Electrical Testing - A Wide Array of Types and Applications to Learn About

Posted by Trade Facilities Services on April 19th, 2017

People build their homes and properties with a vision of longevity. They choose the very best of everything for erecting this investment from the ground up, including electric components. The idea is to create an asset that will last them a lifetime. But everything ages and withers away in this world – electrical fittings and installations too fall within the purview of this adage. And to ensure the safety of your property as well as the people using it as a home or workplace, you need to constantly keep tabs on the current condition of these installations and take corrective measures wherever needed. That is what electrical testing is all about- a function that covers a wide array of types and applications, all of which are aimed at one thing - to ensure your safety and security. Let’s explore more.

Electrical testing – meaning

Whether it be a workplace or a home, it is important that the electrical components installed in the property are safe for consumer and operator use. This covers both newly erected structures as well as old ones. Testing will ensure that any faults/overloading with the current circuits and equipment are revealed. The function also covers finding potential shock hazards and fire risks, identifying defects and suggesting corrective action and inspection of earthing and bonding. You should also know that electrical testing is a highly technical task that should be handled only by competent professionals who will check the condition of the electrical installations against the UK standard for safety – the BS 7671 – Requirements for Electrical Installations (IET Wiring Regulations).

Electrical testing – types

For homes and workplaces, the property owner should device a good health and safety policy for general upkeep and certification. This includes a full-fledged electrical testing and maintenance program which will cover the following types:

•    Periodic electrical testing: This covers the testing and inspection of a property’s electrical installations at regular intervals. It is recommended that owner-occupied homes should be tested for electrical faults every 10 years, rented homes and workplaces every 5 years, caravans every 3 years and swimming pools every year.

•    Portable appliance testing or PAT: PAT covers the inspection and testing of portable appliances and devices installed in a property. It involves visual testing of supply cables, identification of damaged equipment and their removal and regular maintenance of different appliances for timely detection faults.

•    Emergency lighting testing: This covers battery discharge testing, lumen output assessment, as well as training for interim testing of the emergency lighting components that have been installed in a facility. The functioning and positioning of all emergency lighting and signage systems are inspected as part of this test,

•    Fire Alarm testing: Fire alarms act as the first line of defence for people in the event of an accident or breakout. For this test, components like smoke and heat detectors, bells and signals as well as cable joints and fire panels are checked for faults and deterioration.

Damage, wear and tear, environmental influences, corrosion, aging as well as change in technology necessitate that you get the electrical components in your property tested. Get in touch with a professional agency today!

About the Author:

I am James Livingstone the owner of Trade Facilities Services, we provide electrical certificates and electrical testing in London, Essex and Kent at reasonable and fair prices. The company is fully insured and and all electricians are qualified and are members of either NAPIT or the NICEIC. We believe in publishing the correct information for our consumers to ensure they get value for money.

Like it? Share it!


Trade Facilities Services

About the Author

Trade Facilities Services
Joined: April 19th, 2017
Articles Posted: 30

More by this author