Periodic electrical inspection & EICR testing Worcester

What are Periodic Electrical Inspection Reports and EICR Testing

Electrical installations deteriorate with age and usage, this is just a fact. Like any man-made system corrosion, element failure and other material fatigue play their part in the reduction of efficiency and ultimately the safety of switches, circuits, relays and fuse boards. They should therefore be inspected and tested at regular intervals to check whether they are in a satisfactory condition for continued use. Such safety checks are commonly referred to as periodic inspection and testing.

Periodic electrical testing, otherwise known as domestic EICR testing or an Electrical Inspection Condition Report (EICR), sometimes called an Electrical Installation Condition Report, is a comprehensive inspection of your home’s electrical systems and installation. At NWE Solutions we conduct these tests as one of the elements of our domestic electrical services.

Is their a legal requirement for homeowners to have a periodic electrical inspection?

Homeowners, unlike businesses and landlords, aren’t required by law to conduct a periodic electrical test,. However, when you come to sell your home, it is often required as part of the buying or selling process. Besides this, it just makes sense to regularly check the safety of your home’s electrics, similar to how you would service a boiler or a car. Just like an MOT, it can uncover not just safety issues, but inefficiencies in your electrics that may be costing you money.

How Often Should I Test My Electrics?

As mentioned, because all electrical systems deteriorate this is why electrical tests should be conducted on a regular basis. British Standard BS 76719 (IET Wiring Regulations) advises that homeowners, landlords and businesses test at the following intervals:

Homeowners – an electrical test is required once every ten years. If there’s a swimming pool on your property, that should be tested every year.
Businesses – employers should have a periodic test undertaken every five years.
Landlords – it is recommended that landlords test their properties once every five years, or when there is a change of tenancy.

Since we are trained to the latest 18th edition certification in IET Wiring Regulations you can be certain we’ll provide the most up-to-date appraisal of your home or business premises.

What Does Periodic Electrical Testing Involve?

A periodic electrical test will check if your home’s electrical installations have any faults that are unidentifiable with a simple visual check. A number of faults could occur, such as electrical circuits overheating or becoming overloaded during use. If an electrical circuit is not installed properly – for example, without bonding or earthing to secure the electrics safely – it could potentially lead to a fire or shock hazard. Periodic testing will pinpoint any defective electrical work in your home’s system.

A trained electrician can also carry out a visual check of your property, providing you with a quick analysis of how safe it is. A visual check will look for damaged light switches and sockets, broken cables and scorch marks that result from the overloading of the power outlet. It will also inspect the residual current device (RCD) for the circuits that operate gardens and bathrooms. These visual checks should be carried out at regular intervals between the more thorough periodic inspections.

Once a periodic test is completed, you’ll be given a certificate by your testing engineer. This is commonly called an Electrical Inspection Condition Report (EICR). The report will outline any deterioration, damage, defects or other dangerous aspects of your electrical system, plus anything that isn’t aligned with current safety standards or could place people at risk. So just like an MOT, your home may pass or fail an ECIR and may also mention a range of advisories as well as reasons why the premises has failed the inspection.

What issues might an ECIR identify?

What if my home fails a periodic electrical inspection?

If a periodic test comes back negative, the EICR will be recorded as “unsatisfactory”, indicating that work is required immediately to remove the risk to anyone who is living or working in the property. The report will also show which electrical system(s) failed the periodic test. Any required work is classified using specific codes:

C1 – this means ‘danger is present’, there is a likely risk of injury and action is required immediately.
C2 – potentially dangerous with remedial action needed urgently.
C3 – improvements to your electrical system are recommended. This is the only code that can appear on an EICR and still pass the test.

When your electrical system has fully passed the periodic inspection and any urgent remedial work is complete, you will be supplied with an EICR Certificate of Safety, giving you the reassurance that your home electrics are safe.

Frequently asked questions about ECIR Testing

What is an EICR test?

An electrical installation condition report (EICR), previously known as a periodic inspection report, are also often referred to as a Landlord Safety Test or Homebuyers Test. Many insurers require an Electrical Condition Report before providing cover, especially where workers or the public are concerned

Is it a legal requirement to have an EICR?

Laws have changed as of April this year where landlords have to have EICR carried out

What happens during an EICR?

Electricians come into your house and carry out have a look at the electrical installation and make sure that there in no damaged outlets and things are safe. We also test the wiring with are test equipment to make sure the wiring is ok.

How long is an EICR valid for?

Generally 5 years or change of occupancy

Who can issue EICR?

Qualified registered electricians