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Portable
Appliance Testing |
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What
is Portable Appliance Testing? |
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Why do I need to test portable appliances? |
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How often
does our equipment need testing? |
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What types of appliances need testing? |
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Should we have our microwave ovens safety tested at
the same time? |
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How do I know if my electrical equipment is safe? |
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What tests are
carried out? |
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Does the power need to be switched off? |
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How long does it
take? |
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Is the testing
disruptive? |
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How
much will it cost? |
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Are there
any additional costs? |
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Will I get a report once the inspection is complete?
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Why should I use
flexitest
for my testing requirements? |
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Periodic Inspection & Testing |
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What is Periodic Inspection and Testing? |
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Why is it necessary? |
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Who does it apply
to? |
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How do I know if my electrical installation is safe?
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How often should testing be carried out? |
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What tests do you carry
out? |
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Is the testing disruptive? |
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Does the power need to be
switched off? |
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I'm in the process of buying a property, should I
have it tested? |
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I own a property which
I would like to let, does it need to be tested? |
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How much
will it cost? |
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Will I get a report once the
inspection is complete? |
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Why should I use
flexitest
for my testing requirements? |
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Portable Appliance Testing |
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Q |
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What is
Portable Appliance Testing? |
TOP |
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A |
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Portable
Appliance Testing or PAT (to give it it's correct
title) is The In-Service Inspection and Testing of
Electrical Equipment. To find out what types of
appliances need testing
click here. |
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Q |
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Why do I need to test portable appliances? |
TOP |
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Your own safety, and
the safety of others, is the first and most
important point to make. Additionally, The
Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require any
electrical system to be constructed, maintained and
used in such a manner as to prevent danger.
Consequently, inspection and testing of portable
appliances is needed to determine if maintenance is
required. In addition to the Electricity at Work
Regulations 1989 the following legislation is also
applicable: The Health and Safety at Work act 1974,
The Management of the Health and Safety at Work Act
Regulations 1999, The Provision & Use of Work
Equipment Regulations 1998. Also, legislation that
has a bearing on testing from a landlords
perspective is:
The
Landlord & Tenant Act 1985, The
Electrical Equipment (safety) Regulations 1994, The Low
Voltage Electrical Equipment Regulations 1989,The Plugs
and Sockets etc. (Safety) Regulations 1987 and The
Consumer Protection Act 1987. |
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Q |
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How often
does our equipment need testing? |
TOP |
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A |
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The frequency of
inspection and testing depends on a number of
factors including the environment in which the
equipment is kept, the lack of reporting of abused
equipment, equipment construction, the class of
equipment used and the equipment type i.e. hand held
or fixed. At flexitest we use as guidance the
Institute of Electrical Engineers Table of suggested
initial frequency of Inspection and Testing of
Equipment. We then review their advice dependent on
the varying factors involved. We have reproduced
their table below for your benefit..
Industrial
and equipment used by the public.
|
Premises |
Type of
Equipment |
User checks |
Class I* |
Class II** |
|
formal
visual
inspection |
combined
inspection &
testing |
formal
visual
inspection |
combined
inspection &
testing |
|
Industrial,
including
commercial
kitchens |
Stationary |
weekly |
None |
1 year |
None |
1 year |
|
IT equipment |
weekly |
None |
1 year |
None |
1 year |
|
Moveable |
before use |
1 month |
1 year |
3 months |
1 year |
|
Portable |
before use |
1 month |
6 months |
3 months |
6 months |
|
Handheld |
before use |
1 month |
6 months |
3 months |
6 months |
|
Equipment
used by the
public |
Stationary |
Note
+ |
1 month |
1 year |
3 months |
1 year |
|
IT equipment |
Note
+ |
1 month |
1 year |
3 months |
1 year |
|
Moveable |
Note
+ |
weekly |
6 months |
1 month |
1 year |
|
Portable |
Note
+ |
weekly |
6 months |
1 month |
1 year |
|
Handheld |
Note
+ |
weekly |
6 months |
1 month |
1 year |
| Note+: For some equipment such as children's rides, a daily check may be necessary by supervisory, teacher or member of staff Rented Accommodation
| Equipment/environment |
User checks |
Formal visual inspection |
Combined inspection & testing |
| Battery operated |
No |
No |
No |
| Extra low voltage: telephones, low voltage desk lights |
No |
No |
No |
| Double insulated equipment: moved occasionally e.g. fans, lamps |
No |
2-4 years |
No |
| Double insulated equipment: handheld e.g. some floor cleaners |
Yes |
6 months - 1 year |
No |
| Earthed equipment: e.g. electric kettles, some floor cleaners |
Yes |
6 months - 1 year |
1-2 years |
Cables and plugs connected to the above.
