An EICR, or Electrical Installation Condition Report, is an essential safety check for the electrical system at your Huddersfield home.
Much the same as an MOT for your car, an EICR makes sure that your electrical installation is fit for purpose and is safe to use. JP Electrical are your local, qualified providers of EICRs in Huddersfield. In this blog we will tell you a little more about what an EICR entails and why it is important that you have one.
What is an EICR?
An EICR is an electrical safety check of the fixed electrical installation of your Huddersfield home. The electrician who performs your EICR will look at all aspects of your electrics including the fuse board, sockets, switches and circuitry. They will be inspecting every area and testing for any signs of damage or deterioration that could cause harm. Any findings will be noted on the EICR report itself, a copy of which will be provided to you upon completion of the EICR inspection.
Why is an EICR important?
Much of the electrical system in your home is out of sight and it is impossible to tell its condition without proper testing. Like every other part of your Huddersfield home, your electrical wiring degrades with time and use. This deterioration can cause parts of your electrics to become faulty and unsafe. Having a qualified electrician regularly assess the condition of your electrics with an EICR helps to keep you safe from the risk of electrical fire and shock.
How often do I need an EICR?
As a homeowner an EICR is a recommendation rather than a legal requirement but there are a several reasons an EICR would be advised:
- In general, an EICR should be carried out at your Huddersfield home once every 10 years. This will ensure your continued safety.
- An EICR inspection should be arranged before you begin any renovation works. This will make sure your electrics can handle the additional power demands. The EICR electrician will be able to let you know if your existing electrics meet the building regulation necessary for the renovations.
- It is also advisable to arrange an EICR before you buy a new property. This will help prevent any expensive and inconvenient surprises once you move in.
Landlords and commercial properties have a legal responsibility to ensure an EICR inspection is carried out at 5 yearly intervals, or sooner if recommended by your electrician.
What will an EICR tell me?
Your EICR report will tell you about the condition of your homes electrical system and let you know if there are any issues that need rectifying. It will also tell you if works are likely to be needed in the future, which can make planning much easier.
During the EICR inspection your electrician will make notes about your electrics and will assign each observation a specific code. Your electrician will run through any observations with you, explaining what your next steps are.
- Code C1 Immediate action required: Danger present. Your electrician may need to rectify the problem before they leave your property.
- Code C2 Urgent action required: Potential danger to life. Work will need to be completed within a fixed period of time, usually within 28 days.
- Code C3 Improvement recommended: This is a useful warning that an area of your electrics will soon need work, allowing you to plan for the works.
Whatever the reason you need an EICR in Huddersfield, JP Electrical can help. If you have any questions about EICR’s for your home in Huddersfield please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are fully qualified, NICEIC registered electricians, and come highly recommended by our customers. If you would like to arrange an EICR in Huddersfield, call JP Electrical today.