All electrical installations will deteriorate with use and age. This means that they should be tested and inspected at regular intervals to ensure that they remain in a satisfactory condition to enable continued use.
These safety checks are often referred to as a “periodic inspection and testing” and once completed, you will be issued with an Electrical Installation and Condition Report or EICR.
There are a number of important reasons for a periodic inspection. It will reveal if there are electrical equipment or circuits that are overloaded, if there are any potential fire hazards or electric shock risks.
During the inspection, any defective electrical work will be identified, and any lack of bonding or earthing will be highlighted. Tests will also be performed on fixed electrical equipment and wiring to check that everything is safe.
A periodic inspection should be performed every ten years for owner occupied homes, every five years for rental homes, three years for caravans and annually for swimming pools.
Periodic inspections should also be carried out every time a property is being made ready for letting or if you’re selling or buying a previously occupied property.
Any periodic inspections and testing should only be carried out by an electrically competent person. A professional electrician will check the current condition of your electrics against the latest UK standards for the safety of electrical installations.
During the inspection, the electrician will check the adequacy of bonding and earthing, and examine the suitability of your switchgear and control gear.
For example, you may have an old fuse box that has cast iron switches, a wooden back or a mix of both that need to be replaced.
The electrician will also check the serviceability of sockets, light fittings, and switches.
These items may need to be updated or replaced, such as round light switches, black switches, skirting board mounted sockets, older round pin sockets or cables with a fabric coating that are hanging from your ceiling roses to your light fittings.
It is also important that the condition and type of your wiring system is checked.
For example, you may have cables that are coated in black rubber that were actually phased out during the 1960s. Older properties may have cables coated in fabric or lead that are even older and need to be upgraded to the longer lasting PVC used in modern cables.
Once the inspection has been completed, the competent person will issue the Electrical Installation Condition Report.
This will detail any observed deterioration, damage, dangerous conditions, defects or any non compliances with the current safety standards that could pose a threat.
If there is anything potentially dangerous or hazardous, the overall condition of your electrical installation will be declared “unsatisfactory.” This will mean remedial action will be required immediately to remove any of the risks that could harm the property occupants.
If you are in need of an EICR, you can rest assured that all our recommended electricians are equipped to help you.
They can not only perform the inspection necessary for the EICR but also conduct any necessary repairs to ensure that your property is free of hazardous electrics.
If you’d like to speak to our recommended electrician in your area, you can find them here.
Excellent service, quick response for emergency call. thank you Neil
Neil emslie
Didn’t end up needing to use these services. But Dan responded to my query quickly which was really reassuring
Janet
Quick repair, no hassle. Guys new their stuff.
Mike kobak
First class customer service, smart , polite, very high standards of work. Will be definitely using again and spreading the word. Thank you
Shona foreman
Gareth arrived early was very polite and professional. Definitely will keep his number
Graham Hunt
Impressed that my call was answered within seconds by Sean, first of all. The new electrical socket was fitted efficiently by Oscar. Good professional service all round and can definitely recommend!
Dr Christine Behan
Excellent service so good we are booked in for more work to be done
Jenny watson
Used once in the past with no problems. Just want to say have a phoned for advice on a couple more occasions, and each time have been very impressed, by the advice and time given to me. They will be my first port of call for any future electric problems.
J Mckinney
Came out on a bank holiday at very short notice - not even an emergency. Very helpful, professional and courteous.
Naobh
A very good experience. Gareth came to look at the job when he said he would. Two electricians arrived to undertake the work on time, they were efficient, tidy and polite. The job was completed on time and all rubbish was taken away. Would recommend and use again.
Mark G
Great and friendly service, would highly recommend.
Jane McKay
From initial quotation to job follow-up, the service was faultless. Electrician was knowledgeable, courteous and clearly walked me through various ideas and options available. Work was carried out on time/date agreed, and on budget. Would highly recommend.
Crawley
Excellent workmanship. Really pleased with the finished result, can now use freezer and electrics in garage, old lights removed and replaced with new ones. System also separated from house circuit which is ideal. In addition I originally booked Steve last week but due to poor weather conditions I was unable to empty the garage and until he arrived I didn't realise he wouldn't be able to complete the work. Steve was extremely accommodating and agreed to return a week later with no fuss. I will be using him again for sure!!
Horley
Steve was really friendly, helpful and provided an excellent service. He was around the same day we called to provide a quote and completed the job quickly and efficiently. We will certainly be using him again.
Crawley
Very tidy work, all sockets were flush and tidy matching well with the existing electrical fittings. Be quite happy to use him again.
Redhill
Can't fault it. A good job and would definitely recommend Steve to others.
Haywards Heath
Very approachable and knowledgeable and did a really good job.
Crawley
Steve has been brilliant since he got in touch last week. He came out to me the same day, and had to send off for a part and fitted it today. He even came back again last week after I thought the initial issue had got worse. He was very professional, friendly and efficient and I would happily use his services again.
Nancy
Steve was very helpful and friendly. He came out the same day and repaired wiring which had been drilled through, triping out the Sockets. Very professional. Would highly recommend him. Will definitely use his services again.
Gary
Steve came out .what a great job he done .id had another electrician out who totally messed my electrics up .but Steve sorted it out so it’s all safe .and done it quickly so was only charged for an hours work .will always phone on Steve now .very happy customer.
Sue Light
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