How often should fixed wire testing be done?
If you are a business owner, own a building that is used for commercial use, or are in charge of an educational facility, then you may be well aware of fixed wire testing. Fixed wire testing is a legal requirement for many different settings across the UK.
In this article, we are going to be exploring the importance of regular fixed wire testing. We will also be looking into what can happen if fixed wire testing isn’t conducted, as well as why it is so important.
How often should fixed wire testing be done?
Fixed wire testing frequency is recommended to happen, at a minimum, every 5 years. That being said, it is not uncommon to see it being carried out more frequently than this and can happen between once every 1 to 5 years.
It is a mandatory requirement that was introduced on January 1st, in the year 2019. This was made mandatory as part of the wiring regulations.
These wiring regulations are the basis for what your electronics are measured against during wire testing. The regulations in question are the 18th edition and are known by the reference code BS7671 ET.
The regulations in place relate to many premises here in the United Kingdom. For example, all educational facilities must undergo them. As well as this, other facilities that are governed by these rules include office environments, retail units, and any other commercial areas.
Some of these places may require more regular or frequent testing than others to comply with any relevant legislation. That being said, 5 years is the minimum.
With this in mind, if you do not abide by this then you are breaking legislation that is in place to protect you and anyone who enters the premises. This wire testing can be undertaken by AMS Solutions. AMS Solutions provides Fixed Wire Testing in Manchester and across the North West.
Why is it important to ensure it’s done when required?
The reason why it is so important to ensure that fixed wire testing is done when required is that, without it, there is a potential that the wires could malfunction. Regular testing of any equipment is necessary to ensure their safety.
However, this becomes even more important when it is a building that is open to the public or a workforce. Any damage or wear on wires can go pretty much undetected unless checked by a professional. This could put the inhabitants of your building in extreme danger and can cause accidents to property as well as people.
As we have mentioned, five years is the minimum recommendation, but we think that it is good practice to schedule these checks even more frequently, especially if your particular workplace, building, or company has legislation that states this. This may also be important if your building relies on complex wiring or uses a lot of electricity.
What will happen if it isn’t done as regularly as required?
If you do not get your fixed wiring testing done as regularly as required, then you are setting yourself up for lots of risks.
First and foremost, you are risking your electricity, building, and all inhabitants of the building. Fixed wire testing can identify very serious problems, as well as smaller issues that need to be fixed.
If you forgo this testing, all small issues will have a chance to turn into huge issues, and any big issues can become more dangerous. At best you could cause property damage, at worse you could injure or even kill inhabitants.
As well as this, not abiding by these regular testing requirements may mean that you are in breach of legislation. It is a legal requirement that you get your fixed wire testing done at least every 5 years, if not more!
Failing to do so is illegal, and so you could face huge penalties and legal action against your business, premises, building, and company. There is no reason for not getting this testing done, as you can easily hire a company such as AMS Solutions to come and do the testing for you.
Remember, this is a mandatory requirement for any retail, commercial, office, and educational environment.
Check your legislation and advice from local authorities to see if you need to have the testing done more often than the recommended minimum of 5 years to ensure you are not in breach of any rules and regulations.
Contact AMS Solutions who provide fixed Wire Testing in Manchester and across the North West.
