General Electrical Installations, Saftey Inspections, PAT Testing & Repair

Call Now on 0845 2 30 29 28

Orchard Property Services are able to supply qualified and competent Electricians that deliver the highest quality domestic, commercial and industrial inspections, maintenance, servicing and installations.

All of our work meets the requirements of BS: 7671 requirements for electrical installations, our electricians are also Part P registered members of the NICEIC (national Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting and endorsed by the government Trust Mark scheme giving you complete peace of mind for all your electrical requirements.

Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994

If you let property you must ensure that the electrical system and all appliances supplied are safe - failure to comply with the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994 and the Consumer Protection Act 1987 is a criminal offence and may result in:

- A fine of £5,000 per item not complying
- Six month's imprisonment
- Possible manslaughter charges in the even of deaths
- The Tenant may also sue you for civil damages
- Your property insurance may be invalidated

These regulations are enforced by the Health & Safety Executive.

There is no statutory requirement to have annual safety checks on electrical equipment as there is with gas, but it is advisable for landlords to have periodic checks done by a qualified electrician to ensure they are safe.

Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) and Inspections

An important part of health and safety for your tenants, is the inspection of any electrical equipment they may come in to contact with. P.A.T testing ensures that electrical equipment has been visually inspected and physically tested. The frequency for testing varies depending on the appliance and how or who it will be used by. During P.A.T testing our electricians will advise you of any requirements that need to be met as well as certifying each appliance.

Landlord Duty of Care

It is important to ensure that all electrical appliances and fittings within the property are safe and in good working order. Unlike gas regulations, there is no law that says you must have a landlord electrical safety certificate. However landlord's have a duty of care, should any electrical fittings or appliances within your rental property cause harm to a tenant, you could be held liable. The tenant could also sue you for damages and or worse you may be brought before a court for negligence under the regulations.

What You Can Do as a Landlord

You are advised to make visual inspections yourself as landlord or agent in residential properties, record on a safety checklist and have periodic checks carried out by a qualified electrician.

- Keep supplied appliances to a minimum.
- Make sure appliances supplied are complete and in working order - keep purchase receipts.
- Pay particular attention to second hand equipment - always have these items checked.
- Ensure that operating instructions and safety warning notices are supplied with the appliances.
- Ensure that flexes are in good order and properly attached to appliances and plugs.
- Ensure that earth tags are in place.
- Ensure that plugs are of an approved type with sleeved live and neutral pins.
- Ensure that plugs and sockets conform to BS1363 or BS1363/A for heavy duty uses.
- Ensure that all fuses are of the correct type and rating.
- Make sure that tenants know the location of and have access to the main consumer unit, fuses and isolator switch.
- Make a note of all fuse ratings on the inventory.

If you are in any doubt about the wiring or the safety of any appliances consult a qualified electrician, call us now for further information or to arrange for an electrician to inspect your property.

0845 2 30 29 28