Electrical Security Checklist for New Commercial Buildings

As the owner of a new commercial building, you are by law responsible for making sure that the electrical work of the building meets the new Scottish building standards. When it comes to electrical security, it must adhere to BS 7671 standards (BS 7671:2018+A2:2022) and Scottish Building Standards Technical Handbook 2022 Section 4.5, which emphasises the fact that every new building must be designed and constructed in a way that the electrical installation poses no threats to the health and safety of those in- and outside of the building. The electrical installation should also be done in a way that it cannot become a source of fire.

Key requirements of the new Scottish building standards include certified installation, comprehensive access control, continuous CCTV monitoring, and routine Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs) to maintain safety standards and mitigate fire hazards. EICRs are formal, in-depth inspections done by a qualified electricians who examine the building’s fixed wiring to identify defects, damage, or possible hazards.

To do this, you can call upon the services of professional electrical contractors who specialise in commercial electrical testing in Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and other regions in Scotland. With their assistance, they can ensure that your new commercial building meets the criteria as set in the checklist below:

Compliance and Certification

To meet the requirements for compliance and certification, you must:

Ensure that all electrical work is carried out by a registered electrician.
Obtain a signed Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) for new installations that adhere to BS 7671 standards.
Ensure that all requirements set out in Scottish Building Standards (Section 4.5) are fully satisfied in order to mitigate potential fire hazards and safeguard occupants from harm.

Electrical Security Infrastructure

For the electrical security infrastructure to meet the necessary standards, you need to:

Invest in dedicated, protected circuits for security systems, including CCTVs, alarms, access controls, and more.
Install a backup generator or uninterrupted power supply (UPS) for the essential security systems.
Ensure that external electrical fixtures are properly secured to deter unauthorised interference, consistent with building security standards.

Safety and Inspection

When the electricians do the installation tests, make sure they do the following:

Check to see that all electrical equipment is properly grounded and bonded.
Perform preliminary verification procedures, encompassing continuity assessments and insulation resistance testing.
Arrange the first EICR according to the suggested timeframe for newly constructed commercial buildings with high usage.

Physical Protection

To further enhance the security of your new building:

Consider a bespoke security solution for improved security measures, particularly in new development projects.
Install, test, and maintain emergency lighting; secure access points with electrified fail-safe or fail-secure locks as needed.

The Importance of Electrical Services

As mentioned before, the electrical work of a new commercial building in Scotland is your responsibility as the owner of said building. As such, it is imperative that you seek the services of a qualified, reliable, and professional electrical service provider who can ensure that your new building meets the standards as set out by the Scottish government.

With each new building, there are two types of essential electrical testing that must be done:

Installations testing: Here, testing is done to confirm the safety and compliance of the essential electrical infrastructure, i.e. the fixed and permanent wiring installations. It also includes electrical systems added to the building, like the alarm or air conditioning systems.
PAT testing: This has less to do with the building per se and more to do with the portable electrical appliances, like printers, laptops, fridges, microwaves, kettles, and even electrical tools. PAT testing confirms the safety and compliance of these items.

Special Electrical Services in Scotland

Whether you are looking for commercial electrical contractors in Aberdeen or commercial electrical contractors in Edinburgh, we’ve got you covered. We have extensive experience across multiple commercial sectors and serve clients throughout Scotland. Our electrical services include everything from electrical maintenance and repairs to emergency lighting testing and energy saving lighting solutions.

For professional electrical services in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, or Glasgow, contact Apardion today.