Electrical Testing

What is electrical installation testing?

Electrical testing covers two areas: portable appliance testing (PAT testing) and fixed electrical installation testing.

Electrical installation testing (BS7671 2008 amended) involves testing the electrical services and systems that conduct electricity around a building. It covers all the hard wiring in a building, whether that building is commercial, industrial or residential.

Which systems need electrical inspection?

In order to abide by the Electricity and Work Regulations of 1989, employers and landlords have a duty to maintain electrical systems with periodic electrical inspection.

Anything electrical in a building that is fixed such as lighting, socket outlets, air conditioning and other fixed plant needs to undergo electrical inspection and testing. The benchmark for this process is BS 7671 (The IEE Wiring Regulations) which provides guidance on how systems must be designed, installed and maintained. Deviations from this British Standard of electrical testing are most likely to be the cause of any problems.

Why choose PHS Compliance for electrical testing?

PHS Compliance is the leading electrical inspection and testing company in the UK. Our accredited engineers are able to perform both visual and electrical tests to the new BS 7671:2008, the amended IEE Wiring Regulations (read more).

PHS Compliance offers fixed wiring testing with:

• UKAS accredited engineers
• Out of hours available
• On-the-spot repairs

If any variants from BS7671 are found during the electrical inspection process, we will prepare a no obligation quotation to repair them.

How does electrical inspection and testing work?

After an initial visual inspection, several electronic tests are carried out by injected test voltages and current through the system, to determine the integrity and functionality of cables, accessories and disconnection devices. This form of electrical testing is paramount to safety in the workplace.

Because this type of electrical installation testing requires the main supply to be isolated, PHS Compliance can carry out the work at nights, weekends or holiday periods to avoid disruption to your business.

How often should periodic electrical inspection be carried out?

The Institute of Electrical Engineers (IEE) recommend maximum periods between electrical inspections:

• Factories – 3 years
• Commercial buildings – 5 years
• Residential – 10 years

Electrical Installation and Repair FAQs