Extension leads (mains voltage) |
Yes |
6 months - 4 years depending on equipment connected to |
1 - 5 years depending on equipment connected to |
Schools and Colleges.
| Type of Equipment |
User checks |
Class I* |
Class II** |
| formal visual inspection |
combined inspection & testing |
formal visual inspection |
combined inspection & testing |
| Stationary |
weekly |
None |
1 year |
1 year |
4 years |
| IT equipment |
weekly |
None |
1 year |
1 year |
4 years |
| Moveable |
weekly |
4 months |
1 year |
4 months |
4 years |
| Portable |
weekly |
4 months |
1 year |
4 months |
4 years |
| Handheld |
before use |
4 months |
1 year |
4 months |
4 years |
Offices and Shops.
| Equipment/environment |
User checks |
Formal visual inspection |
Combined inspection & testing |
| Battery operated |
No |
No |
No |
| Extra low voltage: telephones, low voltage desk lights |
No |
No |
No |
IT:
desktop computers, screens |
No |
2-4 years |
No if double insulated - otherwise up to 5 years |
| Photocopiers, fax machines: rarely moved |
No |
2-4 years |
No if double insulated - otherwise up to 5 years |
| Double insulated equipment: moved occasionally e.g. fans, lamps |
No |
2-4 years |
No |
| Double insulated equipment: handheld e.g. some floor cleaners |
Yes |
6 months - 1 year |
No |
| Earthed equipment: e.g. electric kettles, some floor cleaners |
Yes |
6 months - 1 year |
1-2 years |
Cables and plugs connected to the above.
Extension leads (mains voltage) |
Yes |
6 months - 4 years depending on equipment connected to |
1 - 5 years depending on equipment connected to |
Hotels
|
Equipment/environment
|
User checks
|
Formal visual inspection
|
Combined inspection & testing
|
| Battery operated |
No
|
No
|
No
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| Extra low voltage: telephones, low voltage desk lights |
No
|
No
|
No
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IT:
desktop computers, screens |
No
|
2-4 years
|
No if double insulated - otherwise up to 5 years
|
| Photocopiers, fax machines: rarely moved |
No
|
2-4 years
|
No if double insulated - otherwise up to 5 years
|
| Double insulated equipment: moved occasionally e.g. fans, lamps |
No
|
2-4 years
|
No
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| Double insulated equipment: handheld e.g. some floor cleaners |
Yes
|
6 months - 1 year
|
No
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| Earthed equipment: e.g. electric kettles, some floor cleaners |
Yes
|
6 months - 1 year
|
1-2 years
|
Cables and plugs connected to the above.
Extension leads (mains voltage) |
Yes
|
6 months - 4 years depending on equipment connected to
|
1 - 5 years depending on equipment connected to
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Q |
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What
types of appliances need testing? |
TOP |
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A |
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All electrical
equipment connected to the fixed wiring of the
building will need testing. These include: Portable
equipment, hand held equipment, IT equipment,
extension leads, moveable equipment,
stationary equipment and fixed equipment. |
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Q |
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Should we have our microwave ovens safety tested at
the same time? |
TOP |
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A |
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Yes you should -
Microwave
cookers and ovens introduce a potential source of danger
into the workplace and home environment. Poor maintenance,
damage and food build-up around the door seals can
contribute to excessive levels of radiation being omitted.
Therefore, there is a need to periodically test microwave
ovens to ensure, through measurement, compliance with
the recommended limits as laid down in BS5175. |
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Q |
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How do I know if my electrical equipment is safe? |
TOP |
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The best way is to have it
inspected and tested by a company that is competent
to do so. Many faults or potential faults can be
identified by a visual check, but electrical
equipment should be tested more thoroughly on a
regular basis. The tests should be carried out often
enough that there is little chance that the
equipment will become unsafe between tests. |
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Q |
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What tests are
carried out? |
TOP |
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A |
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After a thorough
formal visual inspection the following tests are
carried out: Continuity, insulation resistance, and
functional checks. |
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Q |
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Does the power need to be switched off? |
TOP |
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A |
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Only the item being
tested needs to be removed from the mains at the
time of the inspection and test. |
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Q |
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How long does it
take? |
TOP |
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A |
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With our automated
advanced test equipment we can test a large number
of items per hour, depending on accessibility.
By testing efficiently we keep your down-time to a
minimum. |
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Q |
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Is the testing
disruptive? |
TOP |
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A |
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We try to keep
disruption to the minimum by forward planning and by
conducting the required tests as efficiently as
possible using our advanced test equipment. We can
also schedule testing 'outside of the normal working
day'. |
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Q |
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How
much will it cost? |
TOP |
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A |
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We would be happy to
give you a price which reflects your needs, either
by phone on 01285 711411, or by email, by filling
out the request a quote page, available by
clicking here. |
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Q |
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Are there
any additional costs? |
TOP |
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We lay out clearly and
concisely the prices on our quotations. The total is
the price you pay for the number of items quoted
for. |
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Q |
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Will I get a report once the inspection is complete?
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TOP |
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A |
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Yes - Reports are
written up, re-checked for accuracy and then
despatched to you in your preferred format.
