An electrical installation is the internal wiring and fixed electrical equipment within a building, including cables, consumer unit (fuse box), power circuits, switches and sockets.

It does not include appliances such as cookers, kettles and dish washers.

Why do I need to get the electrical installation in my home checked?

Faulty and old wiring is one of the major causes of house fires in the UK. Electrical systems deteriorate with age and use. Regular testing and inspection can help to reduce risk and liability.  These safety checks or Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR), were previously known as ‘Periodic Inspection Reports’ and ‘Fixed Wiring Reports.

There is no legal requirement to obtain an Electrical Installation Condition Report but they are recommended for a number of reasons. Landlords are advised to get rental properties inspected and tested every five years or at the change of tenancy. An EICR may also be suggested for prospective purchasers. A survey will not inspect the electrical wiring, but the surveyor may call in expert help if the installation is old or has been altered, for example a kitchen extension.

Rented properties and some public places, such as theatres, restaurants and hotels, are often required to have an EICR to obtain insurance.

What is the aim of an electrical installation condition report?

To provide a report of the condition of the electrical wiring at the time of the inspection and for testing in future. It will include an overall assessment of its safety and suggest changes to correct any problems that may give rise to danger. Areas of concern will be highlighted and ranked in importance.

The report should

·         Record the measurements and results of the inspection and testing

·         Detail any damage, deterioration, defects or non-compliance with current standards that might affect safety.

·         Identify defective electrical work that doesn’t comply with regulations and could lead to danger

·         Find any potential fire hazards and anything that might cause electric shocks or high temperature risks which can cause burns.

·         Highlight if any electrical circuits or equipment are overloaded and lack of earthing or bonding.

Fixed electrical wiring installed in accordance with earlier regulations that no longer meets current regulations is not necessarily unsafe for continued use or in need of upgrading. However, if any dangerous or potentially dangerous conditions are found, the overall assessment of the electrical installation will be judged ‘unsatisfactory’ until remedial work is done.

Inspection and testing of electrical appliances, such as cookers, kettles and vacuum cleaners, often called portable appliance testing (PAT), is not included in these reports. PAT inspections are a different type of condition report. Click here to find out more.

How often is an electrical installation condition report required?

The Institute of Electrical Engineers (IEE) recommends the following maximum times between inspections and testing:

·         Owner-occupied homes every 10 years or when you move into a new property.

·         Rental homes every five years or change of tenancy

·         Offices, shops and laboratories every five years

·         Industrial installations every three years

·         Caravans every three years

Are there different types of condition report?

Broadly, there are two types of domestic electrical installation condition report

·         Visual inspection – this is less comprehensive and is usually only advised if the wiring and fixed electrical equipment has been inspected and tested recently

·         Full inspection and test – this is a test of the entire installation and is usually recommended for landlords every five years.

Who should carry out your condition report?

Electrical inspection reports should only be carried out by a fully qualified and competent person approved by the UK Government to carry out electrical work in your home. Check if the electrician is registered with a regulatory body such as NICEIC, ELECSA, NAPIT, BSI, Benchmark Certificated & Stroma Certificated. Make sure the inspection and testing is in accordance with BS 7671

How can I order a condition report?

Click here to find a list of electricians in your local area and compare estimates for an Electrical Installation Condition Report.