What Does an Electrical Test Certificate Consist Of?
by James Livingstone ManagerThe 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 switch gear 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
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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Created on Dec 6th 2019 06:07. Viewed 460 times.