The Importance of Electrical Testing – For Landlords
The importance of electrical testing for landlords cannot be overstated. Not only will an electrical test result save your life and property, but it can also prevent a liability lawsuit. The landlord must complete this step before they allow tenants to move in. If you would like to read more information or learn more about the pricing of business landlord insurance, you can do so here .
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The Importance of Electrical Testing – For Landlords
At a minimum, an electrical test should be conducted , even if there is no history of electrical issues. This process helps to identify any issues and prevents future problems.
In some cases, an Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) inspection will be required if the property has four or more storeys, was built after 1965 or has not been tested in the last five years. Even in situations where there is no legal requirement to test the electrical system, you must complete an inspection. There could be hefty fines associated with poor wiring, not to mention the liability issues if something were to happen.
Now that you know why it is essential to perform an electrical inspection let us discuss some of the most common testing results.
Understanding your Electrical Inspection Report
The electrical test report will have five different sections:
Electrical system summary: describes the condition of the circuit and the wiring between circuits. This section may or may not be written by a professional, but it should detail something like: “There are four problems in this property with ungrounded 250VAC wiring. Fixed.”
Panel/Fuse Box condition/rating: this will detail any issues with the panel or if it complies with the Electrical Safety Code. Most panel ratings are for a three or five year period, and this information should be detailed in the report. The report will also state whether or not the panel is up to the current electrical code, which is likely to change from time to time.
Circuit Breaker: is it in the correct position? The circuit breaker should be located within one meter of the outlet used by each circuit, and the location of any breakers should be checked.
Circuit 3 phase/double phase: are all leading conductors correct? A diagram will be provided to detail your options where there are multiple configurations.
Circuit 1 phase: Does this circuit’s wire have the correct covering? This will vary by borders, but a black, blue or white wire should usually be attached to the terminals.
In addition to this information, there should also be a list of test results:
Is there a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)? This is required in all multi-family buildings.
Is there a smoke detector?
Are there any other safety concerns? If a leak or fire occurred last year, are there any additional concerns?
Has the circuit been tested within the last 12 months? This is necessary to ensure that a functional electrician has been hired and prevent accidental electrocution.
The Power Factor is a measure of the efficiency of your electricity. A high PF can lead to higher energy bills, which is why this should be determined and corrected before moving in.
Is the panel up to date with the latest code requirements? This will give you an idea of what is coming up or is currently being done at your property.
After reading the report, you should have a much better understanding of the condition of your electrical system and be able to determine what repairs may be needed.
Whether you are purchasing an existing property or building from scratch, there are several things that you can do to ensure there are no liability issues. All it takes is a little research and planning. When buying an existing property, take the time to review any documentation and perform the appropriate research on local laws and bylaws.
Below is a useful table about popular insurance companies in the UK based on what they offer and their Trustpilot rating:
Should I Hire an Electrician?
The best way to know if you need an electrician is to read the electrical inspection report . It will provide recommendations and details on proceeding with repairs or maintenance. You can also get a professional opinion from your ESA inspector before making any final decisions.
It is also important to note that electrical testing is not just limited to the wiring of the building. Testing includes the electrical devices that are in each unit. The use of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms should also be checked.
Electrical Testing For Landlords – To Conclude
It is easy to overlook items when trying to get a new tenant. However, as anyone who has dealt with tenants knows, you usually do not get a second chance at this stage.
Electrical Testing For Landlords – Other useful links about Business Insurance:
Multi-Property Landlord Insurance
Cheap Landlord Insurance
Commercial Landlord Insurance
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