In many respects, this is a rhetorical question, but over 25 years’ experience in putting ‘all things electrical’ right tells us it’s still a question worth answering. Whatever type of electrical installations you have, and no matter the age, there is always a good reason for carrying out maintenance regularly and consistently. Read on to find out to learn more about electrical maintenance and electrical installation in general.
What is electrical installation?
According to the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC), for whom we are an approved contractor, ‘an electrical installation comprises all the fixed electrical equipment that is supplied through the electricity meter’.
These installations include cables (that are usually hidden in the walls and ceilings), accessories such as sockets, switches and light fittings, fuse-boxes, circuit-breakers and residual current devices (RCDs).
What makes for good electrical installation?
Before considering what makes for good electrical installation, it’s important to remember that electrical installation, particularly in a commercial or industrial building, is a complex and highly skilled job, which is why the humble ‘sparky’ must be a qualified and licensed professional.
Again, NICEIC has defined what good electrical installation looks like, and it includes making sure that:
- there are enough sockets for electrical appliances so as to minimise the use of multiway socket adapters and trailing leads
- covers are in place to prevent fingers coming into contact with live parts
- RCD protection is installed to provide additional protection against fatal electric shock
- satisfactory earthing arrangements are in place to ensure that a fuse or circuit breaker can quickly clear an electrical fault before it causes an electric shock or fire
- satisfactory protective bonding arrangements are in place where required
- sufficient circuits are provided to avoid danger and minimise inconvenience in the event of a fault
- cables are correctly selected and installed in relation to the fuse or circuit breaker protecting the circuit
So, why do electrical maintenance?
We can think of many reasons, but these are our top three:
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Safety
Sadly, in the Health and Safety Executive’s 2019/2020 annual statistics on Workplace Fatal Injuries in Great Britain, there is reference to fatalities being caused by contact with electricity or electrical discharge. Need we say more. With the Covid-19 pandemic at play, it’s understandable that some other aspects of health and safety have taken a back seat, but this statistic alone should encourage any responsible building owner or facilities manager to ensure electrical maintenance remains a top priority.
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Compliance
Among many rules and regulations, the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) Wiring Regulations BS7671 all provide for electrical safety compliance in one way or another. Simply put, in some cases electrical maintenance is required by law!
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Insurance
It’s no secret that insurance claims can be difficult to navigate. When making a claim as a result of an electrical fault, it is highly likely that an insurance company will require evidence to support and substantiate regular and consistent electrical testing, inspection and maintenance.
How can we help you?
If you think you need to take action regarding electrical maintenance, we urge you to get in touch.
Read more about choosing EESI for your electrical maintenance solutions: https://eesi.co.uk/electrical-maintenance/
Install. Service. Maintain. EESI.