What Does an Electrical Test Certificate Consist Of?

Posted by Trade Facilities Services on November 30th, 2019

The Housing and Planning Act 2016 has set the safety bar higher, recommending tougher electrical safety standards to protect private tenants. This made acquiring an electrical test certificate all the more important for all landlords.

The purpose of the new electrical safety standards is to reduce the risk of electric shocks or fires caused by faulty installations and appliances. Electrical installation safety checks every five years are not only highly recommended but mandatory for all private rented properties. Another part of a package of independent recommendations to improve safety is giving safety certificates to tenants as proof that necessary work and repairs have been completed. Should the new standard get approved, the penalty or fine will go up from £20,000 to £30,000. While the recommendations are still being reviewed, there's no reason why new and old landlords should not prioritize doing electrical testing.

Now, you may be asking, what's in an electrical safety certificate? The certificate will:

• Contain details about any electrical faults in the electrical installations that may cause electrocution or burns to humans and pets
• Indicate if the installation is safe to use
• Indicate if there is protection against damage to property by fire or heat rising from a defective point
• Reveal if any electrical circuits or equipment are overloaded
• Show if the additions to the installation could cause overloading
• Indicate if any alterations to the installation could cause harm or damage
• Identify any flooding or water damage due to a leak
• Show adequacy of earthing and bonding
• Indicate the suitability of the switchgear and control gear as well as the serviceability of switches, sockets and lighting fittings
• Inform you of the items, appliances, and equipment that need replacing

When securing an electrical safety certificate for your property, make sure to hire a fully qualified and registered electrician. It is important to perform due diligence to select the right electrician or service provider. Always check if they are registered with a regulatory body like as NICEIC, ELECSA or NAPIT and that they are registered with the appropriate scheme. It also pays to pick a provider that is fully insured.

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 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.

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About the Author

Trade Facilities Services
Joined: April 19th, 2017
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