Installation Test and Inspection

Installation Test & Inspection

Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR); these have replaced the Periodic Inspection Report (PIR); this is the inspection of the condition of an existing electrical installation.  It identifies and lists observations; any defects against the IET Requirements for Electrical Installations; British Standard BS7671.  This is accomplished by carrying out a process of inspection and appropriate testing; to make sure the electrical installation continues to conform to the national safety standard. An Electrical Installation Condition report will:

  • Bring to attention any immediately dangerous conditions.
  • Identify if any of your electrical circuits or equipment that is overloaded.
  • Locate any potential electric shock or fire hazards.
  • Highlight the lack of earthing or bonding.
  • Identify any defective electrical work.
  • Provide a circuit schedule (invaluable to any installation)

Due to the fact that electrical installations deteriorate over time and many installations have been added to or altered by unskilled person this can create hazards and electricity can be dangerous.  That is why it is important to keep check the installations integrity so as to reduce the risk of harm to occupants/employees/members of the public.

An electrical installation should be tested at a maximum period of every:

  • 10 years or change of occupancy for households, domestic dwellings.
  • 5 years for commercial sectors (offices, shops, hospitals, schools)
  • 3 years for industrial sectors
  • 1 year for any special locations such as swimming pools, petrol stations, medical locations.

Other circumstances when an electrical installation condition report should be carried out are:

  • When a premises is being prepared for letting purposes.
  • Before the sale of a property or when purchasing a previously occupied property.

At Capital Power & Data all our electricians are City & Guild qualified, competent and regularly assessed. They will check the installation against the British Standard for wiring regulations. The report submitted is carried out with the BS7671 17th edition in mind.

The condition report takes into account all the relevant circumstances and includes the following:

  • The adequacy of earthing and bonding of the main services, water and gas and also structural steel work.
  • The suitability and functionality of switch and control gear.
  • The condition of the sockets, switches and light fittings.
  • The type of earthing system and its condition.
  • The testing of Residual Current Devices (RCD) which are a requirement to be installed on most new installations.  They provide extra protection for sockets, lighting, special locations and cables concealed within the walls.
  • The presence of adequate identification and warning/informative notices.
  • The extent of damage, wear and tear or other deterioration.
  • The additions or alterations to a premises which have led to, or could possibly lead to, problematic wiring.