Electrical testing ensures that electrical installations remain compliant with UK regulations. Every organisation has a principal duty holder and it is his or her responsibility to ensure the overall standard and quality of the electrical installation work undertaken, upholding electrical safety.
PTSG is at the head of the UK market as the go-to name for electrical compliance. We are experts in the inspection and testing of fixed installations and portable appliances (PAT). As the UK leading supplier of specialist services to the construction and facilities management sectors, PTSG has four discrete but complementary divisions, of which PTSG Electrical Services Ltd. is the largest.
We work with organisations in designing and delivering a bespoke fixed wire solution to keep them legal and compliant, satisfying the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.
Periodic inspection can commence on either a one-year or three-year year basis in an industrial environment, depending on your management process and budgetary requirements.
Electrical Installation Condition Reporting
An electrical installation condition report (EICR) is produced when periodic electrical inspection & testing is carried out to a building or property by a certified electrician. This is a crucial document that ensures the safety and compliance of electrical installations in both residential and commercial properties.
EICRs provide landlords, homeowners, and authorities with information on the condition of the electrical system, helping them determine whether the installation complies with safety standards and regulations. In rental properties, EICRs are particularly important, as they can help landlords avoid hefty fines and penalties for non-compliance with electrical safety regulations.
An Electrical Installation Condition Report must be carried out by an experienced, qualified electrician or approved contractor. The electrician should have a thorough understanding of the wiring regulations, inspection and testing procedures, and be registered with an industry body such as the Joint Industry Board (JIB) or a scheme provider like the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC).
During an EICR, the electrician will visually inspect and test the electrical installation, including cables, switches, sockets, and other accessories. They will also assess the condition of the consumer unit (fuse box) and any other distribution boards. The electrician will then document the results of the inspection, noting any defects, damage, or potential hazards, and provide recommendations for remedial actions if necessary.
Types of EICRs
There are two main types of domestic electrical installation condition reports:
- Visual Condition Report: This type of report does not include testing and is only suitable if the installation has been tested recently. It involves a thorough visual inspection of the electrical system, identifying any visible signs of wear and tear or damage.
- Periodic Inspection Report: This is the more comprehensive option, involving testing of the electrical installation in addition to visual inspection. A periodic inspection report is recommended in most cases, as it can detect hidden damage or issues that may not be apparent during a visual inspection.
Portable Appliance Testing
The law also requires that portable appliances are tested, satisfying four separate regulations. Only competent persons should conduct PAT, possessing adequate knowledge and experience of electrical work, an understanding of the hazards that may arise and an ability to recognise whether it is safe for work to proceed. PTSG has unrivalled knowledge in the testing of portable appliances, ensuring organisations of all kinds are safe and compliant on an ongoing basis through periodic testing.
