Conducted annual Electrical Warrant of Fitness inspection for office building in Addington. Three story commercial building with multiple tenancies. We systematically tested all electrical safety systems. Emergency lighting tested - 42 emergency lights and 18 exit signs all functioning properly on battery backup. Fire alarm system tested including smoke detectors, manual call points, and sounders throughout building. RCD testing on all circuits verifying correct operation. Switchboard inspection checking connections and labeling. Tested portable equipment in common areas. Reviewed maintenance records confirming quarterly emergency light testing completed. Building passed inspection. Issued EWOF certificate valid one year. Building owner appreciated thorough professional inspection maintaining compliance.
Electrical Warrant of Fitness verifies commercial building electrical safety. Legal requirement for certain buildings. We provide professional EWOF inspections ensuring buildings remain compliant and safe.
What is EWOF
Electrical Warrant of Fitness is mandatory inspection of building electrical systems. Verifies safety systems functioning correctly. Tests emergency lighting, fire alarms, RCDs, and other safety equipment. Building compliance system requirement. Regular inspections ensure ongoing safety. Certificate issued on successful inspection.
Which Buildings Need EWOF
Commercial buildings over certain size require EWOF. Office buildings with multiple tenancies. Retail premises depending on size. Industrial buildings. Healthcare facilities absolutely require inspection. Educational facilities including schools. Multi-unit residential over three stories. Public buildings with significant occupancy. Building consent and warrant of fitness systems specify requirements. Property manager or building owner responsible for compliance.
Inspection Frequency
Annual inspection typical for most commercial buildings. Some systems need more frequent testing - emergency lighting quarterly or monthly. Fire alarm systems quarterly testing recommended. RCDs tested annually minimum. Inspection certificate specifies valid period usually 12 months. Must renew before expiry maintaining continuous compliance.
Emergency Lighting Testing
Emergency lights provide illumination during power failure. Battery backup keeps lights operating minimum 90 minutes. Monthly function test required - press test button verifying light operates. Annual discharge test drains battery fully testing capacity. We conduct full discharge testing during EWOF inspection. Replace failed batteries or fixtures. Document all testing.
Exit signs must remain illuminated during power failure. Battery backup or maintained circuit power. Test monthly. Check illumination level adequate. Replace failed signs promptly. Critical for safe evacuation.
Fire Alarm System Testing
Fire alarm systems tested quarterly minimum. EWOF inspection includes fire alarm verification. Test sample of smoke detectors activating alarm. Check manual call points operate correctly. Verify sounders audible throughout building. Test control panel functions. Check battery backup operates properly. Review fire alarm maintenance records. Fire alarm specialist often conducts detailed quarterly testing. EWOF verifies system maintained properly.
RCD Testing
Residual current devices protect from electrocution. Must operate correctly within safe time limits. We test every RCD in building. Push test button monthly required but proper test equipment used for EWOF. Measure trip time and current. Must trip within 30 milliseconds at rated current. Document test results. Replace RCDs failing tests.
Switchboard Inspection
Open and inspect switchboards. Check all connections tight. Look for signs of overheating or damage. Verify labeling accurate identifying circuits. Check circuit protection appropriate. Inspect earth connections. Ensure switchboards clean and free from debris. Identify any defects requiring rectification.
Portable Equipment Testing
Test and tag portable electrical equipment in common areas. Visual inspection for damage. Electrical testing verifying safety. Tag equipment showing test date. Frequencies vary - construction quarterly, offices annually. Part of comprehensive EWOF ensuring all building electrical systems safe.
Inspection Process
We schedule inspection at building owner convenience. Systematic approach ensures nothing missed. Start with emergency lighting testing every unit. Fire alarm system testing. RCD testing all circuits. Switchboard inspections. Portable equipment testing. Review maintenance records verifying regular testing completed. Document all findings.
Identify any defects or non-compliance. Minor issues noted for rectification. Major safety issues must be fixed before passing inspection. Provide detailed report listing all items tested. Recommendations for improvements. Issue EWOF certificate on successful completion.
