Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
The Importance of an Electrical Installation Condition Report
Electrical installations degrade over time; for example, switches and sockets can sustain damage, cables deteriorate, infrastructure and connections can also become loose – in fact, this is frequently visually noticed during our PAT Testing inspections and we ensure that our clients are notified of such observations, completely free of charge. The severity of degradation is even more marked in installations where adverse elements are involved, i.e. corrosive chemicals, construction waste, extreme temperatures or poor maintenance on the part of tenants or landlord. To maximise the safety of the user(s), it is imperative that every installation is periodically inspected and tested as recommended by BS7671:2018 (18th Edition Wiring Regulations). The Electricity at Work Regulation (1989) Regulation 4 (2) states: “As may be necessary to prevent danger, all systems shall be maintained so as to prevent danger, so far as reasonably practicable.”
Although there is no current legislation which stipulates that you must be in possession of an Electrical Installation Condition Report, from a liability and safety perspective it is advisable. Rented properties and certain types of public places, such as theatres, restaurants, cinemas, clubs and hotels are generally required to have an Electrical Installation Condition Report in order to obtain insurance. Also, if you are a landlord and your tenant were to be harmed due to poor internal wiring or faulty fittings, the tenant could sue. In the event of death or serious injury, resulting from failure to maintain the electrical integrity of your premises – which could be deemed as negligence – legal action could be taken against you.
What is an Electrical Installation Condition Report?
As its name suggests, it is a report not a certificate. It relates to an assessment of the in-service condition of an electrical installation against the requirements of the issue of current BS7671:2018 (18th Edition Wiring Regulations) at the time of the inspection, irrespective of the age of the installation. An Electrical Installation Condition Report differs greatly from PAT Testing and Fixed Appliance Testing because it is an in-depth inspection on the internal wiring of the building not appliances.
The results, measurements and values taken during the Electrical Installation Condition Reports are clearly recorded in a report and appropriate recommendations, if applicable, are made for any damage, deterioration or defects observed that may give rise to danger.
What do the terms Periodic Inspection Report (PIR), Fixed Wiring, Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) even mean and what does this have to do with me?
The terms ‘Fixed Wiring Testing’ and ‘Periodic Inspection Reports’ are used interchangeably and, to add confusion to the mix, these aforementioned terms are being replaced by the more recent term ‘Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)’ but all three terms essentially mean the same thing.
In a nutshell, with this type of electrical testing, the wiring within the fabric of the building is tested and inspected.
The IEE recommend the following maximum periods of time between inspections and testing:
Please contact us for details on special installations and buildings open to the public, such as: cinemas, swimming pools and caravan parks and any other information that you may require. ACtest Limited will be pleased to advise you of the appropriate testing schedule and supply a free quotation based on your requirements. Testing will be carried out in accordance with regulations set by the IEE.
By ensuring that an ‘electrical MOT’ plays an essential role in the operation of your business or property, it is highly likely that pre-empting electrical issues will save you money and, perhaps, prevent costly accidents in the long run. It is worth remembering that you may be required to have an Electrical Installation Condition Report for insurance and licensing purposes.
Our Periodic Inspection and Testing guarantees an impartial report so you can be confident about the condition of your electrical systems
If you would like a fixed wiring quotation, please complete the quotation form at the top of this page or call us and we can discuss your exact requirements.
Likewise, if you also need PAT Testing, look no further as we perform expert PAT Testing, too!
Fixed Wire Testing
Like most things in life, electrical installations will deteriorate over time. Broken sockets and damage to infrastructure and cables are common problems with electrical installations which have been left unmanaged, or were poorly installed to begin with.
An Electrical Installation Condition Report is one of the best and fastest ways to get to the bottom of your electrical woes. The in-depth inspection will record observations of dangerous deterioration, defects and damages, and suggest necessary changes to correct the problems.
We have a team that embodies friendliness and professionalism and we can provide you with an affordable, straightforward Electrical Installation Condition Report – giving you peace of mind and protection from potential dangers.
To comply with the Electricity at Work Regulations, it’s of the utmost importance that you have your wiring frequently tested and, if necessary, corrected. With our fixed wire testing, you’ll no longer need to worry about the deterioration of your electrical wiring.