EICR in Brentwood CM14

This page walks through an electrical installation condition report from preparing the property to reading the results. Billericay Electrical Services covers Brentwood, and you can start with the enquiry form.

A little preparation helps the inspection go smoothly. Make sure the electrician can reach the consumer unit (the fuse board), which is often in a cupboard, under the stairs or in a garage. Clear a path to it and to the sockets, lights and appliances in each room.

If you are a landlord, tell your tenants a visit is coming and agree access. Tell them the power will be switched off for short periods. If you have an earlier electrical installation condition report, or any certificates for past electrical work, keep them to hand. They give the electrician useful background.

It also helps to mention anything odd. Flickering lights, warm sockets, a tripping circuit or a buzzing sound are all worth raising before testing starts.

Step one is a short conversation. The electrician confirms the size and type of the property, how many circuits there are and what you need the report for, such as a rental, a sale or a business premises.

Step two is a visual inspection. The electrician looks at the consumer unit, wiring that can be seen, sockets, switches, light fittings and earthing and bonding. They are checking for damage, wear, overloaded circuits and anything that does not meet current regulations.

Step three is testing. Circuits are switched off one at a time and instruments are used to measure things like continuity, insulation resistance and how the protective devices respond. Expect the power to go off in parts of the property for a while. It is sensible to save work on computers and plan around any medical or security equipment that needs constant power.

Step four is recording. Every finding is noted against the circuit it relates to, so the report reflects the actual installation and not a generic checklist. How long all this takes depends on the size of the property and how many circuits it has.

The result is an electrical installation condition report, usually shortened to EICR. It gives an overall outcome of satisfactory or unsatisfactory, plus observations with codes. Broadly, C1 means danger is present, C2 means potentially dangerous, C3 means improvement is recommended, and FI means further investigation is needed. A C1, C2 or FI usually means the report is unsatisfactory.

If you get an unsatisfactory result, do not panic. Ask for the issues to be explained in plain terms, in order of priority. Some fixes are small, such as replacing a damaged accessory. Others, such as an outdated consumer unit, may call for a full upgrade. Landlords in particular should deal with urgent items promptly and keep the report and any follow up paperwork.

Once repairs are done, the electrician can confirm the work and update the paperwork. Ask what documents you will receive so you know what to keep.

Most requests fall into three groups. Landlords need reports for rented homes. Buyers and sellers often want to know the condition of the wiring before a sale goes through. Businesses use them to check commercial premises. Homeowners who have never had their wiring tested, or whose installation is many years old, also book them for peace of mind.

When you choose an electrician, ask whether they are qualified for inspection and testing, and which scheme they work under. Ask what the quote covers and whether remedial work is priced separately. Rules about electrical safety in rented property can change, so check GOV.UK for the current position.