The Importance of Electrical Testing on Farms

With the use of electrical equipment increasing on farms for ease of daily tasks or to simplify complex processes, it’s important to regularly assess agricultural electrical installations for the purpose of your farm building insurance.

Electrical Testing for Agricultural Buildings

Farms are distinct environments that are likely to encounter a wider range of electrical-related risks than your average city office. With the use of more and more electrical equipment within the agriculture industry, it’s important to continually test your agricultural buildings at regular intervals to ensure their electrical safety. Some insurance providers will require farms to undergo electrical testing to provide proof of a safe and secure premise before confirming your agricultural insurance policy.  

Certain insurers are now including warranties for inspection and electrical inspections for a period of around five years in their terms and conditions. Failure to provide an electrical certificate could lead to your farm insurance claim being denied or even policy cancellations which could be financially devastating.

Is Electrical Testing on Farms Practical?

Intensively used farm buildings and those at obvious risk of electrical incidents such as fire, are pertinent to complete relevant electrical testing. However, with increasing economic pressures on farms the question could be, is it worth the extra cost and time to complete such rigorous checks for low-use buildings? Our advice here at Farm and General is that any queries or worries regarding your agricultural insurance policy should be discussed directly with the insurer and professional advisers.

Each year, approximately 40 people are electrocuted on farms, so it’s prudent to understand the unique risk and hazards associated with electronic equipment within the agricultural industry. The structures on farmland are often very different to those found on a standard domestic plot. With inside and outside elements often blending together, there can be an increased risk of exposure to water among other hazards.

Dealing with unpredictable circumstances is a constant risk for farmers, and so continually evaluating your area or discussing any changes with an adviser is always recommended to mitigate the risk of unavoidable incidents.

Key Electrical Elements to Look Out For

Inspecting your areas is the first obvious step for agricultural safety, however, qualified professionals can help offer insight into best practices for health and safety, or repairs. Some of the most common things to monitor or consider are:

• Regular component testing and repair
• Installation of security lighting for increased visibility
• Rewiring where required
• Regularly testing the conditions of a building for signs of dampness or increased humidity
• Ongoing farming equipment maintenance

Unfortunately, the bottom line is, that if there is a fire in a farm building and no electrical certificate can be produced, some insurers can turn down the claim.

Get in Touch

Contact Farm and General to ensure your assets remain safe from unavoidable incidents. Our experienced team of farm insurance specialists will ensure you’re provided with the best policy based on your circumstances and needs.