FAQs

What is fixed wire testing?

Fixed wire testing is an inspection and electrical safety test of the wiring in the fabric of the building; it includes the circuits supplying lighting and power circuits, along with any distribution boards and consumer units.

Does my business have to be tested?

Under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 an employer has a legal requirement to ensure that the workplace is a safe environment for employees and the public alike, and part of that requirement is to ensure that the electrical installation is safe; the only way to ensure that the electrical installation is safe is to have fixed wire testing carried out. Many insurance companies insist that there is a valid electrical inspection certificate for the premises before issuing cover, and many more simply include it in the small print.

How often does my building need to have fixed wire testing?

It depends upon the type of premises, but typically industrial premises need to be tested every three years, and commercial premises every five years.

Is having my building tested very expensive?

We are very competitive in the marketplace, and we aim to give you best value for your money, we very often hear from clients that we have shown them a considerable cost saving compared to what they previously paid, and against other quotations. If there is a budget restraint then we can put a programme together to spread the testing process over a period of five years, giving you a fixed cost each year to allocate in your yearly budget.

How long will testing take?

The time the fixed wire testing process takes will depend upon the size of your premises and the number of circuits in your premises. After we give you a free site survey we will be able to give you an accurate account of how long the process will take, and how we can minimise any disruption.

Does the testing have to be done during normal working hours?

The work can be carried out during anytime that best suits your workplace requirements. We are able to carry out the testing whilst your business is in operation, and are able to minimise disruption within your requirements. If you would prefer to have no disruption to your normal operations, then we can carry out the works out of hours, whether on an evening, night time, or weekend.

Can my maintenance staff do the testing?

Any staff carrying out fixed wire testing have to be qualified to the latest regulations, and should be fully conversant with their content and application – this is a requirement under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. The other thing to consider is that it normally has a higher cost associated to it if your in-house staff carry out the works, as it will remove them from their day-to-day duties, and typically they are not as quick to carry out the works as a dedicated inspection and testing engineer.

What will the test show me?

The test report will give you a true and accurate account of the condition of your electrical installation. It will detail all distribution boards and consumer units, and their location within your building. Every lighting and power circuit will be tested, and the report will show where each circuit is supplied from, and how many points are on each circuit.

What happens if faults are found?

Any faults present within your electrical installation will be detailed on the reported, along with a description of where the fault is, and how serious it is. If requested, a free quotation will be provided for their rectification.

Will I receive a certificate?

As part of our standard service, you will receive a full computer printed report after your fixed wire testing has been carried out. You will also receive a PDF copy of the certificate, meaning you can distribute it throughout your company departments, and your insurance company, with ease.