An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is an inspection of existing electrical wiring, fixed appliances and equipment to identify any deficiencies against the national safety standard. It was previously known as a Periodic Inspection Report. Often it takes between 1-4 hours to complete, depending on the size of your property and how many circuits are being tested.
It is recommended that an eicr test near me is carried out every five years. This is a legal requirement for landlords in private rented properties. However, it is also a good idea for businesses and public places to carry out testing at regular intervals too. Whether you are in a commercial or residential property it is always a good idea to ensure the electrical systems are safe.
This electrical test is important to property owners because it can identify potential problems early. These can then be rectified before they cause any damage or danger to the occupants of the property. Many insurance companies are now requesting that EICR testing is completed on a regular basis and recorded as proof of maintenance and safety standards.
Performing this electrical test can help to reduce energy bills by ensuring that the systems are working efficiently. It can also identify issues that may be contributing to an increase in energy usage, such as a faulty switch. This can then be addressed so that the electricity consumption is lower.
It is essential that an EICR is carried out by a fully qualified electrician or electrical engineer. This will guarantee that the tests are performed to the correct standard. The engineer will be checking for a variety of factors, including the quality of switch properties and the integrity of cable connections. If any defects are found they will be listed in the EICR report and classified as either C1, C2, or C3. C1 codes indicate that the fault is dangerous and needs to be repaired immediately. The engineer will explain what needs to be done in order to fix the problem and advise on how this can be achieved.
The results of the EICR will be sent to the property owner in a digital format. If the property meets the required standards it will be marked as’satisfactory’. If there are any deficiencies the report will be classed as ‘unsatisfactory’. The engineer will provide detailed feedback as to what is needed in order to bring the property up to standard and this will be a good indicator for any prospective purchasers of the property.