JW Electrical offers a complete range of inspection and testing services for any property from domestic installations to larger commercial / industrial installations in the private, public and local / licensing authority(s) sectors. If you are unsure as to whether your premises needs a periodic inspection you can check the table below to see the recommended time scale between inspections.
BS 7671:2008Requirements for electrical installations. IEE Wiring Regulations. Seventeenth edition
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, recommends that all electrical works in the UK to conform to a IEE Wiring Regulations, known as BS 7671. BS 7671 covers the design, selection, erection, inspection and testing of electrical installations. The Electrical Installation Certificate provides written confirmation that the electrical installation work to which it relates has been designed, constructed, and inspected and tested in accordance with BS 7671.
These requirements may be confusing to people, and we provide a service to advise on statutory responsibilities. We can ensure your existing installation complies with these regulations and standards. Alternatively, when planning a new-build project we can advise at the planning stage.
No electrical system can be considered ‘safe’ for use until it has been inspected, tested and certified. Generally existing installations deteriorate over time and use and should be tested on a scheduled basis, to ensure compliance with BS 7671. Certification is increasingly being required by Insurance Companies and local HSE departments.
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 which incorporates the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1992, a statutory legal duty is placed on all Employers. They must ensure employees and all others are not subjected to risks to their health and safety in the workplace In particular, the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require those in control of part or all of an electrical system to ensure the system is safe to use and is maintained in good condition throughout its working life.
Recommended Initial Frequencies of Inspection of Electrical Installations
| Type of installation | Routine check | Maximum period between inspections and testing as necessary | Reference
(see key below) |
| General installation |
| Domestic | --- | Change of occupancy/10 years | --- |
| Commercial | 1 year | Change of occupancy/5 years | 1, 2 |
| Educational establishments | 4 months | 5 years | 1, 2 |
| Hospitals | 1 year | 5 years | 1, 2 |
| Industrial | 1 year | 3 years | 1, 2 |
| Residential accommodation | at change of occupancy/1 year | 5 years | 1 |
| Offices | 1 year | 5 years | 1, 2 |
| Shops | 1 year | 5 years | 1, 2 |
| Laboratories | 1 year | 5 years | 1, 2 |
| Buildings open to the public |
| Cinemas | 1 year | 3 years | 2, 6, 7 |
| Church installations | 1 year | 5 years | 2 |
| Leisure complexes (excluding swimming pools) | 1 year | 3 years | 1, 2, 6 |
| Places of public entertainment | 1 year | 3 years | 1, 2, 6 |
| Restaurants and hotels | 1 year | 5 years | 1, 2, 6 |
| Theatres | 1 year | 3 years | 2, 6, 7 |
| Public houses | 1 year | 5 years | 1, 2, 6 |
| Village halls/Community centres | 1 year | 5 years | 1, 2 |
| Special installations |
| Agricultural and horticultural | 1 year | 3 years | 1, 2 |
| Caravans | 1 year | 3 years | --- |
| Caravan Parks | 6 months | 1 year | 1, 2, 6 |
| Highway power supplies | as convenient | 6 years | --- |
| Marinas | 4 months | 1 year | 1, 2 |
| Fish farms | 4 months | 1 year | 1, 2 |
| Swimming pools | 4 months | 1 year | 1, 2, 6 |
| Emergency lighting | Daily/monthly | 3 years | 2, 3, 4 |
| Fire alarms | Daily/weekly/monthly | 1 year | 2, 4, 5 |
| Launderettes | 1 year | 1 year | 1, 2, 6 |
| Petrol filling stations | 1 year | 1 year | 1, 2, 6 |
| Construction site installations | 3 months | 3 months | 1, 2 |
Reference Key
1. Particular attention must be taken to comply with SI 1988 No 1057. The Electricity Supply Regulations 1988 (as amended).
2. SI 1989 No 635. The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (Regulation 4 & Memorandum).
3. See BS 5266 Part 1: 2005 Code of practice for the emergency lighting of premises (Emergency lighting).
4. Other intervals are recommended for testing operation of batteries and generators.
5. See BS 5839 Part 1: 2002+A2:2008 Code of practice for system design, installation, commissioning and maintenance (Fire detection and alarm systems for buildings).
6. Local Authority Conditions of Licence.
7. SI 1995 No 1129 (Clause 27) The Cinematograph (Safety) Regulations.