As a commercial electrical contractor, we can’t stress enough the importance of regular electrical inspections.
You might be thinking, “My building’s new, and everything works fine; why do I need an inspection?” But here’s the thing: electrical systems degrade over time, just like anything else. Regular inspections are like check-ups for your building’s electrical “health.” They catch potential problems before they turn into major headaches—or worse, disasters.
Electrical accidents at work result in around 1,000 serious injuries annually. Moreover, faulty electrics cause an estimated £1.3 billion in damage to businesses each year.
In the commercial world, electrical systems are often more complex than those in residential properties. These systems power everything from lighting and HVAC to machinery and IT infrastructure. With so much riding on your electrical setup, even a small fault can have a ripple effect, causing downtime, data loss, and expensive repairs.
Timely electrical audits are your first line of defence against electrical fires, equipment damage, and potential harm to your employees and customers. So, let’s dig a little deeper into this topic.
Types of Commercial Electrical Inspections You Need
1. Periodic Inspection and Testing (EICR)
This is the most common type of commercial electrical inspection. It’s a thorough assessment of your entire electrical installation to ensure it’s safe and compliant with BS 7671 (the wiring regulations). The electrician will issue an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), detailing any faults or potential hazards. This is a legal requirement for most commercial premises.
2. Visual Inspection
This is a more basic check that doesn’t involve any testing. The electrician will visually assess the condition of your electrical system, looking for obvious signs of damage or wear. This is often done as part of a routine maintenance visit or before carrying out minor electrical work.
3. Fixed Wire Testing (Installation Testing)
This involves testing the fixed wiring in your building, including cables, circuits, and distribution boards. It’s a more in-depth inspection than a visual check and can help identify hidden faults that could pose a safety risk.
4. Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)
This focuses on the electrical appliances used in your business, such as computers, printers, and kettles. Each appliance is tested to ensure it’s safe to use. PAT testing is not a legal requirement, but it’s recommended for most businesses to ensure the safety of employees and customers.
5. Thermographic Imaging (Thermal Imaging)
This uses a special camera to detect hot spots in your electrical system. These hot spots can indicate loose connections, overloaded circuits, or faulty components, all of which could lead to a fire. Thermographic imaging is a non-invasive way to identify potential problems early on.
6. Emergency Lighting Testing
This is a specific inspection of your emergency lighting system to ensure it’s working correctly and will illuminate escape routes in any case of a power outage. Regular testing is a legal requirement for most commercial premises under BS 5266-1 standards.
7. Fire Alarm Testing
This involves testing your fire alarm system to ensure it is fully operational and will alert occupants in case of a fire. Regular testing is a legal requirement for most commercial premises.
8. RCD Testing
Residual Current Device (RCD) testing is vital to ensure that these devices, which are designed to prevent electric shock and fire caused by earth faults, are working correctly. RCDs must trip (disconnect the electricity) within a specified time to ensure safety. Regular testing checks both the tripping time and the tripping current to ensure they are within safe limits.
9. Earth Bonding Inspections
This inspection checks the effectiveness of the electrical grounding system in a commercial property. Proper earth bonding is essential for the safety of an electrical installation, ensuring that in the event of a fault, there is a safe path for the fault current to travel to the ground. This helps in preventing electric shocks and fires.
So, Which Inspection Do You Need? The type of inspection you need will depend on several factors, including:
- The age of your electrical installation: Older installations may require more frequent inspections.
- The type of business you operate: High-risk businesses, such as industrial settings, may need more frequent and comprehensive inspections.
- Any specific risks associated with your business: For example, if you use a lot of electrical equipment, PAT testing may be particularly important.
- Your insurance requirements: Some insurance policies may require specific types of inspections.
How Often Should You Get a Commercial Electrical Inspection?
This depends on the nature of your business and the specific risks involved. However, here’s a general guideline:
- Low-risk environments (offices, shops): Every five years
- High-risk environments (industrial settings, workshops): Every three years
- Specialised equipment (medical, catering): Annually or as recommended by the manufacturer
Remember: If you make any significant changes to your electrical system or experience any electrical issues, get an inspection as soon as possible.
Choosing the Right Electrician
Not all electricians are created equal. Some are good for residential work, while some are for commercial. That’s why BSES is the top electrical contractor for commercial and residential work in Essex, London, and Kent. We have a team of different types of local electricians with over 25 years of experience who can easily tackle all types of electrical challenges.
Here’s what to look for when choosing someone to inspect your commercial property:
- Qualifications: Ensure your chosen commercial electrical contractor is registered with a government-approved scheme like the NICEIC or ELECSA. This guarantees their work meets the highest safety standards.
- Experience: Ask about their experience with commercial inspections. Commercial systems can be more complex, so you want someone who knows their stuff.
- Insurance: Make sure they have professional indemnity and public liability insurance to protect you in case something goes wrong.
- References: Don’t hesitate to ask for references from past commercial clients. A good electrician will be proud to share their track record.
In the End
Always stay aware of electrical inspections from time to time. It is important to ensure or guarantee the safety of your employees, workers, and clients. Maintain a log of all inspections and repairs.
Ensure your employees know how to use electrical equipment safely and what to do in an emergency. Encourage staff to immediately report flickering lights, blown fuses, or burning smells.
By identifying potential hazards early on, you can prevent costly repairs and downtime and, most importantly, protect lives. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a commercial electrical inspection, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Get a quote for free: Call us at 01708874843 or send us a “Hi” on WhatsApp.
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