Electrical testing & your business insurance

Have you had your premises Tested recently?

Check your date to ensure your certificate is not expired as this may effect your premises insurance policy.  Call today to book

What is the Issue?

The most common cause of fire in commercial premises is electrical fault.

What is it?

Electrical tests need to be seen as an MOT for your buildings and equipment – failure to keep on top of the documents increases the likelihood of a loss and the chances an insurer will reject the claim payment

What are the regulations?

Over 30 years ago in 1989 the HSE introduced the Electricity at Work regulations. This was aimed at stopping electrocutions at work caused by defective wiring.The regulations recommend different inspection periods depending on the occupation of your premises. Typically this is 5 years for commercial and 3 years for industrial. 

What is the relevance to my insurance?

Commercial insurance policies now automatically contain a warranty that the premises are inspected in accordance with BS7671:2008.The practical effect of this is that in the event of a fire or lightning claim your insurer will request sight of the certificate prior making a payment. We have now had a client’s claim rejected on this basis so we are taking the matter very seriously.

What is the small print?

It is a condition precedent to the insurer’s liability that:

1. the electrical system at the premises is inspected and tested by a member of the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting in accordance with IEE Regulations for electrical installation and an inspection certificate is issued following such inspection;
2. any work specified on such certificate to ensure the electrical installation meets IEE Regulations shall be carried out within the timescales indicated on the inspection certificate;
3. the electrical installation shall be further inspected and tested within the timescale recommended on the completion and inspection certificate.
4. this condition precedent shall not apply to retail premises or where the insured are not deemed to have responsibility for electrical installation maintenance.

Failure to comply with these requirements may result in a claim being declined or reduced.