Conducted EWOF for warehouse in Hornby. Found three emergency lights with failed batteries. Two RCDs slightly out of specification. Replaced emergency light batteries and upgraded RCDs same day. Building passed inspection. Owner appreciated identifying problems before they became critical.
Maintenance Records
Building must maintain testing records. Monthly emergency light testing documented. Quarterly fire alarm testing records. Equipment testing and tagging records. We review records during EWOF. Missing records indicate inadequate maintenance. Proper documentation demonstrates due diligence. We provide comprehensive documentation of EWOF inspection.
Failed Inspections
Buildings failing inspection must rectify defects. Minor issues given time frame for correction. Major safety issues require immediate attention. Building may not pass until defects fixed. We provide clear list of required rectifications. Re-inspect after corrections completed. Issue certificate when compliant.
Compliance Benefits
EWOF ensures building electrical systems safe. Protects building occupants. Demonstrates due diligence reducing liability. Required for building warrant of fitness. Insurance may require compliance. Avoid penalties for non-compliance. Peace of mind building maintained properly.
Building Warrant of Fitness
EWOF part of broader Building Warrant of Fitness system. Building owner must provide annual compliance statement. Specifies all required inspections including electrical. EWOF certificate required component. Council enforces BWOF requirements. Non-compliance serious matter potentially affecting building occupation.
Qualified Inspectors
EWOF inspection must be conducted by competent person. Licensed electrician with appropriate experience. Some systems like fire alarms may require specialist. We have qualified electricians experienced in EWOF inspections. Understand requirements thoroughly. Conduct inspections meeting standards.
Certification
Successful inspection results in EWOF certificate. Certificate specifies inspection date and expiry typically 12 months. Lists all systems tested. Building owner keeps certificate for compliance records. Display in building if required. Certificate evidence of compliance for council and insurers.
Common Defects Found
Emergency lights most common failures. Batteries deteriorate requiring replacement. Exit signs failed illumination. Fire alarm detectors dirty or faulty. RCDs out of specification needing replacement. Switchboard labeling inadequate or incorrect. Loose connections from vibration or thermal cycling. We identify and rectify defects ensuring compliance.
Preventive Approach
Regular maintenance between EWOF inspections prevents problems. Monthly emergency light testing. Quarterly fire alarm servicing. Address minor issues promptly. Planned equipment replacement before failures. Preventive maintenance easier and cheaper than emergency repairs. Buildings with good maintenance pass EWOF easily.
Multi-Building Sites
Large sites with multiple buildings need EWOF for each building. Coordinate inspections scheduling efficiently. Comprehensive approach covering entire site. Documentation for each building. We handle multi-building EWOF systematically ensuring complete coverage.
Tenant Communication
EWOF inspection requires access to tenanted areas. Building manager coordinates with tenants. Schedule inspection minimizing disruption. Some testing involves brief power interruptions. Communicate with tenants beforehand. Professional inspection minimizes inconvenience.
Cost of EWOF Inspection
Small commercial building single tenant $400-800. Covers emergency lighting, RCD testing, switchboard inspection. Medium building multiple tenancies $800-1500. Includes additional testing and documentation. Large buildings $1500-3000+ depending on complexity. Buildings with extensive fire alarm systems or many emergency lights cost more.
Annual inspection cost small compared to building value and occupant safety. Prevents expensive emergency repairs. Maintains compliance avoiding penalties. Insurance may require EWOF. Smart investment protecting building and occupants.
Defect rectification quoted separately. Minor repairs like battery replacement $100-300. Equipment replacement $200-800 per item. Major repairs vary by scope. We provide transparent pricing before work.
Scheduling and Planning
Schedule EWOF inspection before certificate expires. Allow time for any rectifications needed. Book inspection 6-8 weeks before expiry. Coordination with building operations. Choose time minimizing tenant disruption. We accommodate building schedules providing flexible inspection times.
Annual Service Contracts
Annual contracts simplify EWOF compliance. Scheduled inspection annually. Preferred scheduling. Discounted rates. Complete testing and certification. Maintenance between inspections available. Peace of mind building always compliant. We offer EWOF service contracts for building owners and property managers.