Commercial Electrical Maintenance
Regular commercial electrical maintenance is crucial for many reason. For instance, Risk management, Fire prevention and keeping employees safe. Part of your regular electrical maintenance plan should include PAT Testing and EICR Test. These tests are completed by a qualified individual with a trained eye and the knowledge to highlight any potential risks.
In addition to the tests completed by electricians, business owners can organise regular inspections that can help minimise the risk of electrical damage. Below is a list of signs that should be checked in every inspection.
Warning signs of faulty electrical wiring
- Burn marks on plugs and sockets
- Flickering lights
- Monitor the use of extension leads
- Odd smells coming from an outlet
- Sparking
- Electrical Buzzing
- Tripping fuses/circuit breakers
- Frayed or or exposed wiring
Commercial Electrical Maintenance (Testing)
Portable Appliance Testing (PAT Test)
A PAT test is an inspection of your electrical equipment to make sure it is safe to use. This involves testing the insulation and cords of your electrical appliances and making sure they are not damaged or frayed. Additionally, A PAT test will check the earth continuity of your appliances to ensure they’re safe to use.
It is important to have a PAT test done on any new electrical equipment you purchase, as well as any old equipment that you are planning to use again. Many insurance companies will not cover you if you do not have a PAT test certificate for your equipment.
PAT testing is not a legal requirement, but it is strongly recommended by most manufacturers, retailers and landlords. It is also a good idea to have your electrical equipment regularly serviced and inspected by a qualified electrician to ensure it is safe to use.
If you are using electrical equipment in a rented property, your landlord may require you to have a PAT test done before you move in. This is to make sure the property meets their safety standards.
Benefits of a PAT Test
There are many benefits of having a PAT test done, including:
- Ensures your electrical equipment is safe to use.
- Avoid potential electrical hazards.
- Prolong the life of your electrical equipment.
- It can give you peace of mind that your equipment is safe to use.
How Often Should I Have a PAT Test Done?
It is recommended that you have a PAT test done every two years. However, this may vary depending on the type of equipment you have and how often you use it.
PAT testing is a simple and effective way to make sure your electrical equipment is safe to use. It is important to have a PAT test done on any new or old electrical equipment you plan to use. Many insurance companies will not cover you if you do not have a PAT test certificate for your equipment. Having a PAT test done is also a good way to avoid potential electrical hazards.
Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is an inspection of your electrical installation carried out by a qualified electrician. The report will identify any damage, deterioration, defects or hazardous situations and make recommendations for remedial action. Furthermore, an EICR should be carried out at least every five years or whenever you make significant changes to your electrical installation.
Your electrical installation will degrade over time due to a number of factors such as wear and tear, corrosion, rodents, incorrect installation or faulty equipment. This can lead to safety hazards such as fire or electrocution. An EICR will identify any potential problems so that they can be fixed before they become dangerous.
What does an EICR involve?
An EICR involves a visual inspection of your electrical installation, as well as testing of the wiring and equipment. The electrician will look for signs of damage, deterioration or faulty equipment and make recommendations for any remedial action. They will also test the wiring to make sure it is safe and compliant with current standards.
What should I do if my EICR report highlights problems?
If your EICR report highlights any problems, you should arrange for these to be fixed as soon as possible by a qualified electrician. Ignoring or delaying repairs can be extremely dangerous and could lead to fires or electrocution.
Electrical maintenance is important to ensure the safety of your home or business. An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a vital part of this process, as it will identify any potential hazards and allow you to get them fixed before they become dangerous.
