Brentwood Electrical ServicesIngatestone
EICR in Ingatestone CM4
If you own, rent out, buy or sell a property in Ingatestone, an EICR is probably on your mind.
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EICR in Ingatestone: the questions we hear most
Brentwood Electrical Services covers Ingatestone and the nearby Essex towns. This page answers the questions people ask most about the electrical installation condition report, from what it covers to what happens if it flags a problem.
What is an EICR, and who needs one?
EICR stands for Electrical Installation Condition Report. It records the inspection and testing of the fixed electrical installation in a property: the wiring, circuits, consumer unit, sockets, switches and light fittings. It does not cover plug-in items such as kettles or televisions.
The aim is to find out whether the installation is safe to keep using and whether it meets accepted electrical safety standards. You may see it called an installation condition report, a condition report EICR or simply an electrical safety report. They all mean the same thing.
Landlords, buyers, sellers and business owners ask for one most often. Homeowners also commission one when they do not know when the wiring was last checked.
What happens during the inspection?
The electrician carries out a visual inspection, then tests the circuits one by one. Parts of the supply have to be switched off for short periods, so save your work and plan around it. Computers, broadband equipment and anything on a timer are worth thinking about beforehand.
The inspector needs access to the consumer unit and to every room with sockets, lights or fixed equipment, including garages and outbuildings that share the supply. Blocked cupboards or locked rooms can leave parts of the installation untested.
How long it takes depends on the size of the property and the number of circuits. A small flat is quicker than a large family house. Afterwards you receive the written report with the findings and an overall result.
What do the codes and results mean?
Each issue in the report is given a code. C1 means danger is present and urgent action is needed. C2 means something is potentially dangerous. C3 means an improvement is recommended but it is not considered dangerous. FI means further investigation is required.
A report with any C1, C2 or FI is classed as unsatisfactory. A report with only C3 observations can still be satisfactory.
An unsatisfactory result is not the end of the road. It tells you what needs fixing. Ask for the remedial work to be explained clearly, and keep the report and any later paperwork together.
Landlords, buyers and sellers
Landlords of rented homes are expected to have the electrical installation inspected and tested at regular intervals, with five years a common maximum, and to give tenants a copy of the report. Rules like this can change, so check GOV.UK for the current position before you rely on it.
If you are buying, an EICR can show the condition of the wiring before you commit. If you are selling, a recent report can answer questions from buyers early on. Brentwood Electrical Services offers a specific EICR for Buying or Selling, as well as Landlord EICR.
Business owners also have a duty to keep their electrical installations safe. A Commercial EICR gives a record of the condition of the installation in shops, offices and other premises.
Will I need a new consumer unit?
Not necessarily. Many people worry that an EICR will end with a bill for a new consumer unit. Whether you need one depends on what the inspection finds, such as an older fuse board, missing protective devices or damaged parts.
If the report does recommend a change, ask which code was given and why. Consumer unit upgrades can then be quoted for separately.
PAT testing is a different job. It checks portable appliances, not the fixed wiring, so an EICR does not replace it.
Questions about this
How often should I have an EICR?
It depends on the property. Rented homes commonly need one at least every five years, and a shorter interval may be recommended if the last report raised concerns. For an owner-occupied home, a check every ten years or when you move in is often suggested. Check GOV.UK for the current rules.
How long does an EICR take?
It varies with the size of the property and the number of circuits. A small flat takes less time than a large house. Expect the power to be off for short spells during testing.
What if my EICR is unsatisfactory?
You will need remedial work for any C1, C2 or FI items. Once that is done, the installation can be re-checked and the report updated. Ask for a clear explanation of each item.
Does an EICR include PAT testing?
No. An EICR covers the fixed electrical installation. PAT testing covers portable appliances and is a separate inspection.
How do I arrange an EICR in Ingatestone?
Use the enquiry form on this page. Tell us the type of property, whether you are a landlord, buyer, seller or business owner, and any known issues with the wiring.
Why Ingatestone customers contact us
Covers Ingatestone
Brentwood Electrical Services serves Ingatestone, along with Brentwood, Shenfield, Hutton and Kelvedon Hatch.
A report for each situation
Landlord EICR, EICR for Buying or Selling and Commercial EICR are all part of the services offered.
Help with what the report finds
Consumer unit upgrades and general electrician work are also available if your report recommends action.