Hello. Ensuring the safety and compliance of your electrical systems is a core requirement for any property owner or business manager. Electrical testing is not merely a box-ticking exercise; it is a critical process to prevent fire, injury, and legal liability.
Many organizations fail to maintain their systems correctly due to common oversights. This guide identifies seven frequent mistakes made during electrical testing and provides direct actions to resolve them.
1. Missing the Mandatory EICR Deadlines
The most common mistake is failing to track the expiry of your Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). For most commercial premises and industrial sites, a full inspection is required every five years. Residential landlords are also legally mandated to have a valid EICR for every tenancy.
How to fix it:
- Review your current certificates immediately.
- Note the “Date of next inspection” listed on your last report.
- Schedule your next electrical testing and maintenance visit at least one month before the current certificate expires to allow time for any necessary remedial work.
2. Neglecting Specialized Equipment Like Automatic Doors
Standard electrical testing often overlooks specialized systems such as Record Door Automation units. Because these systems involve moving parts and electronic controllers, they require specific attention to ensure the electrical supply and safety sensors are functioning within BS 7671 standards.
How to fix it:
- Ensure your electrical testing scope includes all automated entry points.
- Verify that the power supply to your Record door systems is included in your fixed-wire testing schedule.
- Check that emergency release mechanisms are electrically sound and integrated with your fire alarm system.
3. Ignoring RCD Protection Requirements
Since the introduction of the 18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671), the requirements for Residual Current Devices (RCDs) have become more stringent. Many older installations lack RCD protection on circuits where it is now mandatory, such as socket outlets and lighting in specific environments.
How to fix it:
- Identify circuits without RCD protection during your next inspection.
- Upgrade distribution boards to include RCBOs (Residual Current Breaker with Overcurrent) for individual circuit protection.
- Reference BS 7671 Amendment 4 to ensure your upgrades meet the latest safety standards.
4. Failing to Test Access Control and Security Power Supplies
Mistakes are often made by assuming that low-voltage systems, such as Paxton Access Control, do not require electrical testing. The power supply units (PSUs) for these systems are connected to the mains and must be inspected for earthing, polarity, and fuse ratings.
How to fix it:
- Include all security equipment racks and PSUs in your EICR scope.
- Test the electrical integrity of the supply to your Paxton controllers.
- Ensure that backup batteries are tested to maintain system operation during a power failure.
5. Not Acting on C1 and C2 Observations Immediately
When an EICR is performed, faults are categorized by severity. Code C1 (Danger Present) and Code C2 (Potentially Dangerous) require immediate or urgent action. A common mistake is receiving the report and filing it away without completing the remedial work.
How to fix it:
- Instruct your contractor to repair any C1 faults immediately upon discovery.
- Obtain a quote for C2 remedial works within 24 hours of receiving your report.
- Keep evidence of the completed repairs alongside the original EICR to prove continuous compliance.
6. Using Unqualified or Unaccredited Contractors
Electrical testing is complex and requires specific qualifications. Using an unaccredited contractor can result in inaccurate reports that leave you legally exposed. Many businesses choose the cheapest quote without verifying the contractor’s credentials.
How to fix it:
- Only use contractors who are multi-accredited by recognized bodies.
- Verify that your chosen partner has experience in commercial and industrial environments.
- Read about why being multi-accredited matters to ensure your property is in safe hands.
7. Overlooking Surge Protection for Sensitive Electronics
Modern businesses rely on expensive digital equipment, such as Dahua CCTV recorders and servers. A frequent mistake during electrical upgrades is failing to install Surge Protection Devices (SPDs). Without these, a power surge can destroy your security infrastructure and critical data.
How to fix it:
- Install SPDs at the main distribution board.
- Ensure that sub-boards supplying sensitive equipment, like Dahua NVRs, have secondary surge protection.
- Regularly check the status indicators on your SPDs to ensure they are still operational.
Summary of Compliance Actions
To maintain a safe and compliant facility, follow these steps:
- Audit: Locate your latest EICR and check the expiration date.
- Define: Ensure your next test includes specialized systems from Record, Paxton, and Dahua.
- Remediate: Address any C1 or C2 faults within the statutory 28-day period (or immediately for C1).
- Document: Maintain a digital and physical folder of all certificates and remedial work logs.
If you are unsure of your current compliance status or need to schedule an inspection, contact Dragon Security & Electrical Ltd today.
Contact Dragon Security & Electrical Ltd
For professional electrical testing, EICRs, and maintenance across North Wales and the UK, reach out to our team.
- Telephone: 01492 330330
- Website: dragonse.com
- Services: Electrical Testing & Maintenance