Electricians carry out an EICR inspection to determine the state of electrical installations in your property. This can help to prevent faulty wiring that could lead to an accident or fire. In addition, an EICR can help you to determine whether your insurance policy will cover any damages if a fire occurs. However, you should understand that an EICR can be complex to perform and requires a trained professional.
In the UK, it is a legal requirement that landlords have an EICR done on their properties regularly. Landlords are also required to provide a copy of the report to new tenants before they move in. This is a vital part of the safety and compliance process, which should not be taken lightly.
A faulty or dangerous electrical installation can cause serious injuries and death. That is why it is important to have a certified electrician inspect your home or business on a regular basis. This will ensure that all electrical systems and appliances are in good working order and can be used safely. In addition, an EICR can protect you from financial loss due to damages caused by accidents and fires that are attributed to electrical faults.
An EICR is a detailed assessment of a property’s electrical system, including its wiring, circuits, switches, and sockets. It is performed by a qualified and registered electrician using a variety of testing equipment, such as insulation resistance testers and earth loop impedance testers. An EICR will indicate any areas that need repair or replacement, and pictures may be added to help highlight these issues.
It is recommended that homeowners have an EICR done every ten years. This is especially important if there has been any type of water damage to the property. In addition, if the electrical system has been upgraded or modified, an EICR should be performed immediately.
When the electrician is assessing your property, it is crucial that you do a visual inspection of the appliances and fixtures before they begin their test. This will help them avoid wasting time testing items that are already in good condition. It will also minimise the number of issues that will require further investigation after the EICR is completed.
During the EICR process, the electrician will disconnect all of the wires and assess them for problems. These problems can include deterioration, damage, or other conditions that could put people at risk. Once the testing is complete, the electrician will write up a detailed report. The report will contain codes that indicate the severity of the problem, and a note will be made if further investigations are needed.
Once the EICR has been completed, you will need to correct any electrical problems within 28 days. This is required by the Electricity at Work Regulations and will help to ensure that your employees, customers, or tenants are safe. If you do not fix the problems, your insurer will likely refuse to cover any damages or losses that are incurred due to unsafe electricity.