Testing & inspecting (EICR).

Are you looking for an electrical safety check, and 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.

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.

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. It 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.

What we check

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, light fittings and extractor fans.
• The suitability of accessories within a special location 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; cables coated in lead or fabric are even older and may well need replacing.
• Ring final circuit continuity to ensure correct overload protection.
• Sockets that may supply portable equipment outdoors, ensuring 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 found during the inspection and testing. We will always give you advice on the costs to remedy any issues found and advise on the most appropriate course of action. If we find something at the time of inspection deemed potentially dangerous or requiring further investigation, we will declare the report as unsatisfactory and look to work with you as quickly as possible to remedy this issue.

How often do I need an EICR?

Your electrical installation should really be inspected and tested by a competent electrician at a maximum period of every:

• 10 years for a private owner-occupied home (or every 5 years following a brand new installation).
• 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.

These periods depend on the severity of any observations found during an EICR.