Fixed appliance testing frequency

HSE some frequently asked questions on electrical safety in the workplace. Fixed wire testing may only have to be legally completed every five years, but this is an approach that is no longer recommended . This table provides guidance on the initial frequency of formal inspections of electrical installations as well as the routine checks. The initial frequencies in the title of the table refers to the time interval between the issuing of the Electrical Installation Certificate on completion of the work and the first . The recommended frequency required for the safety electrical testing of all types of electrical installation as recommended by the IET.

In fact, the requirements of this standard are not regulations in the legal sense.

The frequency and scope of your in-service fixed wiring inspections should always be .

Inspections in hazardous areas. Portable Appliance Testing ( PAT). Ireland (ETCI) states that “the frequency of periodic inspection and testing shall be determined by the type of installation , its use, the frequency of maintenance and the external influences to which it is subjected”. Only suitably qualified electricians should carry out electrical testing. Got questions about Fixed Wire Testing ? System means the wiring of an electrical installation and everything connected to it.

Duty holders are responsible for setting up adequate maintenance programmes and must assess the needs and frequency requirement of testing , maintaining and monitoring electrical systems and equipment. Review of frequency of inspection and testing. Procedures for in-service inspection and testing.

The purpose of PAT testing is to ensure electrical equipment is maintained and inspected regularly so as to prevent electrical failure . The IEE Code of Practice suggests that the testing frequency is based on not only the type of equipment but the class of equipment and also the location, environment or type of business in which the equipment is used. Equipment Type Hand held appliances for example are much more likely to be damaged than fixed . We can ensure you are compliant with the legal requirements and advise you on testing frequencies. OCS can offer advice on recommended PAT testing frequency. Provides guidance on electrical safety for electrical inspection and testing. How Often Should Fixed Wire Testing Take Place?

On new builds the initial test frequency will be set by the designer responsible for the wiring installation. Thereafter the time period between tests is specified by the test engineer and very much depends on the workplace environment and use of the installation. Despite increasingly high standards of installation, numerous church fires can attributed to faulty electric wiring or apparatus. All fixed electrical systems must be properly designe installed and maintained by competent electricians in accordance with current standards and good practice.

Until fairly recently Periodic ( Fixed Wire ) Testing in most schools was the responsibility of Local Authorities. Today, with many schools taking on Academy status and numerous Local Authorities handing these responsibilities over to the schools, many school staff are now having to organise (and budget for) this sort of work . Frequency of use - Equipment that is used frequently or is often moved is more likely to suffer damage.