Resources
October 2011 Electrical Installations
Welcome to October's email bulletin. This month our topic is electrical installations. If you have a subject that you would like us to cover in a future bulletin let us know by emailing the team at info@spabfim.org.uk.
Things to think about...
Your electrical systems should be inspected and tested by a qualified person at least once every five years. If any part of the system fails a test, immediate steps should be taken to have the fault corrected. If this is not possible in the short term, the faulty sections should be disconnected until a repair is carried out.
Only electrical contractors enrolled with the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC) or the Electrical Contractors Association (ECA) should be employed.
In addition, a routine check should be carried out by someone who is competent to understand the electrical system (not necessarily a qualified electrician) every year. The annual routine check should look for any signs of wear or deterioration; missing parts; and incorrect labelling. The correct operation of test buttons etc. should also be verified. Details of the routine check should be included in the building logbook. Remember to consider the safety of any electrical wiring associated with organs and clocks too.
Electrical appliances,
such as portable heaters, kettles and fans, also need to be inspected
on a regular basis as they are a frequent causes of fires. Extension
leads should not be used on a permanent basis and cables should never
be run under carpets as they may overheat.
Details of the routine checks carried out on portable electrical equipment should be included in the building logbook and appliances that are found to be faulty should be repaired or replaced immediately a fault is discovered.
Further information
Useful guidance on implementing an appropriate inspection and testing regime has been prepared by the Methodist Church and is available in their Guidance Note on Electrical Services.
Sensible and practical
information on maintaining electrical installations and portable
electrical equipment is provided by the Health and Safety
Executive (HSE). The HSE has produced two useful pages of frequently asked questions
dealing with the issues around electrical safety - Electrical
FAQs and Portable
Appliance Testing FAQs. They have also produced a
series of information sheets with further advice:
- Electrical Safety and You
- Maintaining Portable Electrical Equipment in Offices and other Low-risk Environments
- Maintaining Portable and Transportable Electrical Equipment
Need more help?
If you have any questions about maintenance or repair issues contact our Technical Helpline for advice and guidance. This service is currently available on Fridays between 11am and 6pm on 0207 456 0916. Alternatively, you can email your questions to advice@spabfim.org.uk. Copies of the SPAB's range of Technical Pamphlets and Information Sheets are available to purchase from our online bookshop.
New theft of metal guidance from English Heritage
English Heritage has issued a revised guidance note in response to the current epidemic of lead theft from historic buildings. The guidance is in two parts: the first outlines English Heritage's approach and advice for congregations on the significance of lead, how to protect it, and how to respond to thefts; the second offers detailed practical information about selecting the material to be used for historic church roofs and making it secure.
Sara Crofts
Faith in Maintenance Project Director
Stave off decay by daily care ~ William Morris 1877
