Fixed appliance testing London
If you are a business owner or a landlord in London or anywhere else in the UK, then you are responsible for maintaining the health and safety of your building and ensuring that the relevant legal requirements are met for electrical safety standards in the private rented sector.
When it comes to electrical safety, you are not only responsible for the physical building but also for electrical equipment within your premises.
You must regularly maintain and test your electrical installations and assets through a variety of visual and physical inspections, a key one of which is fixed appliance testing.
What is fixed appliance testing?
Most homes and commercial buildings have at least one fixed electrical appliance such as an oven or a hand dryer. A fixed appliance is an electrical appliance that is permanently connected to your electrical system. Unlike a portable appliance, which requires portable appliance testing, a fixed appliance cannot be moved without the help of a certified electrician or another competent person.
Fixed appliance testing checks the safety and efficiency of all fixed electrical appliances within a property. The test will ensure that fixed appliances are in a good condition and functioning correctly.
Why is fixed appliance testing important?
Many homeowners and business owners in London and across the UK overlook the importance of fixed appliance testing, but it is an essential component of maintaining a safe and electrically sound property. Fixed appliance testing is just as important as portable appliance testing (PAT).
Fixed appliances may have been installed incorrectly or they may become damaged due to wear and tear, requiring electrical remedial works. Faulty fixed appliances can be fatal and cause serious property damage and injuries. For instance, a loose connection in an oven presents a real risk of fire and must be rectified immediately.
The benefits of fixed appliance testing
Research by Electrical Direct found that 15,000 house fires in 2019/20 were caused by household appliances, with ovens accounting for almost half (48%) of all accidental fires.
Fixed appliance testing will identify faults in fixed electrical appliances so that repairs can be carried out before major problems occur. Completing regular inspections and testing of both portable and fixed electrical appliances can significantly reduce the risk of electrical injuries and fires.
What happens during fixed appliance testing?
A qualified inspector will visit your property and test all fixed electrical appliances within your building, using our fixed appliance testing procedure. To test a fixed appliance correctly, the power needs isolating (turning off) and the wires connected to the appliance must be removed so the appliance can be tested as a portable appliance.
The fixed appliance must then be reconnected to the electrical supply and the power will be turned back on. We recommend arranging fixed appliance testing at the same time as your Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). This will help to minimise disruption when the power is disconnected.
How often should fixed appliances be tested?
Fixed appliance testing frequency depends on the type of equipment, installation, and the environment which the appliance is in. In line with fixed appliance testing regulations, each fixed appliance can therefore be certified for up to five years before needing to be tested again.
Usually, fixed appliance testing frequency will be similar to an EICR.
Why choose Hexo for your fixed appliance testing?
With our business based in London, we are experts in all types of electrical testing, including fixed appliance testing for commercial and residential premises. Our inspectors are trained to the highest industry standards and we always deliver a high-quality service that is tailored to your needs.
Our team has the skills and expertise to keep your tenants and employees as safe as possible, ensuring you comply with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and Work Regulations 1989.
If you would like to find out more about our fixed appliance testing in London and the Southeast, get in touch with us by emailing info@hexoelectricaltesting.co.uk/old or calling 0207 315 4151.