Owning a commercial property can be a stressful endeavour for anyone. Services exist to help and keep legally mandatory testing running smoothly for less stress and compliance with safety regulations. As the owner, it is comes under your responsibility to ensure your building is compliant with all the safety inspections.

Commercial Electrical Installation Condition Report

Electrical installations and systems in a commercial building need testing as per the legal requirement. The building’s usage and how exposed it is to determine the frequency, but most require complete testing every five years. The Commercial Electrical Installation Report is a yearly inspection to test 20 per cent of the wiring and circuit accessories. This allows for only part of the building to be out of use for a few hours each year, instead of shutting down for an inspection every five years. An Electrical Installation Condition Report is then issued in paper and electronic formats, bringing the inspection up-to-date. Any issues are highlighted in the report. This is cheaper and simpler than having the entire building’s electric systems inspected every five years, particularly if significant repairs need to be carried out.

PAT Testing

PAT Testing inspects the portable electric appliances on a property, ensuring compliance with the Electricity at Work Regulations. Although anyone can notice a frayed wire on the kettle in the break room, PAT testing can pick up the damage before it is noticeable by someone without training. PAT testing goes beyond the frayed wire and checks underneath the plug top. Fuses and connections are checked, and wires tightened. A trained electrician in Fremantle can see more in a visual inspection than the frayed wire. Tests ensure larger appliances are earthed. Each appliance is then given a pass or fail sticker. Without a PAT test, the business owner may not be able to claim on the insurance if something does happen. PAT tests prevent injury and death caused by faulty appliances by taking them out of use or repairing.

Commercial Electrical Remedial Works

If an electrical or emergency lighting test fails, commercial electrical remedial works need to be carried out to comply with safety regulations. Faults discovered through testing are given a label. C1 requires urgent rectifying. Whatever is unsafe cannot be used until it is fixed. C2 can be dangerous and needs to be fixed. C3 is still a fail but not considered risky. F1 is the label given when something is uncertain and requires further inspection. Once the fault is fixed, a new certificate is issued proving the building is up-to-date with inspections and compliance. Not only is non-compliance dangerous, but it can also result in the denial of any insurance claims should an accident occur.

Testing electrics in a commercial property is absolutely essential to ensure the safety of everyone inside and to meet legal requirements. A trained electrician can spot problems before they occur. The correct inspections offer less stress for peace of mind. Some checks and repairs can be carried out outside of office hours for less disruption.