Fixed Wire Testing

A fixed wire test is also known as periodic testing refers involves the testing of the electrical distribution boards.  The systems that conduct electricity around the building. 

This being the electrical systems between the incoming electrical supply and final circuits, e.g., plug sockets, isolators, lights etc.

It would not refer to equipment that is plugged in or wired into spurred sockets or isolators. Please refer to our Fixed Equipment Testing for more information.

This type of Inspection & Testing can also be generally referred to as a, Periodic Inspection and Testing, or Electrical Installation Testing.

Although on average an electrical installation condition report (EICR) is a 5-year mandatory requirement for any organisation, most of our customers complete a 20% test each year to spread the cost and keep on top of remedial repairs.

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 is an act of parliament which places a duty on all employers to; ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety and welfare at work of all their employees.

Within the act there is a provision for regulations which cover the legal requirement pertaining to specific subject areas and The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 covers electrical systems within occupied premises. The regulations make reference to various standard codes of practice (ACOP), British Standards and guidance notes which have been published by bodies other than the Health and Safety Executive. These provide best practice guidance for complying with the regulations. For Fixed Wiring Inspection test, these include;

British Standard BS7671 – Requirements for Electrical Installations, IET Wiring Regulations

IET Inspection Guidance Note 3

HSE Electricity at Work – Safe working Practices

HSE memorandum of guidance on the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989

The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 section 3a states that an employer or self-employed person is to comply with the provisions of these regulations in so far as they relate to matters which are within his/her control. It’s also worth noting that regulation 3 (2a) states that it is a duty of every employee, whilst at work, to cooperate with his/her employer so far as is necessary to enable any duty placed on an employer by the provisions of these regulations to be complied with.

The Electricity at work regulations 1989 impose duties on “employers” and “duty holders” in respect to electrical systems, electrical equipment and conductors.

The purpose of the regulations is to prevent death or personal injury to any person from electrical causes in connection with work activities.

Employers and self-employed people must comply with the provisions of the Electricity at work regulations 1989. Regulation 4 (2) states that as necessary to prevent danger, all systems shall be maintained so as to prevent, so far as reasonably practicable, such danger.

A duty holder can demonstrate compliance with the regulations, in respect to their electrical installation, by employing a competent company to carry out an electrical fixed wire inspection and test of their premises. 

The maximum period for testing is 1-5 years or when a change of occupancy occurs. Below is a table with the types of installations we test as well as the recommended routine check period and maximum periods of time.

Educational Buildings - 5 years

Hospitals - 5 years

Shops - 5 years

Churches - 3 years

Public Entertainment - 3 years

Swimming Pools - 1 year

Offices - 5 years

Industrial - 3 years

According to the Health & Safety at Work Act, business owners have a Duty of Care to ensure the safety of anyone using the work premises. Assessing electrical risks is an essential part of meeting legal standards; having a compliance service acts as a safety net and will prove your compliance if any accidents occur.