Does my business need Periodic Electrical Inspection reports?

11 Mar Does my business need Periodic Electrical Inspection reports?

All electrical systems deteriorate over time. It is therefore important to inspect and test electrical installations periodically to make sure that they are in a satisfactory condition. The periodic inspection is carried out by a qualified electrician to ascertain just that.

For businesses, electrical systems should be inspected and tested every five years at least to satisfy your responsibilities as an employer under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

If you are a landlord or an agent, then you are responsible for tenants’ electrical safety under the terms of The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, so we recommend that a periodic inspection is performed every five years as well.

So, to answer our original question; whether or not your business needs periodic electrical inspections; the answer is yes, you do.

Electrical inspections must be carried out by a competent and qualified electrician. The condition of all electrics will be checked against the UK standard, BS 7671. This standard is the requirement for electrical installations.

What will the inspection check?

Things checked will include earthling and bonding, the condition of wiring, the suitability of switchgear and control gear, the serviceability of switches, sockets and all other fittings, the extent of any deterioration or damage to an electrical system and much more.

Once the inspection has been completed, you will be issued with an Electrical Condition Report (EICR). This report is actually a requirement whenever you are preparing a property for letting or sale. If you are a business looking to rent out your property, then, you should look to have an EICR performed to satisfy Health and Safety regulations and if you are a business looking to rent or buy a new property, you should ask for an EICR to be carried out.

How much will it cost?

There is no set price for periodic inspections and an EICR however generally speaking, they do not usually cost more than a couple of hundred pounds. The larger the property and the more extensive an electrical system is the higher the cost of an inspection will be.

For a medium-sized office block, you are probably looking at around £350.

At Brightlec, we can provide your business with an Electrical Condition Report (EICR). Call us on 0800 9788 168 or 0113 894 1968 today to find out more.