How important an Electrical Installation Condition Report is?

Electrical installations degrade over time. For example, switches and sockets can sustain damage, cables deteriorate, infrastructure, connections can also become loose – in fact, this is frequently visually noticed during our PAT Testing inspections and we ensure that our clients are notified of this completely free of charge. The severity of degradation is even more marked in installations where adverse elements are involved, i.e. corrosive chemicals, construction waste, extreme temperatures or poor maintenance on the part of tenants or landlord. To maximize the safety of the user(s), it is imperative that every installation is periodically inspected and tested as recommended by BS 7671: 2008 (Regulation 135.1). The Electricity at Work Regulation (1989) Regulation 4 (2) states: “As may be necessary to prevent danger, all systems shall be maintained so as to prevent danger, so far as reasonably practicable such danger.”
Although, there is no current legislation which stipulates that you must be in possession of an Electrical Installation Condition Report, from a liability and safety perspective it is advisable. Rented properties and certain types of public places, such as theatres, restaurants, cinemas, clubs and hotels are generally required to have an Electrical Installation Condition Report in order to obtain insurance. Also, if you are a landlord and your tenant were to be harmed due to poor internal wiring or faulty fittings, the tenant could sue. In the event of death or serious injury, resulting from failure to maintain the electrical integrity of your premises – which could be deemed as negligence – legal action could be lodged against you.

What is an Electrical Installation Condition Report?

As its title suggests, it is a report not a certificate. It relates to an assessment of the in-service condition of an electrical installation against the requirements of the issue of BS 7671 current at the time of the inspection, irrespective of the age of the installation. An Electrical Installation Condition Report differs greatly from PAT Testing and Fixed Appliance Testing because it is an in-depth inspection on the internal wiring of the building not appliances.
The results and measurements and values taken during the Electrical Installation Condition Reports are clearly recorded in a report and appropriate recommendations, if applicable, are made for any damage, deterioration or defects observed that may give rise to danger to be remedied, such that the installation may continue to be used in safety.

What do the terms Periodic Inspection Report (PIR), Fixed Wiring, Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) even mean and what does this have to do with me?

The terms ‘Fixed Wiring Testing’ and ‘Periodic Inspection Reports’ are used interchangeably but, to add confusion to the mix, these aforementioned terms are being replaced by the new term ‘Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)’ but all three terms essentially mean the same thing. The reason for the name change is primarily due to the latest amendment of B.S. 7671:2008 (IEE Wiring regulations – Seventeenth Edition) Amendment No. 1: 2011.

In a nutshell, with this type of electrical testing, the wiring within the fabric of the building is tested and inspected. It differs greatly from PAT Testing and Fixed Appliance Testing because it is an in-depth inspection on the electrical condition of the building not appliances.

How often do I have to have this Periodic Inspection Report carried out?

Although guidelines are laid down by the Institute of Electrical Engineers, it is ultimately the decision of the competent person inspecting the electrical installation to decide on the frequency of tests using engineering judgement, experience and the guidelines as a starting point for making that decision.

The IEE recommend the following maximum periods of time between inspections and testing:

  • Domestic Installations – 10 years or change of occupancy
  • Commercial Installations – 5 years or change of occupancy
  • Industrial Installations – 3 years
  • Residential accommodation – 5 years or change of occupancy
  • Offices, shops & laboratories – 5 years

Please contact us for details on special installations and buildings open to the public such as cinemas, swimming pools and caravan parks and any other information that you may require.
Goodwin Electrical will be pleased to advise you of the appropriate testing schedule and supply a quotation based on your requirements. Testing will be carried out in accordance with regulations set by the IEE.

By ensuring that an ‘electrical MOT’ plays an essential role in the operation of your business or property, it is highly likely that you pre-empting electrical issues thereby saving money and perhaps preventing costly accidents in the long run.

It is worth remembering that you may be required to have a Electrical Installation Condition Report (a.k.a Periodic Inspection Report, Fixed Wiring Report!) conducted for insurance and licensing purposes.

Our Periodic Inspection and Testing guarantees and backing

  • Experienced, fully qualified City & Guilds electricians to ensure expertise
  • CRB vetted engineers
  • Full range of tests to BS 7671 (2008)
  • An easy-to-read typed format – not illegible, handwritten reports!
  • We will also provide Circuit Identification, Distribution Board Labels and Schedule of Installations, where necessary
  • We are WHICH TRUSTED TRADERS and a registered member of NICEIC and the Government Standard Trustmark. NICEIC is one of the five regulatory bodies in the UK and one of the most trusted.

If you would like a Fixed Wiring quotation, please complete the quotation form on the right or call us to learn more.

Likewise, if you also need PAT Testing, look no further as we perform expert PAT Testing too!

Fixed Wire Testing

Like most things in life, electrical installations will deteriorate over time. Broken sockets and damage to infrastructure and cables are common problems with electrical installations which have been left unmanaged, or were poorly installed to begin with.
An electrical installation condition report is one of the best and fastest ways to get to the bottom of your electrical woes. The in-depth inspection will record dangerous deterioration, defects and damages, and suggest necessary changes to correct the problems.
We have a team that embodies friendliness and professionalism and we can provide you with an affordable, straightforward electrical condition report – giving you peace of mind and protection from potential dangers.
To comply with the Electricity at Work Regulations it’s of the utmost importance that you have your wires frequently tested and, if necessary, corrected. With our fixed wire testing you’ll no longer need to worry about the deterioration of your electrical wiring.

Book your test now: Call Plymouth 916047 or fill in our Free Quote Form.

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