Another Electrical Installation Condition Report completed by Chilvers Electrical Services in Milton Keynes, assessing the safety and condition of the property’s electrical installation.
What actually happens during an EICR
An EICR is not a visual once-over. I carried out a full inspection and test of the consumer unit, circuits, sockets, lighting, earthing and bonding, using a Megger MFT1721 multifunction tester.
The dead tests come first, with the installation isolated. Continuity of protective conductors confirms every earth is actually connected back to the board. Insulation resistance — tested at 500V — checks that the cable insulation has not broken down between conductors or to earth; a healthy circuit reads well above the minimum, and a low reading points to damaged cable, water ingress or a nail through a wire somewhere.
Then the live tests. Earth fault loop impedance confirms that if a fault occurs, enough current will flow to trip the protective device fast enough to matter. RCD trip times are measured against their rated figures. Polarity is verified throughout.
What the results mean
Findings are coded, and the codes are what determine whether your installation passes:
- C1 — danger present, immediate action required
- C2 — potentially dangerous, urgent remedial work needed
- C3 — improvement recommended, but not a failure
- FI — further investigation required
A report is only satisfactory if there are no C1, C2 or FI findings. C3 items do not fail the report.
As with many properties, this inspection identified a number of items needing attention. The customer received a clear report explaining every finding along with recommendations for the remedial work.
Who needs one, and when
Landlords in England must have a satisfactory EICR at least every five years and provide a copy to tenants — that is a legal requirement, not guidance. For owner-occupied homes the recommendation is every ten years, or on purchase. Regular testing finds hidden faults before they become a fire or shock risk.
If your property is due an inspection, get in touch to arrange it.