Electrical Preventative Maintenance Services

Electrical problems cause immense business disruption and threaten the health and safety of employees and customers alike. All electrical equipment is prone to breakdowns throughout its lifespan, but how you manage it is what matters.

Preventive maintenance is the most cost-effective way of combating power quality problems and unexpected breakdowns. At Wells Electrical Contractors, we bring over 65 years of experience to the table. As a CHAS and Construction Line-affiliated provider of electrical systems, we deliver the experience that countless firms rely on, including Bluecoat Liverpool and Smyths Toys.

By utilising our electrical preventative maintenance services, we keep your business moving, reducing downtime and increasing productivity across your organisation.

The basics of electrical preventive maintenance

Electrical equipment won’t last forever, but preventive maintenance enables you to extend its lifespan and reduce the amount of disruption your business experiences due to power problems.

Is your business taking the steps needed to prevent electrical issues?

Most firms only act when something goes wrong, and it costs them in lost hours and replacement costs. Electrical preventive maintenance means conducting regular inspections, cleaning and testing to prevent failures and ensure safety across the board.

Working with an experienced electrical contractor like Wells Electrical Contractors allows you to put your business in the hands of a professional while you focus on your day-to-day operations.

What is an electrical preventive maintenance checklist?

You aren’t an electrical expert, nor do you have to be. Maintaining a simple electrical preventive maintenance checklist points you in the right direction to minimise the deterioration of electrical wiring, installations and equipment. It’s something you can do both at home and in the office.

Your checklist can be as straightforward or as in-depth as you please. While many of these tasks should be handled by a professional, the basics of preventive maintenance include:

·  Regular electrical inspections of every room.

·  Examination of consumer units, circuit breakers and distribution boards.

·  Surveying capacitors, wiring manifolds, transformers and feedings.

·  Inspecting indoor and outdoor lighting.

The goal of this checklist is to uncover any signs of imminent malfunction, including short circuits, sparks, burning, explosions and loose wiring. Taking action early prevents problems later, and that’s why partnering with Wells Electrical Contractors is an investment that repays itself time and time again.

Types of electrical equipment that require preventative maintenance

Maintaining your electrical equipment isn’t just the right move. It’s the law.

All UK firms have a legal obligation under health and safety legislation to take all reasonable steps necessary to ensure safe working environments by addressing electrical safety. Just some of the types of equipment that require regular inspections and maintenance include:

·  Power supplies

·  Sockets

·  Switch gear

·  Distribution panels

·  Control systems

·  Lighting

·  Motors

·  Fire alarms

·  Computers

·  Portable electrical tools

·  HVAC systems

Different working environments and pieces of equipment may have additional requirements that apply to them. For example, emergency lighting requires regular functional tests conducted annually. Additionally, portable outdoor equipment and electrical units in high-risk environments like kitchens and bathrooms have other safety requirements.

Keeping on top of it all is a headache, which is why working with a professional is invaluable.

The benefits of electrical preventative maintenance for businesses

Electrical preventative maintenance is an investment in safety, legal compliance and productivity. Although it may be tempting to put it to one side, you are missing out on the key advantages of being proactive versus reactive.

Here’s why you should be thinking about preventative electrical maintenance:

·  Improved Lifespan – Well-maintained electrical systems last longer. Poorly maintained systems are liable to break down before reaching the end of their expected lifespans.

·  Reduced Downtime – Electrical failures paralyse your business, preventing you from carrying on with your day-to-day operations.

·  Lower Bills – Electrical faults can increase how much you’re drawing from power sources. In these cases, you’re wasting electricity, which will be reflected in your bills.

·  Insurance Compliance – Accidents happen, but if you don’t commit to regular maintenance, some insurers may void your coverage, leaving your firm completely unprotected.

·  Legal Compliance – The Electricity at Work Act 1989 compels all businesses to ensure installations are safe for workers and the public. Non-compliance can lead to enormous financial penalties and even criminal penalties.

Over time, what you spend on preventive electrical maintenance will be returned to you with less downtime and fewer electrical emergencies. Moreover, it’s a commitment to protecting employees and customers alike. Averting problems now prevents disaster later, which is why proactive maintenance is so valuable.

How often should electrical preventive maintenance be carried out?

Regular maintenance schedules are crucial to electrical safety, but you may be unsure where to begin. Different recommendations apply depending on property type and other factors. The Electricity at Work Act 1989 requires all businesses to conduct inspections at regular intervals.

Generally, this means you should obtain an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) every three to five years. When it comes to portable appliance testing, industry recommendations are that you should carry out Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) every three to 12 months, depending on the appliance.

In short, it depends on the business and what’s in your commercial space. Consulting a professional and setting up a regular maintenance schedule is the best way to deal with this issue.

Who can carry out electrical preventative maintenance?

UK regulations require a skilled person to conduct electrical work in commercial properties. Attempting to manage preventive maintenance in-house puts lives at risk and may void your insurance policy and leave you in non-compliance with the law.

Some of the consequences of trying to deal with this in-house include:

·  Substandard work

·  Legal non-compliance

·  Liability issues

·  Extra downtime

·  Health and safety risks

Commercial electricians are well-versed in business electrical systems and ensure that work is carried out in accordance with the standards set by UK law. At Wells Electrical Contractors, we are a NICEIC-registered contractor, which means we have been recognised for our competence in carrying out electrical work to the required standard.

Managing maintenance schedules while worrying about regulations is a headache no business owner needs. That’s why at Wells Electrical Contractors, we provide comprehensive electrical maintenance services across the North West. To set up a regular maintenance schedule that you can rely on, contact us now.