What is an IEE Certification? - An Ultimate Guide 

In the UK, we’re fortunate that there are rules and regulations in place designed to maintain safety in the workplace.

Maintaining electrical safety should be a priority for all business and building owners. One of the ways you can do this is to secure IEE certification, which confirms that electrical installations have been tested and have been deemed safe to use.

Learn more about IEE certification and its place in maintaining electrical safety at work.

What is IEE certification?

There are many electrical standards and approved codes of practice which relate to electrical safety in the UK. IEE certification relates to BS 7671, which are the requirements for electrical installations. An IEE is a part of an EICR report.

IEE certificates are issued upon successful testing and of electrical installations. This is required by businesses and organisations, as well as landlords. IEE certificates contain details for different elements, including:

If any electrical equipment or circuits are being overloaded

• If there is a risk of fires or electric shocks

• If there are any defects or issues with the electrical installation
• If there are earthing or bonding issues

IEE certification is in addition to PAT testing, which tests individual appliances for electrical safety. PAT testing is recommended every 3 – 24 months, depending on the type of item being tested and frequency.

What are your obligations for maintaining electrical safety in the workplace?

The are multiple laws regarding electricity and the workplace.

Electrical equipment used in the workplace is required to be safe under the 1989 The Electricity at Work Regulations, which is an extension of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. The regulations state that electrical systems must be maintained to prevent danger as a result of faults or issues. These regulations are in place to prevent death and injuries, and to protect workplaces too. The regulations apply to employers and those who are self-employed. They also require employees to follow electrical safety advice in the workplace.

Regular planned testing can ensure your IEE electrical installation certificate is up to date and compliant with government regulations.

How often is testing required?

The frequency of IEE testing varies according to different factors.

• Domestic properties should be tested every 10 years.
• Tenanted properties should be tested every 5 years, or with a change of tenancy.
• Commercial properties should be tested every 5 years.
• Industrial properties should be tested every 3 years.

W​hat happens during an IEE test?

During an IEE test, a qualified electrician will thoroughly inspect the electrical systems of the property. This examination will include checking the consumer unit, earthing arrangements, bonding conductors, sockets, switches, and lighting fixtures.

The electrician will look for signs of wear, damage or overheating, and test the functionality of the safety devices, such as RCDs (Residual Current Devices). They will also identify any non-compliant or potentially hazardous installations that require immediate attention. Additionally, you’ll receive a written report and, if everything’s up to code, an IEE certificate.

C​an having a valid IEE certificate testing help reduce insurance premiums?

Yes, having a valid IEE certificate can have a positive impact on insurance premiums for both commercial and residential properties. Insurance providers often consider IEE – or, more fully, EICR – testing to be evidence of proper risk management and compliance with safety regulations. By demonstrating that electrical installations have been inspected and are in good condition, property owners may qualify for reduced insurance premiums, saving both time and money in the long term.

How much does an IEE certificate cost?

An IEE certificate will vary in cost depending on the size of your property. You can book inspections as and when needed, or have them included in a pre-planned maintenance programme that will carry out other maintenance inspections in line with your business needs.

W​hat if my property fails the IEE test?

If your property fails the IEE test and you don’t receive your IEE certificate, the electrician will issue an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) with a list of the observed defects and shortcomings. Depending on the severity of the issues identified, the report may categorise them as either C1 (danger present), C2 (potentially dangerous), or C3 (improvement recommended). Property owners are then responsible for addressing the noted defects promptly and arranging for necessary repairs to ensure compliance and safety.

Tips for electrical safety in the workplace

More than 56,000 reported workplace accidents are classed as electricity-related. Meanwhile, 10% of all fatal injuries are electricity-related.

Obtaining your IEE and undertaking regular electrical inspections are vital for fulfilling your health and safety obligations. However, there are other steps you can take to help maintain electrical safety in the workplace, including:

• Ensure appropriate risk assessments are carried out, with electrical hazards noted with prevention measures put in place.
• Provide training and awareness sessions to employees on electrical risks and safety. Some employees may need specific electricity hazard training for their roles if they work directly with electrical works.

• Avoid overloading power sources by making sure there are adequate power outlets in the workplace.
• Promote electrical awareness around the workplace, including checks to make and how to avoid creating hazards such as liquid spills or trip hazards.
• If equipment becomes faulty or looks damaged, stop using it immediately and bring in maintenance to check it out.
• Encourage employees to power off electrical items when they leave work where appropriate.

Following basic electrical safety guidance will make all the difference to your business, helping to keep employees and visitors safe.

Book your EICR service with phs Compliance

Whether you’re a small business or a large organisation, the rules for maintaining electrical safety at work are the same. Booking a complete inspection and certification service will ensure your IEE certification is up to date, allowing you to focus on running your business.

At phs Compliance, you can get peace of mind that all testing and inspection work is carried out by experienced professionals. Our C&G 2391 qualified electrical engineers work nationwide, delivering services to customers across a wide range of industries. We recommend annual EICR routine checks to help your business or organisation maintain impeccable standards

Let phs Compliance help you obtain the necessary Electrical Safety Certificates for Landlords & Companies to keep your business up to code. Book your test today or find out more about our other services that can help you maintain health and safety in the workplace.

To learn more about how to keep your business safe from save money in the process, please contact us now.