Expertise in Loss Prevention and Inspection to Mitigate Electrical Fire Risks

The Role of Electrical Inspections in Reducing Fire Hazards

According to UK Government statistics, there were 45,850 accidental property fires in 2024,
with one-third of these incidents caused by electrical faults or misuse. Electrical distribution is
the primary ignition source in commercial fires, heightening the risk of property damage and
personal injury. Property owners and commercial landlords are directly responsible and legally
accountable for electrical safety.
As the UK’s electrical infrastructure ages, the demand on commercial building electrical systems
has increased, sometimes exceeding the capacity of transformers and distribution systems.
Additionally, business downsizing and restructuring may lead to a reduction or elimination of
maintenance personnel, leaving crucial maintenance tasks neglected.
Fires require oxygen, fuel, and heat. Electricity contributes to the heat source in fires through
mechanisms such as arcing, short circuits, leakage current, and overloaded circuits.
We have partnered with Carn Engineering for the provision of all engineering inspection services
including electrical inspections to our customers and they are crucial in reducing the fire risks
associated with electrical systems. They also provide lifting, pressure, fume/dust extraction and
work equipment examinations so they are your one-stop-shop for all engineering inspections. 

Call 028 9131 1011 or request a callback using the We’reSure form.

Are Electrical Inspections Required by Law?

Under the Electricity at Work Regulations (EAWR) and SI299, employers are obligated to maintain
electrical systems and provide proof that safety measures have been implemented. Installations
compliant with BS7671 are endorsed by the HSE to meet EAWR standards, and they include periodic inspections.
Landlords also have legal obligations under the Consumer Protection Act (CPA). As a “supplier of
goods,” they must ensure that electrical systems are inspected before tenants occupy a property.
Additionally, the new Electrical Safety Standards for Private Tenancies Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2024 require electrical inspections to be conducted before new tenancies starting in April 2025, and for existing tenancies starting in December 2025. 

How Often Should Electrical Installations Be Inspected?

BS7671 recommends inspections every 3 to 5 years for most installations. As the ‘Competent Person’, Carn Engineering will determine the exact frequency following the first assessment. 

What Does the Electrical Inspection Include?

The inspection should cover the electrical system from the incoming supply point to the final
circuits, including:

• Visual Inspection: To identify any visible damage and verify that system components are properly selected and installed.
• Functional Testing: To check switchgear operation and security.
• Protective Conductor Continuity: To test earth continuity between the earth terminal and
  exposed conductive parts.
• Bonding Conductor Continuity: To ensure earth continuity to non-electrical metallic parts
  like water pipes.
• Insulation Resistance Testing: To assess cable insulation between live conductors and earth.
• Polarity Testing: To check the live conductors at the origin, distribution boards, final circuits,
  and 10% of light switches, preventing damage to equipment from reversed polarity.
• Earth Fault Loop Impedance Testing: To measure resistance between line and earth
  conductors to ensure protective devices work during fault conditions.
• Prospective Short-Circuit Current Testing: To verify that the maximum current in the system
  under fault conditions is not excessive.
• RCD Testing: To ensure Residual Current Devices trip within the required time and do
  not trip unnecessarily.
• Phase Rotation Testing: To confirm correct phase rotation across the installation.
• Earth Electrode Resistance Testing: Where applicable.
• Ring Circuit Continuity: This may be omitted if previous test records are available.

What Should Be Included in the Inspection Report?

The EAWR, CPA and enforcing authorities require documentary proof of compliance. The inspection report provided by Carn Engineering will include observations (and a Classification
Code to each), recommendations, the instruments used along with their calibration dates, schedules of test results, and an overall assessment of the installation’s condition.