EICR Testing - Electrical Inspection and Testing in Reading
EICR –
Electrical Installation Condition Report: This is a test of the fixed wiring in a property (i.e. anything that can’t be unplugged). If all is acceptable and safe, a certificate can be issued. If not, a report is issued, which lists any faults found. If wished, CEI can provide a quote for any remedial work required to meet certification.
What electrics will be inspected and tested?
The ‘fixed’ electrical parts of the property, like the wiring, the socket-outlets (plug sockets), the light fittings and the consumer unit (or fuse box) will be inspected. This will include permanently connected equipment such as showers and extractors.
What will happen in the electrical inspection?
The electrical inspection will find out if:
- Any electrical installations are overloaded
- There are any potential electric shock risks and fire hazards
- There is any defective electrical work
- There is a lack of earthing or bonding – these are 2 ways of preventing electrical shocks that are built into electrical installations
Electrical inspections and testing
There are various reasons to have a property’s electrics tested and inspected, some of which include:
Electrical checks (EICR) for landlords:
Landlords’ inspection (must be carried out every 5 years or at change of tenant. Many insurance companies will insist on this)
The Regulations do not cover electrical appliances, only the fixed electrical installations. We recommend that landlords regularly carry out portable appliance testing (PAT) on any electrical appliance that they provide and then supply tenants with a record of any electrical inspections carried out as good practice. Tenants are responsible for making sure that any of their own electrical appliances are safe.
House electrical tests:
Buying or selling your home, we can carry out an electrical test and report ready so that no issues occur upon selling/buying. We can also carry out periodic electrical tests at homes to ensure your home is safe, this is recommended every 10 years for private properties.
At Carter Electrical we cover central Reading and the rest of Berkshire, South Oxfordshire and North Hampshire.
Home extension electrical testing:
When extending your property, you will most likely need power and lighting to be installed. It is possible that power and lighting could be supplied by existing sources or it may be that circuits need to be updated or a new consumer unit may be required. You should consult with your electrician registered with NICEIC or ELECSA before. At Carter Electrical we will do whatever we can to provide you with the best advice.
Electrical wiring inspection & testing:
At Carter Electrical we can carry out electrical testing and inspections for existing electrics in any property. Ensuring your existing wiring and fuse board meet current regulations or are safe. We carry out fixed wire testing and Portable Appliance Testing (PAT), this is to avoid any risks and hazards after electrics are installed. testing should be carried out every 10 years for home owners, 5 years for rented properties, 3 years for caravans and also need to be carried out before selling a property or when purchasing a previously owned property.
You will then receive a Electrical Condition Report (EICR) which states that the electrics have been checked and are safe for continued use.
What about electrical appliances like cookers, fridges, televisions etc?
The Regulations do not cover electrical appliances, only the fixed electrical installations.
We recommend that landlords regularly carry out portable appliance testing (PAT) on any electrical appliance that they provide and then supply tenants with a record of any electrical inspections carried out as good practice.
Tenants are responsible for making sure that any of their own electrical appliances are safe.
EICR FAQ'S
What is an EICR certificate?
An ECIR certificate stands for; Electrical Installation Condition Report. This is a formal document by an electrician after an assessment of electrical systems in the property. This is done to ensure electrical installations are safe and in working order.
How long does an EICR last?
An EICR is valid for 5 years. It is a legal requirement for rental homes to be tested every 5 years. Privately owned homes it is recommended that an EICR is carried out every 10 years.
How much does an EICR cost?
An EICR can cost anywhere between £100 and £400, this depends on the size of the flat/house.
Who can carry out an EICR?
Only registered electricians can carry out an EICR. They should know the standards and what is required to keep electrics safe in a house/flat.