Testing & Inspection

Electrical testing & inspection to NICEIC standards

All electrical installations, over time, will deteriorate naturally as they are a working mechanism made up of various components and working systems. Much like an MOT for cars it is important that you ensure you carry out checks on the condition of the electrics in your home at regular intervals. This will help identify any faults or defects which could require improvement and will ensure the continued operation of the installation in a safe and effective manner.

Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) An electrical installation condition report (EICR) identifies any damage, deterioration, defects and/or conditions which may give rise to danger along with observations for which improvement is recommended. It is a more detailed report than a VIR and will involve the testing of various circuits which will require the turning off of the electrics at the main supply. This allows the contractor to identify any possible hidden defects or issues that cannot be identified during a VIR. The purpose of an EICR (also known as periodic inspection and testing of an electrical installation), is to determine, so far as is reasonably practicable, whether the installation is in a satisfactory condition for continued service. Homeowners often ask for, or obtain a condition report as part of a house sale. Similarly, landlords with an increasing awareness of their electrical safety obligations undertake regular periodic inspections in relation to their rental properties. It is generally recommended that an EICR is carried out every ten years (five for privately rented properties) or when there is a change of occupancy in a dwelling. Typically an EICR will take around 3-4 hours to complete, depending on the size of a property and the number of circuits requiring testing.