A great way to assess the condition of the electrical installation in your home, your business or the property you rent is to carry out an electrical installation condition report (EICR). Faulty and old wiring is one of the main causes of electrical fires so the value of such inspections cannot be overemphasized.

What is an electrical installation condition report EICR?

An EICR formerly known as a periodic inspection report will test the condition of the electrical installation against current regulations and record the results to make sure the installation is safe.

Upon completion of the test a condition report will be provided detailing items requiring attention and recommendations using different classification codes, in short this report details any safety issues and defects, along with any deviations from any current electrical regulations. You can find an in depth explanation of classification codes here.

When and why an EICR should be carried?

There are a number of times in life when an electrical inspection makes a wise investment:

• To ensure the domestic or commercial property is electrically safe

Whether it’s your home or a business your electrical installation should be covered by an in date EICR to ensure the safety of all occupants, particularly if you live in an older home and have no EICR, the chances are your electrical installation may not have been checked recently or at all.

• Before carrying out renovations

Before upgrading your home, an EICR should be carried out to ensure your current electrical installation can support your renovation plans. This is the time to make upgrades, when electrical upgrades can be easily and more inexpensively addressed.

• If you are a landlord and the property is rented

Private landlords in Scotland are required to ensure that their properties are electrically safe. Insurance companies are also increasingly insisting on regular inspection and testing of electrical installations in letted premises.

The property should be tested at intervals of no more than five years from the date of the previous inspection.

A copy of the most recent electrical safety inspection reports must be provided to both new and retained tenants.

• Before upgrading the fuse board (consumer unit)

Modern RCBOs are safer but more sensitive than older MCBs and breakers. An EICR will check the electrical installation to ensure there is no underlying wiring faults which will cause the inconvenience of a new consumer unit tripping continuously.

Who can carry out an EICR in Cupar, St Andrews and surrounding areas in Fife?

Only an NICEIC approved electrical contractor is competent and capable can carry out an EICR. The electrician needs to have a full knowledge of all the installations possible.

Daniel Gardner Electrical Contractor are an NICEIC accredited contractor and are also registered with Trust Mark giving you confidence that all inspection and testing will be carried out to BS 7671, the UK standard for the safety of electrical installations.

If you need electrical inspection or testing,give us a call on 01334 656378 to discuss how we can help or find out more information here.