What is EICR?

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EICR – Electrical Installation Condition Report

Electrical Testing-ELECTRICAL-INSTALLATION-TESTINGOur homes and workplaces rely on electricity to power the many devices we need to live and survive. But we have to make sure these devices are safe. Electricity is a powerful form of energy and can cause serious injuries when it gets out of control. Clearly, it needs to be respected and regulated. One of the most conscientious ways to achieve this is through an electrical installation condition report (EICR).

Why Do You Need an EICR? 

Electrical installations, like any product, age over time and this deterioration can cause malfunctions. Sometimes the end result will be that the device is broken and simply won’t work. But, at other times, the malfunction will lend itself to something more serious such as electrocution. Therefore, it’s important that these electrical installations are regularly monitored. This objective should ensure that the device maintains a level of safety that protects anyone using it.

What is Involved in an EICR?

When it comes to completing an EICR then there’s one thing you need before starting: a fully qualified electrician. The knowledge required to complete an EICR involves understanding the BS7671 IET Wiring Regulations and is not something you can quickly brush up on beforehand. So, you need an electrician in place. And once they begin an EICR they will look at the following:

  • Visual Inspection:

    The first port of call will be to carry out a visual inspection to identify any issues caused by wear and tear e.g. damaged cables or power switches. These are often the most obvious risks present in electrical installations. Also, the presence of any outdated standards or equipment needs to be addressed during this section.

  • Electrical Testing:

    This is comprised of two sections: live testing and dead testing. Live testing looks to test disconnection efficiency in the presence of an electrical fault and the suitability of residual current devices for preventing electrocution. Dead testing concentrates on investigating resistance, polarity and continuity of any circuitry in place.

How Often Do You Need to Complete an EICR?

Until recently, landlords were not legally obliged to complete an EICR. However, the government has announced that an EICR will soon become mandatory. This move has been taken to safeguard properties, tenants and landlords from the risk of serious injury and ensure safer living standards. The guidelines for an EICR will require that the report is completed every five years to guarantee a level of safety that takes into account any deterioration of electrical installations.

There are, of course, other instances in which it is recommended to complete an EICR such as:

  • Following any major damage to a property such as flood or fire damage. These forms of damage can compromise electrical installations and render them dangerous to use. An EICR will help to identify any major defects caused by such events and allow you to rectify them.
  • Before a property is sold or is being prepared to let is an ideal time to complete an EICR as it will provide peace of mind to any new tenants or property owners.

For more information on whether you need an EICR, or what it involves, don’t hesitate to get in touch and speak to one of our expert engineers.

Common Electrical Problems around the Home

Common Electrical Problems

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Common Electrical Problems around the Home

We rely on electricity like no other form of energy when it comes to powering our homes. Ovens, hot water and lighting are just three examples of how our homes rely on electricity. But electricity is not without its problems. And, due to the ubiquity of electrical appliances in the home, these problems can soon mount up.

Electricity, of course, can be dangerous when it’s not regulated correctly. So, to prevent a serious injury, it’s important that you understand when something is wrong. Thankfully, you don’t need a degree in electrical engineering to identify these problems.Is Your Electrical Equipment Safe

What Are the Most Common Electrical Faults?

It’s likely that, even with the most modern homes, you will encounter multiple electrical faults every year. Some, of course, will be serious whereas others will be considerably less dangerous. Nonetheless, it’s important to identify them, so let’s take a look at the most common electrical problems around the home:

  • Old, Faulty Wiring:

    One of the most dangerous electrical faults is the presence of old wiring. Much like any consumable product, wiring is prone to deterioration and can soon fall into an unsafe state. Insulation can break down and expose live wires. Older wiring can be of a low amperage unable to cope with modern demand. All of this can increase the risk of electrical shock and fire damage. Updating electrical panels to a higher amp capacity and inspecting any intermittent faults is crucial.

 

  • Electric Shocks:

    The most obvious electrical fault is the one which discharges electricity through our bodies: the electric shock. They most commonly occur when turning electrical devices on or off. It’s always difficult to determine whether it’s faulty wiring or down to the device itself, but the best way to identify this is by consulting with an electrician.

 

  • Circuit Breakers Tripping:

    A circuit breaker is in place to prevent surges in electricity. These surges are most often caused by the simultaneous use of electrical appliances using large amounts of electricity e.g. microwaves and tumble dryers. When the circuit breaker trips the supply of electricity is instantly cut off. This can be inconvenient, but is easily avoided by understanding which items run off which circuit. This knowledge will allow you to limit the usage of items on the same circuit at the same time.

 

  • Frequent Light Bulb Failures:

    It’s always irritating to be left in the dark and we feel this most keenly when light bulbs fail. But sometimes this can happen too regularly for comfort. These failures will usually be limited to one light fixture and this indicates a specific fault with that fixture. These faults may be down to issues such as the supplied wattage being too high or faulty wiring going to the fixture. And, in these cases, it’s best to contact an electrician to investigate further.

 

  • Electrical Surges:

    An electrical surge is any sudden increase in current or voltage through an electrical circuit. While these surges only last for a fraction of a second they can, over time, cause serious damage to your circuits. The most common cause of these surges tends to be a faulty electrical appliance. And the best way to identify the piece of equipment is by removing each one from the electrical supply and monitoring for future surges.

Who to call for electrical problems

It goes without saying that you shouldn’t attempt to fix electrical faults unless you are a qualified electrician. Electricity can be incredibly dangerous, and safety should always be the number one priority. Once you identified that you have one of these common faults, or any other electrical problem, call in an expert to be sure it is fixed quickly and safely.

If you suspect you have any electrical faults please give a call

Call us now: 01923 587 586