Inspection & Testing Services

Inspection & Testing of Electrical Installations

BS7671 recommends that every electrical installation is subject to periodic inspection & testing in accordance with chapter 62 (regulation 135.1)

The current regulations for electrical installations are BS 7671: 2008 Requirements for Electrical Installations (IEE Wiring Regulations 17th Edition).  Compliance with these regulations and the subsequent issue of certificates of conformity are not a specific requirement, but are invariably needed by your insurance company.

Fixed Wire Testing ( Periodic Inspection Reports )

A fixed electrical installation includes all parts of a distribution system from the main incoming supply point, through to wiring accessories such as sockets and light fittings and everything in between. Because the majority of this part of the installation is unseen, it is often forgotten in terms of test and inspection. The fact is that it is vitally important that all wires, cables, accessories and switching equipment are maintained well in order to ensure safety.
The process of fixed wiring testing, involves a similar process to that of PAT, in that a thorough visual inspection is carried out along with electronic tests. Engineers are looking to identify any potentially dangerous defects within the system that may lead to fire or injury. The benchmark for this inspection and test 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 are most likely to be the cause of any problems.
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 test and inspection is paramount to safety in the workplace.

Emergency Lighting Testing

In accordance with the requirements of BS5266, emergency lighting systems should be periodically tested and inspected to ensure that all luminaries function and are positioned (including signage) correctly.

Emergency lighting is required in all premises where people are employed. It is a Life Safety System and is required to assist the occupants in the event of an emergency. It will assist in the evacuation of premises in the event of power failure. It is a mandatory requirement to be installed where artificial lighting is installed. Remember, Emergency Lighting is designed to help save lives.
Emergency lighting testing involves the periodic test and inspection of all key components within the system. This includes a functionality test of key switches, batteries, luminaries and control equipment.

Fire Alarm Testing

Most organisations rely upon a fire detection and alarm system to provide staff with an early warning of fire within their premises.
Such a system is designed to give inhabitants of a building sufficient notice to evacuate safely and notify the emergency services avoiding major incident. Most traditional fire detection systems are split into “zones” to enable the source of the trigger to be identified and isolated quickly. Like all systems that employ electronic components to function properly, lack of planned maintenance can lead to failure – and ultimately disaster.
Fire alarm testing involves the periodic test and inspection of all key components within the system. This includes a functionality test of manual call points, smoke/heat detectors and bells or sounders.

PAT Testing

Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) involves conducting a series of electronic tests and a thorough visual inspection to all portable electronic equipment within a workplace or building. The desired outcome is to ascertain whether or not the appliance is suitable and safe for use. In order to test each piece of equipment properly, it must first be disconnected from the supply socket and inspected visually by a competent Engineer/Operative.

The Engineer checks for signs of damage to the appliance and its supply cord (IEC Lead) and then tests the functionality of any switches before checking that the fuse within the plug top is correctly rated for the safe disconnection of the appliance. After this process, the appliance is energised by a test machine which uses a sequence of checks to establish the integrity of the live, neutral and earth wires. The machine, depending on its findings, will establish a “pass” or “fail” status for the appliance, and the Engineer will label the equipment accordingly.