Frequently Asked Questions – Commercial Electrical Maintenance

All electrical installations deteriorate over time and with prolonged use. A well-maintained electrical system is achieved by carrying out safety checks known as periodic inspection and testing which check for:

• Circuit or equipment overloading;
• Potential electric shock risks and fire hazards;
• Defective electrical work; and
• Lack of earthing or bonding.

It is also a requirement under The Electricity at Work Act 1989 to ensure that electrical installations are deemed safe for use by employees and the public which is achieved by carrying out an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) at regular intervals.

There is no legal requirement however the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) states that commercial property owners have a legal responsibility to ensure the safety of their employees and the public to maintain electrical equipment in a safe condition. Potable Appliance Testing (PAT) is a routine inspection to test items that are not part of the fixed wiring and do not fall under the electrical testing of the premises.

Frequency

How often should a commercial property be electrically tested?

An EICR needs to be undertaken every 5 years or whenever there is a change in occupancy.

Responsibility

How often do you need a commercial electrical certificate?

A commercial landlord has a duty of care to their tenants which involves ensuring that all electrics are safe before the property is let out including arranging any repairs to detected hazards; it is therefore the landlord’s responsibility to book or undertake an EICR prior to tenants moving in.

Due to changes in the Electrical Regulations guidance, the regulations now apply to new tenancies from 1 July 2020 and existing tenancies from 1 April 2021; it is therefore worth checking to see whether your property needs an immediate EICR test.

If you need electrical maintenance work for your commercial property, take a look at our services page and contact us today!