FAQ’S
EICR Testing FAQ’s
Q : WHAT DOES EICR MEAN?
A : EICR stands for an Electrical Installation Conditioning Report. Find out more about what an EICR test is.
Q : DO I NEED A ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION CONDITIONING REPORT?
A : Although an EICR is not legally required, you are required to make sure your electrical systems are safe as should there be an accident, you have to prove you did everything within your power to prevent it. Read more about the purpose of an EICR or how it works.
Q : HOW OFTEN IS THE TEST NEEDED?
A : The type of premise that the EICR is for will dictate the frequently that it is required. For example:
- A private homeowner – Every 10 Years,
- A Rented home – Every 5 Years,
- A Caravan – Every 3 Years,
- A Swimming Pool – Every Year.
Q : IS THERE ANY WAY TO SPOT PROBLEMS BEFORE THEY BECOME PROBLEMS?
A : Yes, you can perform a visual check on most electrical equipment. This involves looking at plug sockets and appliances and checking for any defects or damages, to the casing, wiring and any visible signs of deterioration. Although you can do this, a proper check from a qualified electrician is also highly recommended such as the ones from EICR Testing.
Q : WILL THERE BE ANY LOSS OF POWER DURING THE TEST?
A : A minor power outage can be expected on circuit when it is being tested, but the majority of the testing is done while the system is still live. The minor outages can be planned to fit in with your daily tasks.
Q : HOW LONG DOES AN ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION CONDITIONING REPORT TAKE?
A : We endeavour to complete EICR test as quick as we can, but testing time will vary on size of electrical system we are testing.
Q : MY BUSINESS OPERATES 24 HOURS A DAY 7 DAYS A WEEK, CAN THE TESTS STILL BE DONE IF I CAN’T STOP WORK?
A : As stated above, most of the tests are done with live systems, but we can arrange for the testing to be done in your quietest production times – during maintenance or cleaning periods for example.
Q : WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE TESTING OF RENTED OR LEASED PROPERTY?
A : This depends on the agreement you have but, as a business owner, you’re responsible in making sure your business is running safety.
Q : WHAT IS ACTUALLY ON THE REPORT?
A : The report will detail every electrical installation that needed to be tested. Whether it passed or not, and details of any remedial work required and their fault codes.
Q : WHAT ARE THE FAULT CODES?
A : Fault codes are used to denote the level of fault with an electrical system.
- C1 means ‘Danger is present’, risk of injury is likely and IMMEDIATE action is required.
- C2 is the classification for POTENTIALLY dangerous and remedial action is needed urgently.
- C3 is the last classification code, and the only one that can appear on a report and have it still pass the EICR test. C3 means improvement to your electrical system is recommended but not required.
Q : WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION ABOUT EICR TESTING?
A : You can get more information about Electrical Installation Conditioning Reports by ringing, 0121 2850136 or request a free EICR Testing information here.
Q : WHAT IS AN EICR?
A : An EICR – or Electrical Installation Condition Report – is an official document produced following a full inspection of the electrical systems and installations in your home or workplace.
As part of the periodic inspection process, qualified electricians will check whether your electrics are well-maintained and, more importantly, safe. Once your premises have passed all the checks and any urgent remedial work has been carried out, you will be presented with a certificate of safety.
Q : WHO CAN PROVIDE AN EICR?
A : An Electrical Installation Condition Report – or EICR – is an in-depth inspection of the electrical systems at your home, place of work or public premises.
Periodic testing and inspection should only be carried out by electrically competent, qualified electricians. At EICR Testing, our engineers are further trained to City & Guilds 2395 Inspection and Testing level.
Q : WHO NEEDS AN EICR?
A : Electrical Installation Condition Reports are for any buildings or premises which have electrical systems. They are used by business owners, homeowners, landlords and authorities which manage a variety of public buildings, such as schools, churches and leisure centres etc.
There are many reasons why a business or property owner might request an EICR and there are many benefits to having one, but what it often boils down to is documented proof that the on-site electrics are safe.
Q : HOW OFTEN DO I NEED AN EICR?
A : How often an EICR is needed depends on the size of the installation and the purpose it is used for. Large factories housing industrial plant, for example, will need to be inspected more frequently than a domestic property.
As a guide, an Electrical Installation Condition Report should be carried out at the minimum of:
- Domestic installations – every 10 years or at a change of occupancy
- Commercial installations – every 5 years or at change of occupancy
- Industrial installations – every 3 years
- Landlord-owned residential accommodation – every 5 years or at the change of occupancy
- Offices, shops and laboratories – every 5 years
Q : IS AN ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION CONDITION REPORT (EICR) A LEGAL REQUIREMENT?
A : Although an Electrical Installation Condition Report – or EICR – is not a legal requirement in itself, many property owners are bound by legal obligations to their staff, customers or tenants which can be met by an EICR inspection. Relevant legislation could include the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 or The Landlords and Tenants Act (1985).
Q : Q HOW MUCH DOES AN EICR COST?
A : The cost of an EICR varies from premise to premise. For example, there is much more work involved in testing a large plant facility in comparison with a residential property. Tests can take anything from a few hours to several weeks, depending on the size and nature of the operation.
Also, no two businesses are the same, which means the testing procedure differs each time an Electrical Installation Condition Report is carried out.
Contact one of our specialist advisors to find out more or get a quote online.
ELECTRICAL EICR Testing is carried out by registered electricians. Serving Birmingham and West Midlands.
Contact Us
Lichfield Road Industrial Estate, Tamworth