event of an electricity-related mishap.
To stay compliant with UK laws and regulations, you must get your electrical installations tested periodically.
Under the Electricity of Work Act 1989, you are required as a business or commercial space owner to carry out a periodic electrical inspection at regular intervals, which can range from 3 to 5 years.
If you are a landlord, you must ensure that your rented commercial property is safe for use and up to electrical standards and regulations, which is why the inspections must be carried out every 5 years or whenever there is a change in occupancy.
One thing to note here is that the durations mentioned above are not set in stone. You can also get an electrical inspection done if:
CHOOSING THE RIGHT ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR
Electrical inspections and maintenance are a vital part of any installation and must be carried out by a reliable electrical contractor.
They should be done periodically to make sure your home, rental properties, workplace, and businesses are electrically safe, and to identify any hazards that could occur to prevent accidents, electric shocks, and fires.
Choosing the right contractor to carry out your commercial electrical inspection is crucial in how well it will be carried out.
With so many people pretending to be professionals and offering the lowest quotes, you might be tempted to pick one based solely on the fact that their services will cost you less.
What you need to understand is that cheap is not always good, and having an incompetent contractor inspect your installations might do you more harm and not at all worth saving a few pounds for.
It is always best to have a discussion with your electrical contractor about your expectations and whether they can fulfil them or not.
This allows you to communicate your requirements fully, and also for the contractor to explain to you what exactly the work entails.
Here are a few key points to look out for when hiring an electrical contractor for your commercial property:
Hiring an electrical contractor certified by the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC) is one of the most critical factors to look for.
It assesses the competence of domestic and commercial electricians and ensures that the work carried out conforms to the standards set out by the Institute of Electrical Engineers (IEE).
The applicants are awarded the certification only after meeting the NICEIC’s stringent criteria that include a strict assessment of samples of their work, site visits, reviews, documentation, along with the competence of their supervisory staff.
An electrical contractor is expected to work to the highest safety standards that ensure you, your property, and its assets will remain safe from potential electrical hazards.
They are expected to follow the BS 7671:2018 wiring regulations, which are the most updated and a requirement for all new electrical installations from 1st January 2019.
What people say about a company or individual tells so much about their competence and level of service, and if previous clients are attesting to their work, it means they might be worth considering for your electrical inspection as well.
To gather information, you may ask other commercial property owners in the area for first-hand feedback, run a quick Google search and read the online reviews, and check their social media pages.
Don’t hesitate to talk to previous clients and ask additional questions if you feel that it will help you make a decision. Just remember that you aren’t looking for perfection here, rather the contractor’s skilled workmanship and willingness to address any issues that may arise.
Just ensure that whatever feedback you receive is genuine, which is why it is a good idea to have more than one source so that you may be sure of their authenticity.
Customer service is key, especially in the services industry. The way you deal with people and how satisfied they are with your work can make or break your business.
Clients need to be sure that they can depend on their electrical contractor to provide them with efficient and effective services and to advise on the best fixes and upgrades to make their electrical installation 100% safe to use.
Some of the things to look out for include reliability, punctuality, professionalism, willing to take out the time to explain the plans for the work required, cleanliness, finesse, respect for privacy, and completion of work within time and budget.
In addition to having your electrical installations periodically inspected, there are a few best practices you must adopt to keep your property safe for everyone.
Here are our top electrical safety tips:
Sometimes, due to prolonged use or whatever reason, your installations might start to deteriorate and show visible signs of damage.
These include flickering lights, sparks or buzzing sounds, discoloured outlets, cracked wall outlets, weird odours, smoke, and fire.
It is crucial that you keep an eye out for such signs, stop using the installations as soon as you notice them, and call a certified electrician to check it out ASAP.
Most people have a habit, especially in commercial settings such as offices, to never turn off the equipment before leaving for home. This includes computers, printers, and other office equipment such as that in the kitchen.
They might not realise it, but leaving such appliances on unattended pose a serious safety hazard since it may cause the equipment to overheat and possibly catch fire.
Therefore, just to be on the safe side, it is recommended to always turn off the appliances when not in use, and not rely on others to do it for you.
Extension cords can be very convenient and are found in most commercial establishments. However, one must be very careful when using them since they may not be able to handle excess current, especially when they are at full capacity, and may lead to electric shocks or fires.
Extension cords must be placed away from doorways and walkways and plugging one extension cord into another must be avoided at all costs.
It is advised to call an electrician to install as many wall outlets as possible to avoid using extension cords completely.
Heavy machinery and high-powered equipment tend to heat up, and we all know what happens to things when they heat up – they catch fire.
Ventilation is extremely important and, to ensure that there must be a minimum of 3 feet distance in front of the electrical panels and between equipment.
At Calder Electrical Services, we offer a wide range of services to meet the demands of our clients which include all aspects of domestic, commercial, and industrial electrical testing and inspections.
We offer a professional, friendly, and reliable service with high-quality standards so that our customers are 100% satisfied.
We have been undertaking electrical work since 1976 and have plenty of experience in all aspects of electrical work.
The work done by our qualified electrical engineers is fully insured and meets the high standards set out by the NICEIC.
Photo by intrapixel on Unsplash
Our testing and inspection services include:
Get in touch with our experts right away! Contact us here or call us on 0800 612 3001.
