Reference

Building Services Glossary

Plain-English definitions of the technical terms we use across electrical, mechanical, HVAC, building fabric and compliance work — so you know exactly what's involved before we start.

Electrical Mechanical HVAC Building Fabric Compliance & Safety

Electrical

EICR

Electrical Installation Condition Report

A formal inspection and testing report assessing the safety and condition of a building's fixed electrical installation.

Emergency Lighting

Backup lighting systems that activate automatically during a power failure to allow safe evacuation of a building.

PAT Testing

Portable Appliance Testing

Routine visual inspection and electrical testing of portable electrical appliances to check they are safe to use.

Fixed Wire Testing

Electrical Installation Condition Report Testing

Periodic testing of a building's fixed electrical wiring to verify it remains safe and compliant.

Mechanical

Planned Preventive Maintenance

PPM

Scheduled, proactive servicing of building systems carried out at set intervals to prevent failures and maintain compliance.

Reactive Maintenance

Maintenance work carried out in response to a reported fault or breakdown, rather than on a fixed schedule.

HVAC

Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning

The systems used to control indoor temperature, humidity and air quality in a building.

TM44

TM44 Air Conditioning Inspection

A CIBSE-defined inspection of air conditioning systems required for energy performance compliance in the UK.

Air Conditioning Maintenance

Regular servicing of air conditioning systems to maintain performance, efficiency and regulatory compliance.

Building Fabric

The structural and physical elements of a building, including roofing, cladding, glazing, flooring and internal fit-out.

Commercial Refurbishment

The renovation or modernisation of an existing commercial building's fabric, services or layout.

Fire Stopping

The sealing of gaps and penetrations in walls and floors to prevent the spread of fire and smoke between compartments.

Compliance & Safety

Compliance Testing

Statutory inspection and testing carried out to demonstrate a building meets relevant safety and regulatory standards.