EICR

Servicing the South West

Periodic Inspection and Testing

All electrical installations deteriorate with time and use. Thus, it is important that they are inspected and tested at regular intervals to ensure they are safe for continued use. These checks are commonly referred to as ‘Periodic Inspection and Testing’ but can sometimes be called a ‘Condition Report’.

Once a periodic inspection has been completed, you will be issued with an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). At Flexwire, Newton Abbot our EICR’s are produced digitally, on usually the same day of the inspection and are held on file for 7 years.

A Periodic Inspection will:

Reveal if any of your electrical circuits or equipment are overloaded.
Highlight any fire hazards and potential electric shock risks.
Identify any defective electrical work.
Highlight any absence of earthing or bonding.
We also carry out tests on wiring and fixed electrical equipment to check that they are safe and can also provide a schedule of circuits, an asset to any property.

The inspection considers all the relevant circumstances and assesses:

The adequacy of earthing and bonding.
The suitability of the switchgear and controlgear. For example, an old fuse box with a wooden back, cast-iron switches, or a mixture of both will need replacing.
The serviceability of switches, sockets and lighting fittings. Items that may need replacing include older round-pin sockets, round light switches, cables with fabric coating hanging from ceiling roses to light fittings, black switches and sockets mounted in skirting boards.
The type of wiring system and its condition. For example, cables coated in black rubber were phased out in the 1960s. Likewise cables coated in lead or fabric are even older and may well need replacing (modern cables use longer lasting PVC insulation).
Sockets that may be used to supply portable electrical equipment for use outdoors, making sure they are protected by a suitable residual current device (RCD).
The presence of adequate identification and notices.
The extent of any wear and tear, damage or other deterioration.
Any changes in the use of the premises that have led to, or may lead to, unsafe conditions.

How often should you have a periodic inspection?

Your electrical system should be inspected and tested every:

10 years for an owner-occupied home.
5 years for a rented property.
3 years for a caravan
1 year for a swimming pool.

In addition to the above, a periodic inspection should be carried out:

When a property is being prepared for letting.
Before selling a property or buying a previously occupied property.

Periodic inspection and testing should be carried out only by registered electricians, with up-to-date qualifications and experience in electrical testing. Our engineer will check the condition of the electrics against the UK standard for the safety of electrical installations, BS 7671 – Requirements for Electrical Installations (IET Wiring Regulations).

Your Flexwire engineer will then issue an Electrical Installation Condition Report detailing any observed damage, deterioration, defects, dangerous conditions, and any non-compliances with the present-day safety standard that might give rise to danger.

If anything dangerous or potentially dangerous is found, the overall condition of the electrical installation will be declared to be ‘unsatisfactory’, meaning that remedial action is required without delay to remove the risks to those in the premises. We will always attempt to rectify any small issues as we go to prevent an ‘unsatisfactory’ conclusion.

Important information for

Landlords

As of 1st June 2020, private landlords are required to have a qualified electrician assess the safety of the electrical installation in their rental properties and as such, we have seen a significant increase in requests for these reports in and around Devon.

From 1st July 2020, electrical installations must be inspected and tested prior to the start of a new tenancy, whilst checks must be carried out on any existing tenancies by 1st April 2021.

A copy of the most recent electrical safety condition report (EICR) must be supplied to both new and existing tenants and the landlord then must carry out an EICR every 5 years. If requested, we can setup a reminder to ensure you don’t miss this important deadline as a penalty of up to £30,000 is enforceable by law, to those who are in breach of The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020.

So if you are a landlord or letting agent in Devon and are in need of assistance, please use the form opposite to contact us. Alternatively, you can visit our Landlords information page.

Contact Us

For further information or to book your EICR in Newton Abbot, Torquay, Totnes and beyond.

Electrical, Datacomms and Security Specialist in Newton Abbot, servicing Torquay, Totnes, Exeter, Plymouth, and the South West