Fixed Installation Testing may also be known as:

Electrical Installation Condition Reporting

Periodic Inspection & Testing

Fixed Wire Testing

Hard Wire Testing

Test & Inspection

Fixed Testing

Periodic Testing

Electrical Testing

Fixed wire installation testing involves the testing of electrical services and systems that conduct electricity around a building. It covers all of the hard wiring in a building and includes items such as main panels, distribution boards, lighting, socket outlets, air conditioning and other fixed plant.
Fixed wire installation testing involves performing a sequence of rigorous visual inspections and electrical tests on all systems in the building.

Does My Company Need Fixed Wire Testing? 

In a word, yes. The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) recommends that to comply with the regulations, an inspection and test programme should be undertaken at all places of work. The two main dangers associated with electricity are the risk of shock and possibility of fire. Over a period of time those risks are increased because installations deteriorate and it is in the best interests of not only yourself and your employees, but also your insurance company, that you have an installation that is not only electrical safe, but also free from the risk of fire.

The legal requirements are enshrined in the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and state that:

•  ''All systems shall at all times be of such construction as to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, danger.

•  All systems shall be maintained so as to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, such danger.

•  Every work activity... shall be carried out in such a manner as not to give  rise, so far as is reasonably practicable, to danger.

•  Any equipment provided under these Regulations for the purpose of protecting persons at work on or near electrical equipment shall be suitable for the use which it is provided''

How Often Does My Company Need Testing

The time period between tests very much depends on the workplace environment and use of the installation.

General Installations

Commercial - 5 years

Residential Accommodation - 5 years   

Industrial - 3 years

Educational - 5 years

Offices - 5years

Shops - 5years

Laboratories - 5 years

Hospitals - 5 years 

Buildings Open to the Public

Cinemas - 1-3 years

Churches - 5 years

Leisure complexes (excluding swimmimg pools) - 3 years

Theatres - 3 years

Places of public entertainment - 3 years

Restaurants and Hotels - 5 years

Public Houses - 5 years

Village halls/community centres - 5 years

Special Locations

Agricultural and horticultral - 3 years

Swimmimg Pools - 1 year

Launderettes - 1 year

Caravan Parks - 1 year

Caravans - 3 years

Marinas - 1 year

Fish farms - 1 year

Construction site installations - 3 months