Looking for some information about fixed wire testing? EMC Electrical Group are your local expert electrician in Bristol. We’re here to answer all your questions about fixed wire testing.

Fixed Wire Testing

What is fixed wire testing?

Fixed wire testing is also known as an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). A fixed wire test is carried out by a qualified and competent electrician at set intervals at your Bristol premises. During the inspection, your electrician will be conducting a series of tests and assessing all areas of your fixed electrical installation. They will be looking for areas that are worn or damaged alongside anything that no longer meets regulations.

What happens during fixed wire testing?

During a fixed wire test at your Bristol premises, your electrician will:

Inspect visible areas of wiring and accessories including switches, sockets, and your distribution board/consumer unit
Carry out diagnostic testing on a selection of accessories and circuits
Take readings to determine earth continuity and insulation resistance are sufficient
Identify and note any problems or areas that do not meet regulations
Issue an EICR report with recommendations

Why carry out fixed wire testing?

Fixed wire testing (EICR) is one of the keystone practices in ensuring your Bristol premises comply with health and safety regulations. As the owner of or employer at commercial premises, you have a legal duty of care to ensure the environment is safe for all employees and service users. A fixed wire test will identify any potentially dangerous issues, allowing you to repair them before they can cause any harm. The EICR report itself serves as evidence to demonstrate your compliance with regulations and your commitment to safeguarding your employees.

Do I need fixed wire testing?

If you are the landlord, owner of, or employer at commercial premises, you have a legal obligation to provide an electrically safe environment for all occupants of your property. Fixed wire testing, or an EICR as it is now known, has been the legal requirement to demonstrate compliance since 2020. All commercial and industrial premises require an in date EICR report which must be provided to the relevant authorities on request. Failure to have regular fixed wire testing can result in a large fine for the property’s responsible person.

How often do I need fixed wire testing?

Different premises in Bristol will require different frequencies of EICR/fixed wire testing. For the majority of commercial premises such as retail units and offices, once every 5 years is standard. For industrial premises the average is every 3 years. This is due to the heavy usage such environments must withstand. Your electrician will be happy to advise you of the correct frequency required for your particular premises and business type.