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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Electrical Tester

💰 $55,000 - $85,000

Skilled TradesEngineeringComplianceFacilities Management

🎯 Role Definition

As an Electrical Tester, you are the front line of electrical safety and compliance. This critical role involves the meticulous inspection and testing of electrical installations to ensure they are safe, functional, and compliant with all current regulations, most notably the IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671). You will be responsible for identifying potential hazards, diagnosing faults, and producing detailed, accurate reports (EICRs) that provide clients with a clear understanding of their electrical system's condition. This position requires a blend of deep technical expertise, problem-solving prowess, and excellent client-facing communication skills, making you a trusted advisor in electrical integrity.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Experienced Installation or Maintenance Electrician
  • Time-Served Electrical Apprentice (with subsequent testing qualifications)
  • Electrical Technician

Advancement To:

  • Senior Electrical Tester / Team Lead
  • Electrical Contracts Manager or Project Manager
  • Compliance & Quality Assurance Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Electrical Maintenance Engineer
  • Commissioning Engineer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Conduct comprehensive fixed wire testing (Periodic Inspection and Testing) and generate detailed, accurate Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs) for commercial, industrial, and domestic installations.
  • Perform thorough visual inspections to identify non-compliance issues, defects, and potential electrical hazards before conducting instrumental tests.
  • Execute all testing procedures in strict accordance with the latest IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671, 18th Edition) and other relevant standards.
  • Utilize a variety of calibrated electrical test equipment, including multifunction testers, insulation resistance testers, loop impedance testers, and RCD testers, to gather precise data.
  • Perform Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) and maintain a detailed, accurate asset register for all tested equipment, applying pass/fail labels as appropriate.
  • Clearly and accurately identify, document, and code all electrical faults, deviations from wiring regulations, and recommended remedial actions using industry-standard coding (C1, C2, C3, FI).
  • Complete all required job documentation, test certificates, and formal reports with a high degree of accuracy and submit them within established deadlines using company software.
  • Trace and identify circuits within complex distribution boards and electrical systems to ensure accurate reporting and safe isolation procedures.
  • Carry out remedial works and minor electrical repairs as required to bring installations up to a safe and satisfactory standard following testing.
  • Interpret complex electrical schematics, single-line diagrams, and building plans to effectively plan and execute testing strategies across large sites.

Secondary Functions

  • Liaise directly with clients, site managers, and facilities teams to schedule work, provide updates, and explain technical findings in a clear and understandable manner.
  • Adhere rigorously to all company and client-specific Health & Safety protocols, including the preparation and use of risk assessments and method statements (RAMS).
  • Manage, maintain, and ensure the calibration of all company-provided test equipment to guarantee the accuracy and validity of test results.
  • Inspect and test emergency lighting and fire alarm systems to ensure they function correctly in line with BS 5266 and BS 5839 standards.
  • Provide technical support and professional advice to clients regarding electrical safety, compliance requirements, and potential energy-saving measures.
  • Investigate and diagnose the root cause of intermittent electrical faults or system failures reported by clients, providing effective solutions.
  • Keep continuously up-to-date with amendments to electrical regulations, industry best practices, and emerging testing technologies.
  • Assist in the quotation process for necessary remedial works by providing detailed lists of required materials and estimated labor time.
  • Mentor and provide on-the-job guidance to apprentices or junior members of the electrical team to foster skill development.
  • Work autonomously to manage a dynamic schedule of jobs across various locations, ensuring efficient time management and route planning.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • City & Guilds 2391 (or 2394/2395) in Inspection and Testing is essential.
  • City & Guilds 2382-18/22 (18th Edition Wiring Regulations) certification is mandatory.
  • NVQ Level 3 in Electrical Installation or equivalent, demonstrating a time-served apprenticeship.
  • ECS/JIB Gold Card holder, verifying your status as an approved electrician.
  • Exceptional Fault-Finding & Diagnostic Skills to systematically identify and resolve complex electrical issues.
  • Proficiency in Using Multifunction Test Equipment from manufacturers like Megger, Fluke, or Kewtech.
  • Ability to Read & Interpret Electrical Schematics, single-line diagrams, and technical drawings.
  • Competence in Completing Electrical Certification (EICR, EIC, Minor Works) using software platforms (e.g., Amtech, EasyCert).
  • Full UK Driving License, as the role is typically mobile and requires travel to various client sites.
  • Knowledge of Emergency Lighting (BS 5266) and Fire Alarm (BS 5839) testing standards is highly advantageous.

Soft Skills

  • Meticulous Attention to Detail to ensure accuracy in both testing procedures and report documentation.
  • Strong Communication & Interpersonal Skills for effective client-facing interactions and team collaboration.
  • Excellent Time Management and Organizational Abilities to independently manage a busy workload and meet deadlines.
  • Problem-Solving Mindset with the ability to think critically and act decisively when faced with on-site challenges.
  • Unyielding Commitment to Health & Safety and promoting a safe working environment for yourself and others.
  • Professionalism and a Customer-Focused Attitude, acting as a positive representative of the company.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:
Time-served apprenticeship in an electrical discipline and/or an NVQ Level 3 in Electrical Installations (or equivalent).

Preferred Education:
Possession of both City & Guilds 2391 (or equivalent for Inspection & Testing) and City & Guilds 2382 (18th Edition) certifications.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Electrical Installation
  • Electrical Engineering

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:
3-5+ years of post-qualification experience, with a significant portion dedicated to an electrical testing, inspection, or compliance role.

Preferred:
Demonstrable experience conducting EICRs in diverse environments, particularly commercial and industrial settings (e.g., offices, retail, warehouses, factories). A proven track record of managing a mobile testing role autonomously is highly desirable.

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