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Q |
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Why should I use
flexitest
for my
testing requirements? |
TOP |
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A |
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Here are at least ten
good reasons and there's probably a lot more
besides. These are: Our professional service,
clear simple advice, our use of qualified engineers,
our competitive prices, our minimum disruption
promise, the use of the latest technology, cost
effectiveness, our added value options, our
reliability and finally our 'outside of the normal
working day' solutions. |
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Periodic Inspection & Testing
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Q |
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What is Periodic Inspection and Testing? |
TOP |
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A |
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Periodic inspection
and testing of a fixed wiring installation is a
means of ensuring the safety and continued safe
operation of the system through comprehensive
inspection and testing of the installation., thereby
protecting persons and livestock from the effects of
fire and electric shock. The implementation of a
regular inspection and test regime, and subsequent
remedial work can significantly reduce the risks
associated with electricity. |
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Q |
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Why is it necessary? |
TOP |
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A |
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It is necessary for
your own safety, and the safety of others, and the
safety of livestock. Additionally, to ensure that
the installation is not defective and complies with
the current regulations. Legislation also requires
that electrical installations are maintained in a
safe condition. |
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Q |
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Who does it apply to? |
TOP |
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A |
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All electrical wiring
installations need periodically testing and
inspecting, whether a private home, rented
accommodation, licensed premises, commercial or
industrial property. |
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Q |
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How do I know if my electrical installation is safe?
|
TOP |
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A |
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The best way to find out if your
electrical installation is safe is to have it
inspected and tested periodically. At
flexitest
we are qualified and experienced at Inspection and
testing to BS7671. |
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Q |
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How often should testing be carried out? |
TOP |
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A |
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Electrical installations should be tested often
enough that there is little chance of deterioration
leading to danger. The frequency of periodic
inspection and testing must take into consideration
the type of installation, its use and operation, the
frequency and quality of maintenance and the
external influences that it is subjected to.
The Institute of Electrical Engineers recommend
initial frequencies of inspection and testing.
Please contact us and
we will be happy to discuss these with you. |
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Q |
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What tests do you carry out? |
TOP |
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A |
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The Inspection process
involves careful scrutiny of the installation
without or with partial dismantling as required,
together with the tests considered to be appropriate
by the person carrying out the tests. These can
include: protective conductor continuity, bonding
conductor continuity, ring circuit continuity,
insulation resistance, polarity, earth electrode
resistance, earth fault loop impedance and
functional tests including correct operation of RCDs
circuit breakers, isolators and switching devices.
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Q |
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Is the testing disruptive? |
TOP |
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A |
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We try to minimise
disruption as much as possible by forward planning
and by conducting the required tests as efficiently
as possible using our advanced test equipment. We
can also schedule testing 'outside of the normal
working day'. |
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Q |
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Does the power need to be
switched off? |
TOP |
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A |
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Yes - we need to
isolate the circuits, initially for the inspection
process and for the majority of the tests. We can
schedule inspection and testing to take place
'outside the normal working day.' |
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Q |
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I'm
in the process of buying a property, should I have
it tested? |
TOP |
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A |
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The institute of
electrical engineers recommend that domestic
installations are periodically tested at least every
10 years or on change of occupancy. DIY attempts at
electrical installation work can potentially
be dangerous. Wear and deterioration over time
coupled with inadequately sized cables, old
fuse boards and inadequate earthing arrangements can
also have a significant impact on safety. |
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Q |
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I own a property which I
would like to let, does it need to be tested? |
TOP |
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A |
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Legislation requires that
electrical installations are maintained in a safe condition
by the landlord. At flexitest
we can help to fulfil your obligations as a
landlord by offering both Periodic Inspection & Testing to
BS7671 and Visual Inspections as required. More information
on testing and legislation currently in force can be found
on our landlords page by clicking
here.
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Q |
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How much
will it cost? |
TOP |
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A |
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We would be happy to
give you a price which reflects your needs, either
by phone on 01285 711411, or by email, by filling
out the request a quote page, available by
clicking here. |
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Q |
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Will I get a report once the
inspection is complete? |
TOP |
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A |
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Yes - You will receive
a periodic inspection and test report to BS7671.
This is a detailed comprehensive report on your
installation. Any areas that need further
investigation, improvement or urgent attention will
be highlighted. Reports are
written up, re-checked for accuracy and then
despatched to you in your preferred format. Any
items that require urgent action will be bought to
your attention by our on site engineer at the time
the problem is uncovered. |
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Q |
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Why should I use
flexitest
for my testing requirements? |
TOP |
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|
|
|
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|
A |
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Here are at least ten
good reasons and there's probably a lot more
besides. These are: Our professional service,
clear simple advice, our use of qualified engineers,
our competitive prices, our minimum disruption
promise, the use of the latest technology, cost
effectiveness, our added value options, our
reliability and finally our 'outside of the normal
working day' solutions. |
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