Are you Looking for an electrical safety check?
wondering why you need one?
The main purpose of periodic inspection and testing now known as an Electrical Installation Condition Report is to detect as far as reasonably practicable, and to report on, any factors impairing or likely to impair the safety of an electrical installation.
The aspects to be covered include all of the following:
Safety of persons against the effects of electric shock and burns
Protection against damage to property by fire and heat arising from an installation defect
Confirmation that the installation is not damaged or deteriorated so as to impair safety
Identification of non-compliances with the current edition of BS 7671, or installation defects, which may give rise to danger.
Every electrical installation deteriorates with use and time. Therefore, if the safety of the user(s) is not to be put at risk, it is important that every installation is periodically inspected and tested by a competent person. Indeed, it is recommended in BS 7671: 2018 that every electrical installation is subjected to periodic inspection and testing (Regulation 135.1 refers).
The inspection and testing should be carried out at appropriate intervals in order to determine what, if anything, needs to be rectified in order to maintain the installation in a safe and serviceable condition. The results of the inspection and testing need to be clearly detailed in a report. Any observed damage, deterioration, defects, dangerous conditions and non-compliances with the requirements of the current edition of BS 7671 that may give rise to danger should be recorded and appropriately classified for remedial action.
It should be borne in mind that, as stated in the introduction to BS 7671, existing installations that have been constructed in accordance with earlier editions of this Standard may not comply with the current edition in every respect, but this does not necessarily mean that they are unsafe for continued use or require upgrading.
An ‘Electrical Installation Condition Report is, as its title indicates, a report and NOT a certificate for installation work carried out and completed. It provides an assessment of the in-service condition of an electrical installation against the requirements of the edition of BS 7671 current at the time of the inspection, irrespective of the age of the installation.
The report is primarily for the benefit of the installation user / person ordering the work and of persons subsequently involved in additional or remedial work, or further inspections. The report may be required for one or more of a variety of reasons, each of which may impose particular requirements or limitations on the inspection and testing.
The report is required to include details of the extent of the installation and of any limitations of the inspection and testing, including the reasons for any such limitations and the name of the person with whom those limitations were agreed. It should be noted that the greater the limitations applying, the lesser is the scope of the inspection and testing carried out, and hence the value of the report is correspondingly diminished. The report is also required to include a record of the inspection and the results of testing.
The report provides a formal declaration that, within the agreed and stated limitations, the details recorded, including the observations and recommendations, and the completed schedules of inspection and test results, give an accurate assessment of the condition of the electrical installation at the time it was inspected.
Below are a few pointers that are included in our in-depth electrical testing and inspecting reports:
Check that your earthing and bonding is in place and connected where required.
Confirm correct earthing arrangements for any distribution circuits to outside the property where required.
The suitability of the consumer unit. For example, an old fusebox with a wooden back plate..
The serviceability and condition of switches, sockets, isolators and light fittings, extractor fans.
The suitability of accessories within a special location and or environment. For example, lights and socket outlets in a room containing a shower or bath.
The type of wiring system and its condition. For example, cables coated in black rubber were phased out in the 1960s. Likewise cables coated in lead or fabric are even older and may well need replacing (modern cables use longer-lasting PVC insulation).
Ring final circuit continuity to ensure correct overload protection. (Fire prevention)
Sockets that may be used to supply portable electrical equipment for use outdoors, making sure they are protected by a suitable residual current device (RCD).
The presence of adequate circuit identification and notices.
The extent of any wear and tear, damage or other deterioration.
Any changes in the use of the premises that have led to, or may lead to, unsafe conditions.
Once this has been completed you will be issued with an Electrical Installation Condition Report detailing any issues that have been found during the inspection and testing. Some of these issues may be damage or deterioration and where your electrical installation does not comply with the current requirements of BS:7671. We will always give you advice on the costs to remedy any of these issues found and advise on the most appropriate course of action.
If we find something at the time of inspection deemed as potentially dangerous or requires further investigation, we will declare the report as unsatisfactory and look to work with you as quickly as possible to remedy this issue. Our job is to make sure that the installation within your home, office, property or premises is not only periodically tested but more importantly safe, we would never leave without outlining the issues and looking for the most cost effective way to repair any issues.
a label similar to this should be on your consumer unit or near the electrical supply meter
How often do I need to have aN EICR?
Your electrical installation should really be inspected and tested by a competent electrician at a maximum period of every:
10 years* private owner-occupied home (brand new installation and every 5 years thereafter).
5 years* for a rented home or commercial premises.
3 years* for a caravan or school premises.
1 year* for a swimming pool or installation frequently used by the general public.
*Depending on the severity of any observations found during an EICR
Click the button below for an EICR fact sheet
