Electrical Inspection Condition Report

What is an electrical inspection condition report?

An Electrical Inspection Condition Report (EICR) checks to see if the electrics in your home are safe for your protection. The best way to find out whether the systems in your house are safe is to ask a qualified electrician to carry out a test and inspection report (EICR) in your home. In the UK, this should take place every 10 years in a domestic property, and every five years if you live in a rented home. A property should also ideally be tested before being sold so that the buyers know the condition of the electrics. Commercial premises require more frequent checks.  

When was the last time you had your electrical installation tested? Your safety is directly linked to the type and age of installation you have. If you want to find out more please get in touch.

What is involved in an EICR?

There are two basic parts to an EICR: visual checks and electrical tests. For the visual checks, we inspect lights and sockets and other electrical points to see if they’re damaged, deteriorating or if there are signs of heat build up. We check the circuit wiring, bonding and earthing and we look at the consumer unit to assess its condition and whether it meets current safety regulations. 

Many tell-tale signs are good indicators on the safety of the installation. A few would include damaged consumer units, missing additional protection in the form of RCDs, RCBOs, AFDDs, and SPDs. Type and age of the wiring used in the installation and if there are any exposed live parts that may cause electric shock or fire.

Some of this is established via electrical testing which involves putting an electrical current into a circuit to measure the resistance of the earthing, and to check the insulation of the wiring. This checks the cabling and insulation around the cabling is not damaged and the earthing is good through the cabling. We also check that the wires are the right way around (polarity) and that the RCD (trip switch) operates within the correct time and specifications. If you have reversed polarity you would have a risk of live parts on your points and appliances.

What happens if we find anything unsafe? What we will do is take photos and attach them to the report, so you know exactly what the problems are. We’ll also provide a free quotation to rectify the faults and get the installation safe.