Obligations and Compliance

Fixed Wire / Periodic Inspection & Testing

The IEE Wiring Regulations BS7671 2008 state that all electrical systems should be Inspected and Tested to provide, so far as reasonably practicable for:

1. The safety of persons and livestock against the effects of electric shock and burns.
2. Protection against damage to property by fire and heat arising from an installation defect.
3. Confirmation that the installation is not damaged or deteriorated so as to impair safety.
4. The identification of installation defects and non-compliances with the requirements of the regulations which may give rise to danger.

All electrical installations deteriorate over time due to a number of factors such as wear, tear, corrosion, excessive electrical loading and environmental influences. Consequently legislation requires that electrical installations are maintained in a safe condition and must be periodically inspected.

The IEE Guidance Note on Electrical Test and Inspection recommends the following maximum periods between inspections:

• Commercial Installations - Change of Occupancy or 5 Years
• Industrial Installations - Change of Occupancy or 3 Years

(A full list can be found in section 3 of IEE Guidance note 3 /2008 page 63)

Additionally, many insurance companies will require a periodical Test and Inspection Certificate within the terms of their cover. Therefore it is of paramount importance that you ensure periodical Inspection & Testing is completed within your installation.

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Portable Appliance Testing

The Electricity at Work Regulations place a legal responsibility on employers to take practical steps to ensure no danger results from the use of any electrical appliances. This requires a regular programme of maintenance, inspection and testing. Also, insurance companies increasingly require portable appliance testing to be carried out before policy renewal.

The leading electrical associations all recommend that portable appliances are tested on an annual basis.

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