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Your most frequently asked electrical questions answered!

Electrical FAQ's

What qualifications do GlenFarrow electrical engineers have?

Our GlenFarrow engineers are fully NICEIC registered electricians, City & Guilds qualified and hold the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations certificate.

Is GlenFarrow able to design electrical systems?

Our GlenFarrow electrical department offers a full electrical design and installation service, including fire alarms and emergency lighting. From small component designs to large scale systems, our highly skilled electricians offer a one-stop service for electrical designs that would best meet customer requirements.

 

Can I add more power outlets?

In short – yes! You may require more power outlets to be added to your commercial building for many reasons, such as an increased amount of people in your facility or adding new electrical equipment. Our GlenFarrow electricians will be able to carry out this service after assessing your current electrical system.

 

What is fixed wire inspection and testing or an EICR?

Fixed testing is when an electrical engineer tests all electrical installations and systems around your commercial building. This includes testing of main panels, distribution boards, lighting, sockets, air conditioning and any other type of electrical wiring. Once the electrician has ensured the electrical installation is safe, an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is issued.

Is there any electrical regulations new landlords need to meet for domestic properties?

In June 2020, new electrical regulations for landlords were put in place for new tenancies to improve tenant safety. This year, from April 1st, this has been extended for existing

tenancies.

There are three main points that landlords should be familiar with about these regulations:

  1. Electrical inspection every five years

Landlords are now required to ensure all electrical installations in their rented properties are inspected and tested by a qualified electrician every five years.

Landlords are now also obligated to hand over a copy of the inspection and test report to new, existing and prospective tenants within a certain time period. These are:

  • New tenants: Before tenancy begins
  • Existing tenants: Within 28 days after testing
  • Prospective tenants: Within 28 days of receiving request
  • Local authority: Within 28 days of receiving request
  1. Meet national standards

The landlord’s rented property should be meeting the electrical standard set in the 18th edition ‘wiring regulations’. Our electricians at GlenFarrow are happy to talk these through with any customer.

  1. Remedial work

Any remedial work that shows up in your electrical report will need to be completed within 28 days of the test. A written confirmation for completing these remedial works will be

given to you by your electrician.

Find the full list of electrical regulations for landlords here.

What is a landlord electrical safety certificate?

A landlord safety certificate is proof that the electrics in their rented property have been tested every five years. This is usually in the form of a EICR certificate.

Why do I need PAT testing for my appliances?

PAT testing (Portable Appliance Testing) is essential for businesses to meet electrical safety requirements and to ensure appliances comply with the latest British standards. A portable appliance is anything that be connected to an electrical installation via a plug and socket (e.g. computers, printers, kettles etc). Once our engineers have carried out a PAT test, you will be given a certificate for confirmation.

 

How often should a PAT Test be carried out?

It is best practice for all portable appliances to be PAT tested annually (it is common for most insures to make this a requirement). We recommend annual testing as it will help you maintain high standards of electrical safety within your building.

What is a surge protector and why is it needed?

The main purpose of a surge protector is exactly what it says – to protect your electrical equipment from a high-voltage power surge. When a surge of power occurs, the protector will divert the extra electricity to the ‘earth’ wire. If a surge happens without a protector, a fire could potentially start and cause permanent damage to your system or property.

What is the purpose of an AFDD?

AFDD’s (Arc Fault Detection Devices) are single, compact modules which prevent fires from starting. They provide you with huge protection against electrical faults on ring circuits,

radials, spurs and leads. The AFDD technology automatically disconnects dangerous

electrical circuits that could cause a fire.

 

Why do I need to test my emergency lighting?

Emergency lighting systems create immediate illumination in situations such as a fire or power cut. They are vital for human safety – this is why testing emergency lighting to make sure they are operating correctly is essential.

Our recommended regime for testing emergency lighting is:

Daily checks

Emergency lighting luminaires and maintained fittings should be checked everyday.

Monthly test

You should turn the emergency lighting on using the test switch to check all emergency lamps are operating correctly. Next, you should restore the mains using the test switch to check all charge indicators are illuminated

Annual 3 hour tests

This test should be carried out by a qualified electrician. This test ensures you emergency lighting remains working for a period of three continuous hours. An emergency lighting

Inspection & Test Certificate will be given to you after completion.

How much will my electrical works cost?

As each electrical job is unique the total cost will differ depending on different factors, such as the scale of the job, time it will take, cost of materials etc. That’s why at GlenFarrow we offer free site surveys across the UK so our customers will get a price breakdown before committing to any work!

To book a free site survey or to find out more about our electrical services, call Rob Black on 01775 722327.