Here at Walker Electrical, we are Preston’s leading commercial electricians. As a result, we are often asked to carry out an Electrical Installation Condition Report. But what exactly is this? And how do you know if your accommodation service needs one?
Legal Requirement
Although there is no legal obligation to hold an Electrical Installation Condition Report, most commercial properties will need an up to date version for insurance, safety, and liability purposes. This is because it relates to part of the Electricity at Work Regulations, which is focused on ensuring maximum electrical safety for employees.
In fact, accommodation services such as hotels, student accommodation, and care homes, will not be able to secure any insurance without one.
But what is an Electrical Installation Condition Report?
This is a report into the condition of all electrical installations within the property.
Contrary to PAT Testing, or fixed appliance testing, an Electrical Installation Condition Report test all of the internal wiring within a building, not the appliances themselves. This leads to accurate readings and measurements about the wiring and electrical work, and also provides further recommendations or highlights potential problems.
As a result, the Electrical Installation Condition Report for hotels and accommodation services could save the lives of people living in the property.
How often should an Electrical Installation Condition Report for hotels and accommodation services be implemented?
At the moment, it is up to the discretion of the professional and qualified electrician to determine the length of time between the inspections. This is because timescales can vary depending on a range of factors, including:
- the age of the building
- the age of the electrical work
- the condition of the electrical work
However, the electrical professionals are not left entirely without guidance. In fact, the Institute for Electrical Engineers suggests that the maximum amount of time between Electrical Installation Condition Reports for hotels and accommodation services is every 5 years, or with every change of ownership, whichever comes first.
In summary
Electrical Installation Condition Reports for hotels and accommodation services are necessary for insurance and safety reasons. The report will look at the condition of the electrical work and should be implemented every 5 years, if not more. If you need commercial or industrial electrical work, why not contact Preston’s leading commercial electrical company: Walker Electrical?