Electrical Services FAQs

The Winstanley Team
Nov 7
3 min read

At Winstanley Electrical & Mechanical Services, we provide comprehensive electrical contracting for commercial and industrial properties across the UK. From installation and compliance testing to emergency repairs, our qualified NICEIC-approved engineers help businesses stay safe, efficient, and compliant with UK regulations.

Below are answers to some of the most common questions about commercial and industrial electrical systems. At Winstanley Electrical & Mechanical Services, we provide comprehensive electrical contracting for commercial and industrial properties across the UK. From installation and compliance testing to emergency repairs, our qualified NICEIC-approved engineers help businesses stay safe, efficient, and compliant with UK regulations.

Below are answers to some of the most common questions about commercial and industrial electrical systems.

What Do Commercial Electrical Services Include?

Commercial electrical services cover the design, installation, testing, and maintenance of electrical systems within business premises.This includes lighting, power distribution, emergency lighting, EV charging points, and control systems such as Building Management Systems (BMS).

Our engineers work with systems that support offices, warehouses, manufacturing plants, and retail environments — ensuring full compliance with BS 7671 Wiring Regulations and other UK safety standards.

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What Is an EICR and Why Is It Important?

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) assesses the safety and performance of your building’s electrical systems. It helps identify potential risks such as faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, or outdated components.

For commercial properties, an EICR should generally be carried out every 3 to 5 years, depending on your building type and usage. It’s also a legal requirement for landlords and property managers to ensure the safety of all electrical installations.

How Often Should Electrical Systems Be Tested?

Testing frequency depends on your environment:

Offices: every 5 years
Factories or industrial: every 3 years
Public spaces: every 1 year

Planned periodic testing helps prevent electrical faults, improve energy efficiency, and reduce the risk of downtime or fire hazards.

What Is PAT Testing and Do I Need It?

Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) ensures that electrical equipment such as computers, heaters, or power tools are safe to use.While not a strict legal requirement, it’s considered best practice under The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, and essential for businesses with multiple portable devices or

shared spaces.

Why Do My Lights Flicker or Trip the Breaker?

Flickering lights or constant tripping can signal loose connections, overloaded circuits, or a faulty RCD.In a commercial setting, these issues can stem from ageing wiring, heavy machinery, or insufficient circuit capacity.Our electrical engineers can carry out diagnostic inspections to locate the fault and repair it quickly.

What Are Energy-Saving Electrical Upgrades?

Energy-saving upgrades include installing LED lighting, motion sensors, smart controls, and efficient power distribution systems.These measures reduce your building’s running costs and carbon footprint, while ensuring better compliance with sustainability targets such as ISO 50001 Energy Management.

Can You Install EV Charging Points at My Business?

Yes, our team installs commercial EV charging points for car parks, fleets, and workplace charging.We handle the design, power supply integration, and load management, ensuring your system meets OZEV grant requirements and future expansion capacity.

What Should I Do During an Electrical Emergency?

If you experience sparks, burning smells, or repeated breaker trips, isolate the affected circuit immediately and contact our 24/7 emergency team.Never attempt to repair wiring or panels yourself — our qualified engineers can attend site rapidly to restore safety and power.