Must you test electrical wiring every five years?

Is it the law?

Although a requirement for periodic wiring tests isn’t written into legislation, it does need to be carried out. Regulation 4 of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 requires that all electrical installations are maintained, so far as is reasonably practicable, to prevent danger. In practice, the only way of showing that the safety of the installation has not deteriorated is to carry out an inspection and test.

Where does it say you must do this?

You’re reliant on associated material which support the Regulations to tell you what’s required. The key reference documents are: (1) BS7671:2008 Requirements for Electrical Installations. Seventeenth Edition , traditionally referred to as the IEE Wiring Regulations ; and (2)   IET Guidance Note 3: Inspection & Testing(7th Edition) . These describe a recommended frequency for testing and inspection, and methods for carrying out these tasks. Note. These are technical guides aimed at electricians so you wouldn’t be expected to buy them.

How often?

The recommended frequencies include:

• every five years for commercial premises, educational establishments, hospitals and churches
• every three years for industrial premises, leisure complexes, places of entertainment and agricultural premises; and
• annually for swimming pools, medical areas of a hospital, filling stations and caravan sites.

Tip 1. It’s strongly advised to follow the recommended frequencies. If you don’t it will be very difficult to defend your position if there’s an electrical accident. In any case, if it’s an insurance requirement, you must comply to avoid invalidating your cover.

Tip 2. If your business operates under a licence such as may apply to a theatre, petrol station, bar or caravan park, ensure that you meet the licence conditions regarding frequency of electrical inspection and tests. Such conditions are usually based directly on the IET guidance.

Tip 3. Before taking on new commercial premises ask for a copy of the electrical installation inspection and test report. If not available, consider commissioning one for yourself prior to signing the contract. The report will tell you the condition of the installation and help you to cost any recommended improvements.

Tip 4. In accordance with the guidance, supplement your formal inspection and testing cycles with a visual inspection once a year (or more frequently if advised to do so by your electrician). Whoever you appoint doesn’t need to be formally qualified, but they must be capable of recognising obvious defects.

Acting on your report

The report paperwork you receive following the inspection and test will set out recommended improvements and assign a priority code to each one.

Tip. Take immediate action to address recommendations coded “one” or “two” as these indicate potentially life-threatening faults.