Electrical Testing & Inspection.
Electrical testing, inspections and certification for homes, landlords, businesses and electrical installations across Milton Keynes and the surrounding areas.
BOOK AN INSPECTIONWhat Am I Looking For?
Electrical testing isn't simply about connecting a tester and producing a certificate. I'll assess the installation as a whole and look for anything that could affect its safety, condition or suitability.
The type and extent of testing depends on the property, the installation and why the inspection is being carried out.
Areas I Check
The aim isn't simply to find faults. It's to understand the installation, identify anything that needs attention and explain what it means clearly.
Is Your Fusebox Looking A Little Vintage?
If your electrical board looks like the examples above, it's definitely worth having the installation assessed. Older consumer units can provide less protection than modern installations and may not be suitable for the demands placed on your electrical system today.
What Is A Consumer Unit?
The consumer unit is the main distribution point for your home's electrical circuits. It's where the incoming electricity supply is divided between your lighting, sockets, cooker, shower and other circuits.
It also contains the protective devices that help protect those circuits from faults and excessive current.
So Why Do We Call It A Fusebox?
"Fusebox" is the name many of us grew up with because older installations commonly used rewireable or cartridge fuses.
Modern consumer units normally use circuit breakers and RCD protection, so "consumer unit" is the more accurate term. You'll still hear electricians and customers call it a fusebox though!
Does An Old Fusebox Mean It's Unsafe?
Not necessarily. An older installation needs to be assessed on its condition, design and the protection it provides rather than simply its age.
When Should It Be Considered For Upgrade?
If the consumer unit is old, damaged, lacks modern protective measures or your electrical requirements have changed significantly, an upgrade may be worth considering.
I'll assess the installation first and explain what I recommend and why.
Do You Need An Electrical Inspection?
Different properties and situations call for different types of inspection and testing. Here are some of the most common reasons customers get in touch.
🏠 Homeowners
Particularly useful for older properties, when buying a home, after major alterations or if you're unsure about the condition of the existing electrical installation.
🏠 Landlords
Electrical installations in rented properties need regular inspection and testing. I can carry out the inspection, provide the appropriate report and explain any issues found.
🏢 Businesses
Commercial premises benefit from regular inspection and testing to help identify deterioration, faults and potential safety issues while keeping electrical records up to date.
🔧 New & Altered Installations
New electrical work needs appropriate inspection, testing and certification. This can also apply when existing installations are extended or significantly altered.
Not sure what you need? You don't have to know the name of the inspection before you contact me. Tell me about the property and what you're concerned about, and I'll point you in the right direction.
What Happens During An EICR?
An Electrical Installation Condition Report involves inspection and testing of the electrical installation to identify damage, deterioration, defects and anything that may affect its safety.
Inspect
I assess the installation, equipment, accessories, consumer unit, earthing and visible wiring.
Test
Appropriate electrical tests are carried out on the circuits and protective measures.
Assess
Any defects or observations are assessed and coded according to their significance.
Report
You receive the appropriate electrical report and a clear explanation of anything that needs attention.
What Does "Not Verified" Mean?
Sometimes a circuit, area or piece of equipment cannot be fully accessed or tested. This can happen where access is restricted, equipment is particularly sensitive, or power cannot be safely interrupted.
Server rooms and sensitive IT equipment are good examples. In these situations I work with the client to understand the requirements and find a sensible way to carry out as much of the inspection and testing as possible without disrupting critical equipment.
If something cannot be verified, I'll make that clear in the report rather than pretending it was tested.
Testing For Landlords & Businesses
Regular electrical inspection is particularly important where properties are rented, occupied by staff or used by customers. I can take care of the inspection, testing and certification with minimal disruption.
🏠 Landlords
EICRs for rental properties, with clear reporting and straightforward advice if remedial work is required.
🏢 Commercial
Testing and inspection for shops, offices, workshops and other commercial premises, planned around how your business operates.
🔧 Contractors & Builders
Testing and certification following new installations, alterations and refurbishment projects, helping keep your project moving.
Need it done without disrupting your business? I'll work with you to arrange access, manage testing around sensitive equipment and minimise downtime wherever possible.
See What Heat Can Tell You.
Thermal imaging can reveal abnormal heat patterns that aren't always visible during a normal visual inspection.
Using a thermal imaging camera, I can look for areas of unusual temperature that may indicate a developing electrical problem.
What Can Thermal Imaging Help Identify?
Thermal imaging isn't a replacement for electrical testing. It's an additional diagnostic tool that can provide another layer of information, particularly useful for larger installations, commercial premises and investigating suspected electrical faults.
Lightning Protection Systems
Existing lightning protection systems need to be inspected and maintained to ensure they remain in suitable condition.
Don't Leave Your Protection To Chance.
Lightning protection systems are designed to provide a controlled path for lightning currents and help protect buildings, people and equipment.
Regular inspection and testing can identify damage, deterioration or problems with the system that may otherwise go unnoticed.
Already have a lightning protection system? If you're responsible for a commercial or other protected property and aren't sure when it was last inspected, get in touch and we can discuss what testing or inspection is appropriate.
Need Your Electrics Checked?
With more than 20 years' experience in the electrical industry, I'll carry out your inspection properly, explain what I've found and give you clear advice on what needs attention.
BOOK AN INSPECTION