News & Updates

Fixed Wire Testing in London – Are You Legally Compliant in 2025?

Running or managing a business in London? Whether you're managing an office, retail space, school or commercial unit - fixed wire testing isn’t optional. It’s a legal requirement. If you’re overdue or not sure when your last inspection was, this guide explains what fixed wire testing is, who needs it, how often it should be done, and how to book your test fast anywhere in London. What Is Fixed Wire Testing? Fixed wire testing (also known as an Electrical Installation Condition Report - EICR) involves inspecting and testing the permanent electrical systems within a building. This includes: Consumer units (fuse boards) Lighting and power circuits Sockets, switches, and hardwired equipment Earthing and bonding systems The goal is to ensure the installation is safe, compliant with BS 7671, and free from faults that could cause fire, electric shock, or power failure. The ultimate end goal is to ensure the installation is safe for continued use. Is Fixed Wire Testing a Legal Requirement? Yes. Under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, all employers and landlords must ensure their electrical systems are safe and properly maintained. The most recognised way to demonstrate this is through a periodic fixed wire test by a qualified...

Landlord Electrical Safety Certificate: Do You Need an EICR in 2025?

If you’re renting out a property in the UK in 2025, there’s one thing you absolutely can’t ignore - your legal duty to provide a valid Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). This is your Landlord Electrical Safety Certificate — and without it, you could face fines, delays with new tenants, or even refusal from letting agents. Here’s everything landlords need to know for 2025 — whether you own one buy-to-let or manage a full portfolio. Is an EICR a Legal Requirement for Landlords? Yes — under The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, all landlords are legally required to provide a valid EICR. This applies to all rental properties in England, including houses, flats, HMOs, and new tenancies. No EICR? You could be fined up to £30,000 by your local council. What Is an EICR? An Electrical Installation Condition Report is an official document issued by a qualified electrician after inspecting and testing the fixed wiring in your property. It checks for: Electrical faults and wear over time Outdated consumer units (fuse boxes) Earthing and bonding issues Fire and electric shock risks If the report is marked as “Unsatisfactory”, the issues must be fixed within...

Is Fixed Wire Testing a Legal Requirement for Businesses in the UK?

If you own or manage a commercial property in the UK, you've likely heard of fixed wire testing - also known as Electrical Installation Condition Reporting (EICR). But is it a legal requirement? In this guide, we’ll break down your responsibilities under UK law, how often fixed wire testing should be carried out, and how to stay compliant as a business or landlord anywhere in England. What Is Fixed Wire Testing? Fixed wire testing refers to the inspection and testing of the permanent electrical systems in a building - including distribution boards, lighting circuits, sockets, and hardwired equipment. It is performed under the BS 7671 IET Wiring Regulations and results in a detailed Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). Is Fixed Wire Testing a Legal Requirement in the UK? Yes — while the law does not specifically name “fixed wire testing,” UK legislation requires businesses and commercial landlords to maintain electrical systems in a safe condition. This includes: Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 – requires employers to ensure the health and safety of employees and visitors. Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 – mandates that all electrical systems must be maintained in a condition that prevents danger. Provision and Use...

Do I Need an EICR to Sell My House in the UK?

If you’re selling a home in the UK, you might be wondering whether you need an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). While it’s not a legal requirement for homeowners, more and more buyers and solicitors are requesting one as part of the property sale process. In this guide, we’ll explain when an EICR is needed, why it can help with selling your property, and how to book a certified electrical safety inspection in your area. Is an EICR Legally Required When Selling a House in the UK? No, homeowners are not legally required to provide an EICR when selling their property. However, landlords must have a valid EICR by law when renting out a home. That said, many homeowners choose to obtain an electrical certificate before putting their house on the market. Why You Should Get an EICR Before Selling Although it's optional, there are several strong reasons to consider booking an EICR before selling your house: ✅ Builds buyer confidence: A recent EICR shows your electrical installation is safe and compliant, making your home more attractive to potential buyers. ✅ Prevents last-minute issues: Surveyors or conveyancers may request an EICR during the sales process. Having one in advance helps...

Electrical Maintenance Services For Your Business

At Martin Cook Electrical, we provide fast, reliable electrical maintenance services for businesses, social housing associations, landlords, and homeowners. Whether you need reactive call-outs or scheduled maintenance, we’ve got you covered. Our services include maintenance contracts to ensure your electrical systems stay efficient, safe, and compliant. From EICR electrical testing to complete remedial works, we help reduce failures and minimize downtime for your premises. Our Services Include: Planned and reactive electrical maintenance Commercial and residential EICR testing Emergency lighting and fire alarm testing LED retrofits and lighting upgrades Exterior lighting maintenance for car parks and more Fuse box rewiring and circuit breaker upgrades Electrical fault finding, repairs, and installations Thermal Imaging With extensive experience in commercial electrical maintenance, we currently support various clients in London, The South East and nationwide. Whether it’s routine checks or emergency repairs, we’re committed to keeping your systems running smoothly. Maintenance Contracts for Continuous Support We offer tailored maintenance contracts designed to meet your needs, ensuring that regular inspections, EICR testing, and preventive maintenance are carried out to the highest standards. Our dedicated help desk and emergency support ensure you're always covered. Partnering with Facilities Management Companies and Local Councils At Martin Cook Electrical, we...

Understanding Power Factor Correction (PFC) Capacitors

Power factor correction capacitors (PFC capacitors) are essential components used to improve the efficiency of an electrical circuit by balancing the inductive and capacitive loads. When there’s a lagging or leading current in a circuit, additional power is required from the supply. A PFC capacitor helps correct this imbalance by providing a leading current, bringing the power factor closer to unity (a power factor of 1). A balanced power factor reduces the overall demand on the supply, resulting in lower electricity consumption. How Do PFC Capacitors Work? An electrical circuit is a closed path that allows electricity to flow. When the power factor of this circuit is below optimal, it leads to inefficiencies. Adding a PFC capacitor helps correct the power factor by storing energy in an electric field and balancing out the reactive power in the system. This process reduces the amount of energy drawn from the main supply, ultimately lowering electricity costs and improving system efficiency. Key Parts of PFC Capacitors PFC capacitors consist of the following essential parts: Capacitors Fuses Switchgear Contactors Reactive Power Controller(s) For fast-changing loads (like welding), contactors are often replaced with thyristor switches for quicker response times. In some cases, in-line reactors are...

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