Electrical Testing in Liverpool

1) What is an Electrical Test? 

An ELECTRICAL TEST is something that has many names. Companies, individuals and organisations will refer to this under different names such as:

• Electrical Safety Test
• Landlord Electrical Safety Certificate
• Electrical Inspection
• Electrical Installation Condition Report
• Electrical Safety Inspection
• Periodic Inspection
• Landlord Certificate
• Electrical Ticket

The process is called a Periodic Inspection. The document produced following this process is an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR).

An EICR is a document of around 6 to 8 pages in length that details the findings of a periodic inspection. A periodic inspection is an in depth and thorough inspection of an electrical installation in a property. 

2) What does a Periodic Inspection Uncover?

A periodic inspection will uncover various issue, faults, dangerous situations and areas for safety improvement. A periodic inspection should examine each circuit in the consumer unit / fuse board in detail and following this a set of test results should be produced. 

3) What things are looked at on a periodic inspection?

There are a number of technical issues that are examined on a periodic inspection which are detailed below. The experience and knowledge of the inspector carrying out the inspection will have a monumental effect on the validity and accuracy of the electrical report produced. Having the skills and experience to spot dangerous situations and electrical issues on the horizon is paramount when performing an electrical inspection. 
Without the right skill set, situations could be over described as dangerous when in fact they present no danger, or worse, situations that are dangerous could be missed completely by an inexperienced inspector resulting in harm to the users of the electrical installation. 

We check for:

• Correct cable sizing in relation to circuit breakers.
• Intake equipment is satisfactory and has adequately low resistance values.
• Consumer unit is in a satisfactory condition.
• Electric shock protection is in place and adequate.
• Earthing to circuits is in place and correct with a sufficiently low resistance. 
• Earthing to other parts of the home including pipework is adequate.
• Electrical Accessories are correctly installed and not damaged.
• Cables are correctly identified and securely terminated into accessories.

And MANY more items...

4) How long should an electrical inspection take?

This is a BIG POINT. Given the list above is so extensive but not exhaustive I’m sure you can appreciate that a thorough electrical inspection will take some time?  A typical electrical inspection in a 3 bedroom property can take 3-4 hours. This is the time required in order to carry out a thorough inspection and testing on all the circuits. There are occasions when this time will be cut down but generally this is the time it takes. 

5) When should I have an electrical inspection carried out?

If you are buying a property then it is a situation of BUYER BEWARE and as such we strongly recommend that you instruct us to carry out a thorough and complete electrical inspection on your behalf. We will dig in to the wiring in great detail in order to inspect every nook and cranny on your behalf. We will carry out every test we can and discuss any limitations to our testing with you before we attend site. There may be some operational limitations on site on the day depending on the cooperation of the seller but we will let you know of these afterwards. 
If you have recently had a flood or fire in your home then an ELECTRICAL TEST is strongly recommended. After any trauma to an electrical installation the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET) recommend that you have a periodic inspection carried out and an EICR produced to determine the suitability of the installation for continued service. 

If you are in a property that has not had an electrical inspection carried out in the last ten years then it is recommended that you have one done. Electrical connections can work loose and begin posing risks after this time and as such a wiring installation can wear prematurely if not inspected. 

6) What happens on an EICR / Periodic Inspection?

Luckily, we have written a help sheet about this very things for your information and as some assistance for you prior to the inspector arriving. It details all the requirements, what we may need you to do and what the report codes are likely to mean. There is a link to that just here: https://www.electricalfaultsfixed.co.uk/helpsheet/eicr-what-expect 

7) What happens if the electrics are poor and we have an unsatisfactory report?

In event that an EICR comes up as unsatisfactory there will be a list of remedial works that are required in order for the report to become satisfactory. Whatever the problems that are highlighted by an EICR we are able to put them right. Sometimes they are straightforward and sometimes they may involve a lot more work. We will always give you a quote if you ask for one following an EICR. 

8) How much does it cost to have an EICR carried out?

Our pricing is based on the likely amount of circuits and property size. We have some prices on our website if you follow this link. If you would like a bespoke quote for your property then use our contact form and we will sort this out for you as soon as possible. 

We have more information on our pricing page available here.

9) Do you fix any faults whilst you are here?

Generally, no. An EICR will identify the type of fault on a circuit but will not necessarily identify WHERE on the circuit it is. Remedial works to put this type of issue right will involve FAULT FINDING. Other issues found when performing an ELECTRICAL TEST that are minor, MAY be fixed whilst on site for nominal cost with prior agreement. If we find that issues could be fixed relatively quickly and inexpensively whilst we are carrying out the inspection then we may have a conversation with you in person if you are on site or make a quick phone call to you to confirm if you would like issues corrected. 

Communication is key and it is often better for all to deal with any faults as a separate issue, with a written quote and outline of works required. 

If you need us to come and carry out an electrical inspection for you then please use our contact form or give us a call and we will be glad to help.