1) What is an EICR?
An EICR is simply a document that details the condition of an electrical installation and gives some insight into any issues that may be present in terms of safety. An EICR is a document that is produced following a periodic electrical inspection. The document itself is around 6-8 pages long or possibly more depending upon the size of the installation tested.
Back to top2) What is a Periodic Electrical Inspection?
A periodic electrical inspection is an in-depth inspection performed by a suitably qualified, experienced and competent electrician. The inspection in most cases aims to test and inspect as much of the electrical installation as possible. In your home this would mean that we would try to test every single socket, light switch, light fitting, consumer unit and any other electrical accessories.
The more in depth an inspection can be the more beneficial it is in terms of electrical safety, useful information for the person ordering the inspection and for finding issues.
There are sometimes issues with performing a periodic electrical inspection, however. The reality is that we want to perform as in depth an inspection as possible but there can be obstacles in our way preventing us from doing so. Electrical sockets behind wardrobes, built in furniture, hidden electrical junctions, wiring in lofts that is not practical or safe to get to, persons using the electrical installation preventing us from turning off and many others. These are known as operational limitations.
Back to top3) What are limitations?
Limitations are anything that prevent a 100% full and proper inspection from being carried out. The only way a complete an utter 100% test and inspection could be carried out would be a brand-new installation where the plasterboard has not yet been installed and all cables could be visibly seen. Other than that, we must make a note of the limitations that are preventing the most thorough inspection.
Operational limitations are the type that prevent us access to the installation at the time of the inspection.
Agreed limitations are those that we agree in advance with the person ordering the inspection to be carried out. They can be things like, no inspection to be carried out in lofts, voids or outbuildings. No inspection to be carried out on fixed appliances if they are to be moved in order to inspect e.g., ovens or machinery etc.
Other limitations can be tests that are unable to be carried out due to a broken circuit where any further testing would prove unreliable until faults are found and fixed.
Back to top4) What are codes?
Codes are classified by severity. They are classifications of danger in an electrical installation. Different codes mean different things.
There is also a link to our EICR help sheet here: https://www.electricalfaultsfixed.co.uk/helpsheet/eicr-what-expect
Back to top5) What situations would mean an unsatisfactory EICR?
Any dangerous or potentially dangerous situations.
There are far too many possible potential situations that could cause an EICR to be unsatisfactory that we couldn’t list them all here, but we can certainly list a few examples to give you an idea.
- Break on a circuit in one of the Live conductors
- A live part accessible to the touch
- A very high continuity reading on a Live conductor where we suspect that a wire is loose.
- An RCD that has failed
There are of course many more and this is by no means an exhaustive list. Also, each situation is different. There are occasions when something may attract a less severe code and, in another property, we may decide that the situation is more severe and code it accordingly.
Back to top6) What options do I have if I have an unsatisfactory EICR?
Following an unsatisfactory EICR there will be a list of issues that need to be resolved in order for the EICR to be reissued as satisfactory. The contractor may have issued a quote to carry out the remedial works to put right the faults or problems. You may think that is the end of matters but there are several things that you could do following an unsatisfactory outcome of an EICR.
- Have another EICR carried out by a different contractor. If you need an EICR IN WARRINGTON we can help.
- Have the remedial works put right by a separate contractor?
- Consider whether to rewire the property if there are a long list of problems. This is something to discuss with your contractor.
- Check the codes yourself against the industry guidance. Many contractors refer to Best Practice Guide 4 as a standard. This is freely available to anyone to download.
- Consult with another contractor on the coding of the EICR. The contractor will likely wish to carry out their own inspection or may charge a fee to look over you’re existing EICR.
7) How long should an EICR take?
A typical three-bedroom home takes around half a day to properly test and inspect the electrical installation although this does depend on the size and number of the consumer units in the property. The more circuits and consumer units there are the longer the inspection is going to take and the more expensive it will be as a result.
A 5-bedroom home with a very large consumer unit can take most of the day to inspect and test correctly.
8) Should I have a cheap EICR done?
If you can get something cheaper that is the same as the expensive version, then it makes sound economic sense to do so. Unfortunately, life does not always work that way. We have found in general that very cheap EICR’s can spell trouble. There can be a number of issues including:
- Over zealous use of classification codes leading to an unsatisfactory EICR
- A hurried inspection resulting in missing information or test results that are inaccurate
- A report that does not accurately reflect the condition of the installation which may be misleading
Of course, there are likely to be a number of electricians who carry out EICRs completely and fully taking all the required time in order to complete the paperwork, test and inspect the installation and identify any situation as accurately as possible whilst also charging very little for it. It may be a great way to meet new potential clients, a loss leader if you will?
We don’t operate in this way. We charge a fair price for a thorough report and inspection and trade on our Google Reviews and reputation for high quality work, top level service and customer satisfaction.
Before using any electrical contractor firm or electrician be sure to check their Google Reviews online and make sure you are happy with them.
If you are buying your own home and need an EICR IN WARRINGTON or surrounding area, then it is in your best interests to have a great electrical inspection carried out.
Give us a call or fill in our contact form and we will happily have a chat with you.
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