Tag: Ongoing works

Routine electrical maintenance

Increasingly organisations are choosing to outsource their commercial electrical maintenance requirements. At Barton Knight Electrical we understand the need to be flexible, professional and responsive for our maintenance customers. All our maintenance contracts are accompanied by a comprehensive service level agreement.

We work in strict accordance with guidelines from the Institute of Electrical Engineers (IEE) and the latest BS7671 Wiring Regulations.

We are not your average electricians. Not only are all of our service technicians licensed electricians with years of experience, they also have the necessary skills and expertise to provide you with the technical and electrical service necessary to keep your equipment running. You will benefit from our dedication to service, training and thirty years of experience.

We are experts in all types of commercial electrical maintenance. Our dedicated service managers are available to provide professional advice to ensure that all your electrical maintenance requirements are met.

Reactive (breakdown) Electrical Maintenance
We understand the importance of having your workplace operating at full efficiency and also the inconvenience of even a short electrical disruption. Our large team of service electricians ensures that we have the capacity and resources to provide prompt electrical service.

Statutory Electrical Maintenance
Companies in the UK are now required (by law) to test and tag all their electrical appliances and also to test their exit and emergency lights to EU standards. As part of a complete maintenance package we would include testing and tagging of all your electrical appliances and testing of all exit and emergency lights.

Preventative Electrical Maintenance
Preventative electrical maintenance is essential to ensure the safe and reliable operation of your electrical systems. It also assists in minimising the likelihood of disruption or downtime to your business by allowing it to operate at maximum efficiency. Our qualified electricians will inspect all electrical equipment at agreed intervals to ensure that they are adequately maintained.

Keeping the work place safe

A periodic test and inspection report (“PIR”) is essentially the testing of the electrical systems and services that conduct electricity around the building. For most commercial and educational premises the recommended time frame between tests is 5 years.

Barton Knight Electrical will visit your site and undertake a detailed survey of your electrical system. This service is free and allows us to quote accurately and fairly for your installation. The inspection and test is completed in accordance with the guidelines laid down within the Institution of Electrical Engineers Wiring Regulations BS7671:2001 (as amended).

Our active membership of the NICEIC ensure that our testing and reporting methods meet all recognised standards.

When periodic inspection and testing should be considered

• Most importantly to verify continued compliance with the Electricity at Work Act and Health & Safety regulations
• Because all electrical installations deteriorate due to a number of factors, such as damage, corrosion, excessive electrical loading, wear, tear and ageing
• On a change of ownership or tenancy of premises
• On a change of use of premises
• Because of any significant changes in the electrical loading of the installation
• Where there is reason to believe that damage may have been caused to the installation
• To comply with insurance company requirements. It could effect your insurance cover and may increase premiums if testing is not carried out
• This report is a mandatory requirement for any landlord letting through any Housing Association or council. We highly recommend that landlords who have not had their electrical equipment tested within the last five years, to have one carried out. Statistics have shown that around 35 deaths and 4,200 accidents recorded annually in the UK involve electricity.

Our detailed report is accepted by banks, Insurance Companies, Councils and Health and Safety departments.

Should any landlord fail to comply with Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulation 1994 or Consumer Protection Act 1987, it is a criminal offence and carries a maximum penalty of £5000 and six months imprisonment. The tenant may also take you to court for damages as your insurance will not be valid.

A PIR is also known as an Electrical Installation Inspection Certificate, Electrical Inspection & Testing or a Fixed Wiring Certificate.

How often is a periodic inspection required?

• Every 5 years for domestic properties or at every change of tenancy (whichever comes first)
• Every 5 years for business
• Every year for buildings open to the public

Why choose Barton Electrical Services?

• Flexible appointment times
• Fully qualified engineers
• Transparent pricing
• No extra call out fee
• Over 30 years experience in the industry

Why do I need a PIR?

There is no legal requirement to obtain a periodic inspection on a residential property. However, there are a few reasons why you may want an electrical inspection and report.

• To obtain a mortgage or loan against a property
• In connection with getting compensation from an insurance policy following damage to a property
• It might be a requirement in a leasing agreement

What will a PIR tell me?

• It will reveal if any circuits or equipment are being overloaded
• It will find any potential electrical shock risks and fire hazards in the installation
• It identifies any defective DIY electrical work
• It will highlight any lack of earthing or bonding
• It tells you what steps need to be taken to bring the installation up to current saftery standards

What do you get?

• BS7671 2008 Compliant Periodic Inspection Report
• Evidence of any defects and departures from IEE Wiring Regulations
• Professional technical advice from a qualified electrician
• A quotation for any remedial works required
• Peace of mind!

Comprehensive PAT testing at competitive prices

Barton Knight Electrical provides a reliable portable appliance testing (“PAT testing”) service using testers who are fully qualified using up to date PAT equipment (which is calibrated annually). All PAT testing is carried out to the IEE code of practice for In-service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment standards, and fully documented and recorded test results are supplied.

Portable appliance testing will be conducted at your premises at times to suit you thus helping to minimising disruption to your business.

LANDLORDS – All Landlords who let their property as a business activity are required by law to ensure the equipment they supply with the tenancy is safe. The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994 requires that all mains electrical equipment including white goods, cookers, toasters, etc provided in rental accommodation, regardless of whether they are new or second hand must be safe. We strongly advise that the PAT test is conducted BEFORE the start of any new let.

BUSINESSES – A PAT test is an essential part of any businesses Health & Safety Policy. The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) requires, ALL employers in the UK to ensure that work equipment is both safe and fit for purpose. For this to be achieved a PAT test must be carried out.

Your property or business insurance might be invalidated in the event of any claim without a valid PAT test.

We carry out PAT testing for Offices, Factories, NHS hospitals, private hospitals, schools, colleges, universities, mod, local authorities, emergency services, public houses, clubs, bars, restaurants, garages, hotels, guest houses, theme parks, caravan parks, warehouses, construction sites, airports, landlords, estate agents, retail shops and stores, banks, building societies and many more…

Reasons for PAT testing

• Minimise risk of death or injury to yourself, your employees and visitors to your premises
• Risk of fire through faulty electrical appliances
• Legal requirements – Health and Safety regulations
• Insurance requirements

Many insurance companies require PAT testing. Your insurance policy may be invalidated if you have not complied with PAT requirements so any claims made on the policy could be refused.

What is PAT testing and why do we need it?

PAT testing is a specialised process of testing all portable, electrical appliances to ensure they are safe. Typically it is a routine procedure for people who work with electrical appliances, or have them in a working environment.

Pat testing or portable appliance testing is an important part of any health and safety policy. The Health & Safety Executive states that around 1,000 electrical accidents are reported each year and about 25 people die of their injuries.

Portable Appliance Testing regulations

The Electricity at Work Regulations place a legal responsibility on employers, employees and self-employed persons to comply with the provisions of the regulations and take reasonably practicable steps to ensure that no danger results from the use of such equipment.

The Electricity at Work Regulations state that all electrical equipment used in the working environment should be in a safe condition. The Health & Safety Executive recommend that you comply with the regulations an inspection and testing schedule must be implemented at all work places. The frequency of this schedule will depend on the type of equipment and on the environment which it is being used.