Commercial Electrician Wigan - 
NICEIC Approved

Fixed Wire Testing, also referred to as an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), plays a crucial role in verifying the compliance of your electrical installations or circuits with the latest wiring regulations. This compliance ensures that you meet the necessary workplace safety standards mandated by relevant legislation.

The frequency of these tests is determined by several factors outlined in the most recent version of the IET Wiring Regulations, presently denoted as BS7671:2018. These

 factors include:

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1. The nature of the installation.

2. The frequency of usage.

3. The external factors and environmental conditions impacting the electrical installation.

For the majority of commercial enterprises, an EICR, previously known as a periodic testing report, is typically required at the minimum frequency of every 5 years. However, environments with higher risks may necessitate more frequent testing, such as every 3 years or even more frequently.

It's important to emphasize that the mentioned timeframes represent maximum intervals. If there is any indication of deterioration in the installation, it is advisable to consider reducing the testing interval for safety reasons.

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Adhering to these recommended testing schedules is essential to maintain safety, minimize risks, and ensure the integrity of electrical installations in these diverse environments.

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5 Year Fixed Wire Testing

Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs) are a standard requirement for most workplace environments, necessitating their production at least once every 5 years.

However, it's crucial to emphasize the importance of conducting routine inspections on a more frequent basis, with a recommended minimum frequency of annually.

Typical workplace settings where 5-Year Fixed Wire Testing is typically applicable include:

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1. Commercial Spaces: Such as offices and retail outlets.

2. Hospitality Establishments: Including hotels and restaurants (excluding spa hotels).

3. Educational Institutions: Like schools, colleges, and universities.

4. Specialized Facilities: Such as laboratories.

5. Community and Public Spaces: Including community centres, churches, and public houses.

6. Healthcare Facilities: Such as care homes and hospitals (excluding medical locations).

It's worth noting that adhering to these testing schedules not only ensures compliance but also enhances workplace safety and electrical system reliability.

1 Year or 3 Year Fixed Wire Testing

Work environments exposed to factors such as moisture, dust, extreme temperatures, or open access to the general public pose higher risks, necessitating more frequent testing and inspections.

For these workplaces, the recommended testing intervals range from every 1 to 3 years, with additional routine inspections conducted more frequently.

Common workplaces or settings that fall under the 3-year or 1-year Fixed Wire Testing requirements include:

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1. Spa Hotels and Leisure Centres: Testing every 3 years.

2. Industrial Units: Also requiring testing every 3 years.

3. Theatres and Public Entertainment Venues: With a testing frequency of 3 years.

4. Caravans: Requiring testing every 3 years.

5. Cinemas: Specifically, 1 year for front-of-house areas and 3 years for back-of-house areas.

6. Agricultural or Horticultural Establishments: Requiring testing every 3 years.

7. Medical Locations in Hospitals or Clinics: With a testing interval of 1 year.

8. Swimming Pools and Saunas: Needing testing every 1 year.

9. Caravan Parks and Marinas: Also requiring testing every 1 year.

10. Specialized Facilities: Such as Fish Farms, Laundrettes, and Petrol Stations, necessitating testing every 1 year.

Adhering to these recommended testing schedules is essential to maintain safety, minimize risks, and ensure the integrity of electrical installations in these diverse environments.