FAQs

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) in the UK is a formal assessment of the safety and condition of the electrical wiring, circuits, and related components within a property. It is primarily carried out on domestic, commercial, and industrial premises to ensure that the electrical installation is safe, compliant with regulations, and in proper working order.

The purpose of an EICR is to identify any potential hazards, defects, or areas of concern within the electrical system that could pose a risk to people or property. It helps to ensure the safety of occupants, prevent electrical accidents, and reduce the risk of fires caused by faulty wiring or equipment.

During an EICR inspection, a qualified electrician or electrical engineer will thoroughly examine the electrical installation. This involves assessing components such as:

• Consumer units (fuse boxes) and distribution boards.
• Wiring and cables, including their condition and routing.
• Socket outlets, switches, and lighting fixtures.
• Earthing and bonding systems.
• Protection devices such as circuit breakers and residual current devices (RCDs).
• Identification and labeling of circuits.
• Any visible signs of wear, damage, or corrosion.

The inspection is carried out based on the requirements outlined in the 18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671). After the inspection, the electrician will provide a detailed report that includes the following information:

• A description of the installation.
• Any observed defects, damage, or non-compliance with regulations.
• Recommendations for remedial actions, categorized by their urgency (e.g., "C1" for immediate danger, "C2" for potential danger, and "C3" for improvement).
• Overall assessment of the installation's condition (e.g., "Satisfactory" or "Unsatisfactory").

It's important to note that an EICR does not involve making any repairs or improvements on the spot. Instead, it serves as a diagnostic tool to identify issues that need to be addressed by a qualified electrician. Property owners or managers can then use the report to prioritize and schedule necessary repairs or upgrades to bring the electrical installation up to standard.

EICRs are typically recommended at regular intervals, with domestic properties typically requiring an EICR every 10 years, or sooner if the property is a rental, in which case an EICR is required every 5 years. However, the specific requirements can vary depending on factors such as the type of property and its usage.

A Portable Appliance Test (PAT) is a safety inspection carried out on electrical appliances in the UK to ensure their safe use. The purpose of a PAT test is to identify any potential electrical faults or defects that could lead to accidents, shocks, or fires. This testing process is commonly conducted in various environments, including homes, offices, schools, shops, and other commercial or industrial settings.

During a PAT test, a qualified electrician or PAT tester will examine and test the electrical appliances to ensure they meet safety standards. The tests can vary based on the appliance's class, construction, and usage. The main components of a PAT test typically include:

1. Visual Inspection: This involves checking for visible signs of damage, wear, or deterioration, such as frayed cords, exposed wires, and damaged plugs.
2. Earth Continuity Test: This test checks if the appliance's earth connection is intact and capable of safely conducting electrical current to the ground in the event of a fault.
3. Insulation Resistance Test: This test measures the insulation resistance of the appliance's wiring to determine if it is adequate to prevent electrical leakage and short circuits.
4. Earth Leakage Test: This test checks if the appliance leaks excessive electrical current to the ground, which could indicate a potential safety hazard.
5. Functionality Tests: Functional tests are performed to ensure the appliance operates as intended and doesn't exhibit any unexpected behaviour.
6. Polarity Check: For appliances with plugs that can be inserted in any orientation, this test ensures the correct polarity of the wiring.

After conducting the tests, your inspector will affix a label to each appliance that indicates the outcome of the tests, the test date, and the recommended retest date. Appliances that pass the tests are deemed safe to use, while those with issues may be tagged for repair or further assessment.

The frequency of PAT testing varies based on factors like the type of appliance and the environment it's used in. For instance, appliances in industrial settings might require more frequent testing than those in an office environment. It's important to note that PAT testing is not a legal requirement, but it is considered a best practice for maintaining electrical safety in various settings.

An Emergency Lighting Inspection in the UK is a procedure that ensures that emergency lighting systems within buildings are functioning correctly and will provide adequate illumination in the event of a power outage or emergency situation. Emergency lighting is designed to provide light during situations where the main power supply has failed, such as during a fire, power outage, or other emergency that causes the normal lighting to fail.

The purpose of an emergency lighting inspection is to verify that the emergency lighting system is installed, maintained, and operational according to relevant regulations and standards, ensuring the safety of building occupants during critical situations. This type of lighting is particularly important for aiding evacuation and allowing people to navigate safely in emergency conditions.

During an emergency lighting inspection, a qualified technician will typically assess various aspects of the system, including:

1. Luminaire Functionality: The technician will ensure that each emergency light fixture is functioning properly and providing adequate illumination. This includes checking for any visible damage or malfunction.
2. Battery Condition: Emergency lighting systems are equipped with backup batteries that provide power when the main electricity supply fails. The inspector will check the battery condition, ensuring that they are charged and capable of supplying power for the required duration.
3. Duration of Operation: Emergency lighting systems are typically designed to provide illumination for a specific duration, often ranging from 1 to 3 hours. The inspection will verify that the system meets the required duration.
4. Illumination Levels: The inspection will ensure that the emergency lighting provides sufficient illumination to allow safe movement and evacuation in areas such as escape routes, stairwells, and exit doors.
5. Testing Procedures: The technician will perform various tests, including full functional tests, short power disruption tests, and longer duration tests to ensure the system performs as intended during different emergency scenarios.
6. Maintenance Records: Building owners or managers are required to maintain records of emergency lighting inspections, tests, and any maintenance or repairs conducted on the system.

Emergency lighting inspections are typically conducted at regular intervals, with specific requirements outlined in standards such as BS 5266-1:2016, which provides guidance on emergency lighting design, installation, operation, and testing. The frequency of inspections can vary based on factors like the type of building and its usage.

Conducting regular emergency lighting inspections and tests is crucial to ensuring the safety of building occupants and complying with safety regulations. If any issues are identified during the inspection, they should be addressed promptly to maintain the effectiveness of the emergency lighting system.

EICR (Electrical installation Condition Reports)

• Prices start From £150 per Property (Landlords) or £7.95 per circuit in commercial settings.

Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)

• Prices start from £60 per property (Landlords) or from 55p per appliance.

Emergency Lighting Inspection

• Prices start from £90.