Fixed Installation Testing (FIT) involves testing the electrical services and systems that conduct electricity around a building.

It covers all the hard wiring in a building, whether that building is commercial, industrial or residential.

Anything electrical in a building that is fixed such as lighting, socket outlets, air conditioning and other fixed plant needs to be tested.

How can it benefit my business?

Owners of buildings have a duty of care to users. The wiring of buildings is an area that is often taken for granted, yet it can be a big cause of fire or injury through electric shocks.

The Electricity at Work Act, 1989 states that all electrical systems and equipment used in the working environment should be in a safe condition. The Health & Safety Executive recommend that to comply with the regulations, an inspection and testing programme should be undertaken at all places of work.

Many insurance companies are demanding electrical installation safety reports before re-insuring buildings.

The IEE recommend maximum periods between inspections:

• Factories – 3 years
• Commercial buildings – 5 years
• Residential – 10 years

How much does it cost?

Testing costs depend on the type of building and the number of circuits to be tested, the availability of circuit data and whether testing takes place while the building is manned or vacant.

How long does it take to test?

Typically, 20 circuits can be tested each day in a manned building. Shutdown periods are arranged through close liaison with the client.

What benefit does Epsilon give me over an electrical contractor?

A specialist FIT company, like Epsilon, has no interest in remedial repairs. Its loyalty is to present an unbiased installation assessment.

How many engineers does Epsilon have dedicated to FIT?

In the past 12 months, Epsilon has nearly tripled – to 28 - the number of engineers dedicated to fixed installation testing throughout the UK. All of its engineers are qualified to City and Guilds, 2360 Part 1 & 2 and City and Guilds 2391, inspection and testing.

For large sites, a survey is initially undertaken to determine the number of circuits, circuit breakers, RCD's etc. Following this a quotation is issued and if accepted, the site is visited by a project manager who determines the number of engineers required within the schedule agreed.

There are many individual tests which fall into the following categories:

• Live earth loop tests
• RCD tests, if applicable
• Polarity
• Insulation resistance

Following this a test report is produced that indicates four fault codes in accordance with BS 7671-2001:

1. Requires urgent attention
2. Requires improvement
3. Requires further investigation
4. Does not comply with current code of practice