AARONELECTRICAL

The Electricity at Work Regulations state that all electrical systems and equipment used in the working environment should be in a safe condition.

The Health & Safety Executive recommend that to comply with the regulations an inspection and testing schedule must be implemented at all workplaces.

Insurance Companies are increasingly requiring evidence that electrical installations to Public, Commercial and Industrial locations are safe environments, i.e. ‘fit for purpose’.

All installations will deteriorate/degrade with use and age. This process is often accelerated by ‘DIY’ additions/extensions that may NOT have been carried out to IEE Wiring Regulations.

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (previously known as a Periodic Inspection) is an inspection of the condition of an existing electrical installation, to identify (in order of priority) any deficiencies against the National Safety Standard for electrical installations.

Not just a visual inspection but a full inspection and testing of the system
Identifies if any electrical circuits or equipment are overloaded.

Detects any potential electrical shock risks
Discovers any fire hazards in your electrical installation
Finds any defective DIY electrical work
Reveals any lack of protective earth /bonding
Details the type of fixed wiring system and its condition
Checks the suitability of the consumer unit
Examines the equipment e.g. switches, socket-outlets and light fittings
Tests any residual current devices
Discovers any wear and tear, damage or other deterioration

The Electrical Installation Condition Report identifies and classifies problems according to the following scale:-

The overall assessment of the suitability of the installation for continued use is stated as:
(Code C1) Danger present, risk of injury. Immediate remedial action required;
(Code C2) Potentially dangerous, urgent remedial action required;
(Code C3) Improvement required. To be used where C1 or C2 do not apply.
( Code F/I ) Where further investigation is required without delay.

When is an EICR needed?
The IEE recommends the maximum period between ‘EICR’ inspection & testing is:
Domestic 10 years or change of occupancy
Commercial 5 years or change of occupancy
Residential Accommodation 5 years
Buildings open to public 1 – 5 years
Industrial Buildings 3 years
Special locations, 1 – 3 years (e.g. Medical Locations, Swimming Pools, Agricultural and Horticultural Premises)

Other instances when an Electrical Installation Condition Report should be carried out are:
Prior to (new tenancy), and/or subsequent to a property being let
Prior to selling a property or when buying a previously occupied property