EICR & Electrical Inspections

ProElec undertake a wide range of electrical periodic inspections and electrical installation condition reports in Newton-le-Willows, St Helens, Warrington and Liverpool, ranging from landlords electrical certificate, insurance companies, letting agents to full commercial certification of new & existing installations.

We also carry out landlord electrical safety reports and electrical installation condition reports for insurance and licensing purposes (Public Entertainment licence) e.g. Theatres, Pubs, Clubs, and Hotels etc.

We have a sensible approach to electrical testing and are fully aware of the increasing costs of staying on top of ever expanding electrical regulations, we will work with you to find the most economical way when rectifying any faults / problems, to ensure you have an electrical safety certificate.

What is an Electrical Installation Condition Report?

A Periodic Inspection / Electrical Installation Condition Report is an inspection on the condition of an existing electrical installation, to identify (in order of priority) any deficiencies against the national safety standard for electrical installations.

If you think your wiring is unsafe this is something you should have done.

An Electrical Installation Condition Report is a formal method of recording the findings of the inspection.

The main purpose of the report is to report on the safety condition of an existing installation. It should describe the overall condition as either ‘satisfactory’, in which case no immediate remedial work is required, or ‘unsatisfactory’ which means remedial work is required to make the installation safe to use.

The electrician will give you a summary of the inspection in the report, which will give a clear indication of the condition of the electrical installation, taking into account all relevant circumstances.

What will an Electrical Installation Condition Report show you?

• Reveal if any of your electrical circuits or equipment is overloaded
• Find any potential electrical shock risks and fire hazards in your electrical installation
• Identify any defective DIY electrical work
• Highlight any lack of earthing or bonding

Tests are also carried out on wiring and associated fixed electrical equipment to check that it is electrically safe.

Why is an inspection needed?

Every electrical installation deteriorates with use and age. It is important for the person responsible for the maintenance of the installation to be sure that the safety of users is not put at risk, and that the installation continues to be in a safe and serviceable condition.

How often is an inspection needed?

It is recommended that a periodic electrical inspection is carried out at least every:

• 10 years for a domestic installation
• 5 years for a commercial installation
• 3 years for caravans
• 1 year for swimming pools

Other instances when a periodic electrical inspection should be carried out are:

• When a property is being prepared to be let
• Prior to selling a property or when buying a previously occupied property

The frequency of periodic inspection and testing can also be determined by taking into account:

1. The type of installation
2. Its use and operation
3. The frequency and quality of maintenance
4. The external influences to which it is subjected

What happens during an inspection?

The electrician will check the electrical installation against the requirements of BS 7671, Requirements for Electrical Installations, as amended, which is the national safety standard for electrical installations. The inspection will take into account all relevant circumstances including the following factors:

• Adequacy of earthing and bonding
• Suitability of the switchgear and control gear e.g. consumer unit e.g. an old fusebox with a wooden back, cast iron switches, a haphazard mixture of such equipment is likely to need replacing
• Serviceability of equipment e.g. switches, socket-outlets and light fittings e.g. older round pin sockets, round light switches and braided flex hanging from ceiling roses to light fittings, black switches, sockets mounted in skirting boards may require replacing
• Type of wiring system and its condition e.g. cables coated in black rubber, black rubber was phased out in the 1960s or cables coated in lead or fabric are even older and may need replacing (modern cables use pvc insulation)
• Provision of residual current devices for socket-outlets that may be used to plug in electrical equipment used outdoors
• Presence of adequate identification and notices
• Extent of any wear and tear, damage or other deterioration
• Changes in use of the premises which have led to, or might lead to, deficiencies in the installation

What tests are carried out on an electrical condition report?

1. Details of the electrical system are recorded with the owners name and property address.
2. What type of installation is it, domestic, commercial or Industrial.
3. Make of the fuse board or consumer units it has and Number of circuits used.
4. Number of sockets, lights, etc, also what’s on each circuit.
5. Visually Checking for any defects.
6. Dead testing of each circuit to obtain test results to check the safety of each circuit.
7. Live testing of the circuits to check they are safe.
8. Check that the correct cable sizes are used on each circuit.
9. Check to see if the main earthing conductor is present and correct.
10. Test if the gas pipe is earth bonded and installed correctly with the correct size cable.
11. Check if main water pipe is earth bonded and installed correctly with the correct size cable.
12. Check the RCD’s are working correctly, if fitted, and the right size milliamp is used, also test to see if it tripps in the correct time.

What happens after the inspection?

After the electrical tests ProElec will provide you with a BS7671 Electrical Installation Condition Report along with a schedule of test results, evidence of any defects and departures from the wiring regulations and a circuit chart to be placed either onto or near to the fuse board / consumer unit.

Additionally you will be provided with professional technical advice from one of our qualified electricians in conjunction with notification and advice relating to the frequency and extent of required future periodic reports.

If the electrician reports any recommends or improvements to the installation, ProElec will give you a fixed price quotation for the remedial work. The improvements do not necessarily have to be carried out by the electrician who provided the report.

Types of Electrical Installation Condition Report certificates

• Electrical Installation Condition Report
• Electrical Installation Certificate
• Domestic Electrical Installation Certificate
• Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate
• Periodic Inspection Report
• PAT Testing Certificate
• PAT Testing Certificate For Building Sites
• Emergency Lighting Reports
• Fire Alarm Reports

PAT testing can also be done at the same time as an inspection report. By doing the two together you will save time and money. PAT testing at the same time could locate any potential safety risks with any electrical appliances.

Landlord electrical responsibilities

Landlords have to provide a satisfactory Electrical Installation Condition Report every five years or at change of tenancy by law.

We carry out Electrical Installation Condition Reports for several local Estate Agencies; we will collect keys for access to properties for your convenience with the assurance that all our electricians and staff are uniformed and carry company identification. Each electrician is qualified to the current Wiring Regulations and CITY & GUILDS 2391 Inspection & Testing Certification of Electrical Installations.

We are fully insured with public liability insurance with professional indemnity, fully compliant with the current health and safety legislation. Copies of these documents are available on request.

The NICEIC Insurance Backed Warranty covers work done by contractors registered to the NICEIC Domestic Installer Scheme.

If your a property agent, commercial or industrial we can discussed prices for electrical tests on a one to one basis. Please contact us for further information for on call-out charges etc, and management contracts.