An EICR is a thorough inspection and testing of the electrical installation in a property, including the wiring, electrical fittings, and consumer unit (fuse box). The testing is carried out by a qualified electrician who will check the installation against the current version of the UK's Wiring Regulations (BS 7671).
The testing procedure for an EICR involves the following:
Visual inspection: The electrician will conduct a visual inspection of the electrical installation, looking for any obvious defects or signs of damage, such as cracked or damaged sockets, frayed wiring, or exposed cables.
Dead testing: The electrician will then conduct a series of tests on the electrical installation with the power turned off. This includes checking the continuity of the earth wiring and testing the insulation resistance of the wiring.
Live testing: Once the dead testing is complete, the electrician will turn the power back on and carry out a series of tests on the live electrical installation. This includes checking the polarity and earth loop impedance of the wiring, as well as testing the operation of residual current devices (RCDs) and circuit breakers.
Functional testing: The electrician will also test the functionality of all electrical fixtures and fittings, such as switches, sockets, lights, and appliances. This ensures that all electrical components are working correctly and safely.
Report: Once the testing is complete, the electrician will provide a detailed report that highlights any defects, damage, or safety concerns identified during the inspection. The report will also include recommendations for remedial work that may be required to bring the installation up to current safety standards.
In summary, electrical testing for an EICR involves a thorough inspection and testing of the electrical installation in a property, including a visual inspection, dead testing, live testing, functional testing, and a detailed report highlighting any defects or safety concerns. This testing ensures that the electrical installation is safe and meets current regulations, providing peace of mind for homeowners and tenants.
In the UK, there are several electrical tests that need to be carried out in a home to ensure that the electrical installation is safe and meets current safety standards. These tests include:
Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR): This is a comprehensive inspection and testing of the electrical installation in a property, including the wiring, electrical fittings, and consumer unit (fuse box). It is recommended that an EICR is carried out at least every 10 years for owner-occupied homes and every 5 years for rented properties.
Portable Appliance Testing (PAT): This is a test of portable electrical appliances in a property, such as laptops, TVs, and kitchen appliances. It is recommended that PAT testing is carried out annually in rented properties and as required in owner-occupied homes.
RCD Testing: Residual Current Devices (RCDs) are safety devices that protect against electric shock. It is recommended that RCDs are tested every 3 months in rented properties and annually in owner-occupied homes.
Smoke Detector Testing: Smoke detectors are essential safety devices that can save lives in the event of a fire. It is recommended that smoke detectors are tested monthly and replaced every 10 years.
Carbon Monoxide Detector Testing: Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas that can be produced by faulty gas appliances. It is recommended that CO detectors are tested monthly and replaced every 5-7 years.
It is important to note that these are minimum recommendations, and some situations may require more frequent testing or additional tests. It is also important to have all electrical work carried out by a qualified electrician and to keep all electrical certificates and test reports up to date.
