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Guide to Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR)

Electrical Testing and Fixed Wire Testing. EICR Report

Electrical Installation Condition Reports Guide (EICR) - EICR Guide

Electrical Installation Condition Reports Explained

Electricity can not be seen, the cables are usually hidden inside walls, consumer units and cupboards. Meaning it is essential that we check the condition of our electrical installations for damage.
The main causes of fires in the home are caused by faulty and old wires. The risk of fires can be significantly reduced by checking the conditions of the cables, sockets, switches and other electrical accessories on a regular basis. All electrical installations, overtime will deteriorate due to being made up of various components and working mechanisms.

How old is my electrical installation?

Clear signs that can help you tell the age of equipment in the electrical installation in your home include:

  • Fixed cables coated in black rubber (stopped being used in the 1960s).
  • Fixed cables coated in lead or fabric (used before the 1960s).
  • A fuse box with a wooden back, cast iron switches, or a mixture of fuse boxes (used before the 1960s).
  • Older round pin sockets (or light switches), braided flex hanging from ceiling roses, brown (or black) switches, or sockets mounted in or no skirting boards (used before the 1960s).
  • Light switches on the walls or in bathrooms (used before the 1960s).
  • However old your electrical installation is, it may get damaged and will suffer from wear and tear. So you should get an electrician to check its condition at least every 5 years or when you move into a new property.

What is the aim of an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)?

The four main aims of an Electrical Installation Condition Report are:

  • Record the results: the results of the inspection and testing are recorded and are to ensure electrical installation is safe until the next inspection.
  • Reporting any damage or wear and tear.
  • Identify Hazards and Non-Compliance: identifying any part of electrical installation that do not meet the IET Wiring Regulations.
  • Produce a Record: it is essential that a record of the installation is provided at the time of inspection and for further testing in the future.

Types of Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR)

There are two types of domestic Electrical Installation Condition Reports – Visual Inspection Reports and Electrical Installation Condition Reports, also known as (Periodic Inspection Reports). A description of each report can be found below:

1) Visual Inspection 

  • Does not include testing any electrical equipment and this method is only suitable if the installation has been tested recently.
  • A visual inspection is designed as basic check of the installation to identify any signs of damage, defects or deterioration.
  • The electricity remains on during the inspection as no circuit testing will be undertaken.
  • The electrical engineer will need access to all rooms and the report will usually take around an hour to complete depending on the size.
  • The electrical engineer will take notes as part of the visual inspection and to support the notes Visual Inspection Report (VIR)
  • The Visual Inspection Report will record a number of observations and recommendations and provide an overall summary of the installation condition.

The list below contains electrical items that can be expected to be looked in during a Visual Inspection Report.

  • Consumer Unit (main fuse board)
  • Sockets
  • Plugs
  • Light fittings
  • Light switches
  • Electrical cables or leads
  • Earthing and bonding
  • Earthing and bonding
  • Extension leads
  • Kitchen safety
  • Bathroom safety
  • Signs of wear and tear
  • Visible signs of  burning/scorching
  • RCD protection around the home

2. Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)

An EICR Report also known as (periodic inspection reports) – this is what we would usually recommend, as it tests the installation and would find any hidden damage

An electrical installation condition report (EICR) is a more detailed report than a VIR and will involve testing various electrical circuits which will require turning off electrics at the main supply. By turning off the electrics it allows the electrical engineer to identify any hidden defects or issues that can not identified by using a Visual Inspection Report.

The purpose of an EICR Report is to determine if the installation is in a satisfactory condition and safe for continued service. Is it recommended that EICR reports are carried out ever five years for privately rented properties or when there is a change in tenancy.

A EICR Report usually takes about 3-4 hours to be completed, depending on the number of circuits.

What information do you get from an EICR Report?

2. Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)

An EICR Report also known as 

  • Code C1 – This code should indicates that danger exists and requiring immediate remedial action. The installation is at great risk.
  • Code C2 This code indicates that the installation could become an immediate danger if a fault was to occur in the installation or connected equipment.
  • Code C3 – This code indicates that there is no potential danger at the time of inspection but improvement would significantly enhance the safety of the electrical installation.
    It is recommended that any C1 and C2 classifications are rectified as soon as possible to ensure safety, although there is no obligation to have any issues fixed.

Original source of information: NICEIC Fact Sheet

Who should carry out an EICR?

Only competent and qualified electrical engineers or registered electricians can carry out EICR Reports

Contact us today for support with your electrical compliance requirements

Electrical Testing and Fixed Wire Testing 2 EICR Report

Plant and Safety Ltd are a national NICEIC Approved Contractor for wide range of Electrical Compliance and Electrical Testing Services, including but not limited to Fixed Wire Testing (EICR). Click here to learn more about our Electrical Testing Services, or contact us using the phone number and email address below. 

About Plant and Safety Limited

Plant and Safety Limited are the UK trading business for the LB International Group, which operates from the Middle East, and Africa. Plant and Safety are national providers of Inspection, Testing, Certification, Lifting Equipment, and Training Services on equipment within the work place. This includes electrical Equipment,  lifting equipment, work equipment, plant equipment, and access equipment. 

T: 0330 113 7920

E: sales@plantandsafety.co.uk

Plant and Safety Ltd, Birmingham Road, Shenstone, Staffordshire, WS14 0LB

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