Electrical Testing Frequency Guide: How Often Should You Test Your Workplace?

Electrical testing plays a critical role in keeping workplaces safe, compliant, and operational. By testing regularly and at the right intervals, you reduce the risk of electrical faults, injuries, and fire hazards — all while staying in line with UK legislation and insurance requirements.

What Is Electrical Testing?

Electrical testing refers to the process of checking the condition, safety, and performance of electrical installations and appliances within a workplace. It involves inspecting both fixed systems and portable devices to ensure everything functions correctly and meets safety standards.

It typically includes:

• Visual inspections for signs of wear or damage

• Detailed Fixed Wire Testing (also known as an Electrical Installation Condition Report or EICR)

• PAT & EET Testing

• Emergency Lighting Testing

• Thermal Imaging Surveys

• EV Charger Testing

Testing is carried out by qualified electrical professionals, often those registered with NICEIC, NAPIT as well as more respected bodies such as SafeContractor or ConstructionLine. These specialists use certified equipment and follow UK standards such as BS 7671.

The purpose of testing goes beyond box-ticking. It prevents injury, ensures legal compliance, supports insurance policies, and extends the life of electrical equipment.

Why Electrical Testing Frequency Matters

Not testing frequently enough can lead to serious consequences. A workplace filled with faulty or untested electrical equipment can be a recipe for disaster. Here’s why testing frequency matters:

Safety risks

Old or poorly maintained electrical systems are among the top causes of workplace fires. Circuits can overload, appliances can spark, and the risk of electrocution increases.

Legal responsibilities

UK legislation requires employers, landlords, and facilities managers to maintain safe systems of work. Failure to meet these obligations could lead to prosecution, heavy fines, or even imprisonment.

Insurance complications

If an electrical fire or injury occurs and your test records are out of date, insurers may reject your claim. This leaves you financially responsible for any damage or loss.

Business continuity

A single electrical fault can lead to power loss, damaged equipment, or full shutdown of operations. Regular testing ensures faults are spotted early before they cause disruption.

Key Types of Workplace Electrical Testing

Fixed Wire Testing (EICR)

Fixed Wire Testing assesses the condition of permanent electrical installations within a building. It includes inspection and testing of the wiring, distribution boards, sockets, lighting circuits, and any other fixed electrical infrastructure.

• Required by law as part of the Electricity at Work Regulations

• Typically carried out every 1 to 5 years, depending on the environment

• Results in an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)

• Essential for identifying wear, damage, and potential risks

Portable Appliance Testing (PAT or EET)

PAT & EET Testing checks the safety of portable appliances like kettles, computers, tools, and extension leads.

• Applies to Class I (earthed) and Class II (double-insulated) equipment

• Frequency depends on use, location, and appliance type

• Often required annually or every 6 months for high-risk settings

• Supports Health and Safety and Fire Safety compliance

Emergency Lighting Testing

Emergency Lighting Testing ensures backup lighting works in the event of a power outage or emergency evacuation.

• Monthly functional tests to check quick activation

• Annual full-duration tests to ensure lights stay on for the required time (usually 3 hours)

• Required under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005

Thermal Imaging

Thermal Imaging Surveys use infrared technology to detect heat anomalies that indicate overloaded circuits or faulty components.

• No need to switch off power during inspection

• Great for predictive maintenance

• Ideal for high-load environments such as factories or data centres

EV Charging Point Testing

EV Charger Testing checks the safety and compliance of electric vehicle charge points.

• Increasingly essential as more businesses adopt EVs

• Annual or biannual inspections recommended

• Helps avoid overheating, cable faults, and installation issues

UK Legal and Regulatory Requirements for Electrical Testing

Electrical testing helps workplaces meet legal obligations and regulatory standards, including:

Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

Requires employers to ensure the safety of employees and anyone affected by the business. This includes electrical safety.

Electricity at Work Regulations 1989

Places legal responsibility on duty holders to ensure electrical systems are maintained in a safe condition through regular inspection and testing.

Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005

Applies to all non-domestic premises. Electrical faults are a major fire risk, making testing a critical part of fire safety compliance.

BS 7671 IET Wiring Regulations

The national standard for electrical installations. The 18th Edition provides guidance on how often testing should be done and what to inspect.

How Often Should You Test?

Testing frequency depends on the type of environment, how equipment is used, and the potential level of risk. Here’s a general guide for different workplace settings:

Offices and Admin Buildings

• EICR every 5 years

• PAT testing annually for Class I appliances

• Emergency lighting tested monthly and annually

Factories and Industrial Units

• EICR every 3 years

• PAT testing every 6 to 12 months

• Thermal imaging annually or biannually

Retail Premises

• EICR every 5 years

• PAT testing every 12 months

• Emergency lighting as per BS 5266

Educational Institutions

• EICR every 5 years

• PAT testing every term or annually depending on usage

• Emergency lighting tested monthly and annually

Hospitality and Public Venues

• EICR every 1 to 3 years based on usage and occupancy

• PAT testing more frequently due to high turnover of appliances

• Emergency lighting tested as per fire regulations

Construction Sites

• EICR every 3 months due to high-risk, temporary environments

• PAT testing monthly

• Thorough record-keeping and asset rotation tracking required

How to Create a Workplace Electrical Testing Schedule

A structured schedule keeps testing on track and ensures nothing gets missed. Follow these key steps:

Conduct a Risk Assessment

Identify hazards, evaluate likelihood and impact, and determine which areas or equipment require priority testing.

Inventory All Electrical Assets

List all fixed installations, appliances, and specialist equipment. Note the date of last inspection and condition.

Align with Compliance Dates

Match testing schedules with legal and insurance deadlines. Mark renewal periods on your compliance calendar.

Work With a Certified Contractor

Use NICEIC or NAPIT approved contractors to ensure proper documentation and legally valid certification.

Record and Maintain Documentation

Store certificates, reports, risk assessments, and schedules in a central, auditable system. Insurers and regulators may request these at any time.

Signs That Testing Is Overdue or Inadequate

If you notice any of the following, it’s time to act:

• Circuits that trip frequently

• Burning smells near sockets or panels

• Sparks or flickering from lights or appliances

• Test labels or certificates that are out of date

• Overheating of electrical components

• Staff reporting electric shocks or faulty equipment

Who Is Responsible for Workplace Electrical Testing?

Responsibility typically falls under several roles, depending on the organisation’s structure:

• Facilities managers

• Health and safety officers

• Landlords or building owners

• Employers

Clear delegation and documented procedures help prevent gaps in responsibility.

Choosing a Qualified Electrical Compliance Partner

When selecting a contractor, look for:

NICEIC or NAPIT Accreditation

This ensures the contractor meets UK safety and competency standards.

Commercial Experience

Look for contractors who specialise in your sector, whether it’s healthcare, education, retail, or industrial.

Clear Reporting and Certification

Professional firms should provide easy-to-understand reports with observations, recommendations, and remedial actions.

Maintenance Contracts vs. Ad Hoc

Consider a service agreement for scheduled visits, better pricing, and less admin. One-off visits are suitable for smaller premises or urgent needs.

Cost Considerations and Budget Planning

Costs vary depending on the size and type of premises, number of assets, and complexity of the systems.

• EICR tests typically range from £150 to £500 or more per building

• PAT testing can be as low as £1 to £2 per item, with volume discounts available

• Emergency lighting, thermal imaging, and EV charger inspections are usually quoted per system

Bundling services or signing up for ongoing maintenance contracts can help reduce costs. Preventive testing also reduces the chance of expensive repairs or insurance claims later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is PAT testing a legal requirement in the UK?

While not legally mandatory in all workplaces, PAT testing is widely recommended to meet the Electricity at Work Regulations and Health and Safety law.

How often should I test fixed wiring in an office?

Every 5 years is standard, unless a risk assessment indicates more frequent testing is needed.

Can my maintenance team perform PAT testing?

Only if they are trained, competent, and have the appropriate equipment. For legal and insurance purposes, many businesses opt for a certified contractor.

What does an EICR certificate include?

It includes details on the condition of the electrical installation, observations, test results, and whether the installation is safe for continued use.

Do rented commercial properties require testing by landlords?

Yes. Landlords must ensure electrical safety and compliance in all leased spaces.

Is there a difference between PAT and EET?

EET (Electrical Equipment Testing) is an updated term for PAT (Portable Appliance Testing), but both refer to testing portable electrical devices.

How long does an EICR take?

It depends on the size of the installation. A small office may take 2 to 4 hours, while large facilities could take days.

What happens if I fail to test regularly?

You may face legal action, invalid insurance claims, or even workplace accidents. Regular testing avoids these risks.

Can I combine EICR and emergency lighting testing?

Yes. Many businesses schedule both tests together to reduce disruption and cost.

How do I check when my next test is due?

Review past certificates, check the dates on test labels, or consult your compliance contractor.