We recently completed an electrical installation condition report (EICR) for some large offices in Northampton.
With a lot of essential equipment relying on the electricity supply, we had to work closely with our clients. Thanks to some good teamwork we safely shut down their server systems to carry out thorough testing.
What is an EICR?
An EICR identifies damage, deterioration or defects that could be dangerous. It includes a visual check and a full inspection and testing procedure carried out by a ‘competent person’ (a qualified electrician). An EICR can also highlight improvements to reduce the amount of electricity used to help reduce your energy bills.
Electrical inspection and testing for offices
In a busy office environment, you may notice electrical problems and damage during everyday use. However, rather than leaving things to chance, regular inspections keep everyone safe and minimise disruptions.
Clear warning signs include:
damaged plugs, cables or sockets
loose fittings
intermittent faults
overheating equipment
smells of burning.
If you notice any of these problems or have other concerns, it’s important to contact a professional electrician and carry out an inspection. Many faults aren’t obvious from a visual check alone. The inspection will include circuits, earthing and bonding, fixed wiring, electrical distribution and protection. Most offices should have a new EICR every five years and after major installations and electrical upgrades. You may need more frequent checks, depending on your operations. You should also have annual Portable Equipment Testing (PAT) checks if your team uses moveable IT equipment, monitors and chargers.
Office workstations. Most offices include a lot of electrical equipment at individual workstations. Regular checks help to make sure people continue to work safely. Ideally ducting will keep cables safe to reduce the risks of tripping, wear and tear. Surge-protected extension cables help to protect sensitive IT equipment from power spikes. If you’re likely to use fans in the summer or portable heaters in the winter, make sure you have enough circuits and sockets to use them safely.
Electrical risks in the office. Damaged or loose wiring can lead to overheating and even electrical fires. Worn insulation or cable damage can lead to short circuits, increasing the risk of electrical shocks. If your team works flexibly, make sure they use and charge laptops, tablets and smartphones safely in the office.
Emergency systems. You also need regular checks for your emergency lighting, fire alarm systems and backup power supplies. In the event of power cuts or fires, for example, this will ensure everyone can find their way to safety. If you have an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for your essential IT equipment, batteries and design limits need regular checking.
Documentation. You need accurate records for your EICR and PAT checks, fire safety logs, and maintenance schedule. This helps you book inspections in good time and meet Health & Safety and insurance requirements. If your records show continuing faults, additional troubleshooting can prevent more serious long-term problems.
Share this post: