As of 1 January 2019, there are new stricter regulations for commercial landlords and property owners. These cannot be amended retroactively so you need ensure you’re familiar with them.
During 2017/18, there were 38,321 accidental property fires in England, with half of those fires caused by electrical faults or misuse. These could easily have been prevented and property owners and commercial landlords are directly responsible, and legally accountable, for working to do so.
BS 7671 of the IET Wiring Regulations sets out the safety levels for new electrical installations as well as additions and changes to existing installations. This does not just apply to the UK, but numerous other countries. Following BS7671 ensures that your wiring systems meet the standard of the requirements of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.
Key changes
There are a number of important changes to the legislation, including the following:
- Protection against overvoltage: The new regulations make clear surge protection must be provided where a surge could result in serious injury or loss of life, interruption to public services or industrial and commercial activities, damage to cultural heritage, or a large number of individuals at the same location being affected.
- RCD protection: RCDs are now required on lighting circuits and on all sockets outlets with ratings up to and including 32A. They must also be manually tested every six months.
- Arc fault detection devices: These devices should be installed as they are designed to trip the system in the event of an electrical fault.
- Euroclass cable ratings: all cables used in buildings must have a Euroclass rating.
- Wiring support: all wiring systems must be supported to prevent collapse if a fire occurs. Previously this only applied to fire escapes.
- Embedded electric heating: these areas, including heated floors, should have protection in place to prevent them from overheating.
How Gallagher can help you
Whether you’re a landlord, agent, building owner or operator, you need to ensure compliance with BS7671 and make sure that regular inspections are carried out for all properties in your portfolio. We can help you to arrange an inspection with a NICEIC certified report, as part of your overall risk management package.
Our end-to-end electrical inspection / remedial is fully compliant with the Electricity at Work Regulations (BS7671). Our partners are National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC)-accredited, operating to IOS9001 quality standards. An inspection gives you complete peace of mind that your systems are up to scratch when insurers ask to see your Institute of Electrical Engineers certificate.
To find out more or for help arranging an inspection please get in touch.
