Schedule an EICR before renewing a tenancy or buying a home to prevent electrical hazards. Provide the electrician with past certificates for a clearer inspection context. Address any EICR-identified issues promptly to maintain compliance and safety.
Conduct urgent EICRs if significant electrical work has been done or previous tests were failed.
What to do first
- Frequent tripping of the consumer unit suggests an overload or fault on a circuit.
- Visible scorch marks or melting on outlets indicate overheating and need immediate investigation.
- Flickering lights may point to loose connections or deficiencies in the circuit wiring.
- A persistent burning smell near installations could signify damaged insulation or components.
- If appliances lose power when others turn on, it indicates a possible circuit overload.
- Buzzing or humming sounds from outlets might reveal electrical faults requiring professional attention.
- Discoloured wall sockets can hint at internal burning or poor connections needing urgent review.
Common causes
- Deteriorating insulation over time exposes wires, leading to potential short circuits and faults.
- Rodents can chew through insulation, exposing live wires and creating dangerous hazards.
- Excessive moisture may corrode metal components, reducing their conductive capabilities.
- Overloading a single circuit with multiple high-demand devices causes overheating and eventual tripping.
- Improper DIY electrical work can result in unsafe conditions and fail to meet regulatory standards.
What you can check
- Collect all prior certificates and reports to give the electrician a full view of past electrical work.
- Inspect sockets and switches for visible damage or unusual odours, reporting concerns before inspection.
- Communicate any known issues or previous repairs to guide the electrician's focus safely and effectively.
What the electrician does
- Schedule an EICR after a failed report to identify current issues and regain compliance swiftly.
- Engage a registered electrician for remedial work as indicated in an EICR to ensure ongoing safety.
- Perform regular Portable Appliance Testing to maintain appliance compliance and reduce fault risks.
- Install additional circuits to manage high-draw appliances, preventing future overload and tripping.
- Rectify any physical or environmental wiring damage to eliminate risks and enhance performance.
How the job usually runs
- Begin with a visual inspection to identify damage or non-compliance in electrical installations.
- Use testing instruments to assess parameters like earth continuity, confirming reinstated safety.
- Measure insulation resistance to locate faulty areas that could compromise overall electrical safety.
- Check polarity to ensure all electrical connections are correct, reducing risk of shocks or failures.
- Compile findings into a detailed report outlining compliance issues and necessary remedial actions.
- Label the consumer unit with the last inspection date for regulatory adherence and clear reference.
How pricing works
We don't set prices. Differences usually come from:
- The property age can affect pricing as older installations may require more detailed inspections.
- The complexity of existing alterations impacts evaluation time and potential remedial work costs.
- Limited access to certain areas may increase costs due to additional equipment or labour required.
- Scope variations, including the number of circuits and connection points, can affect the overall price.
- Condition and age of existing equipment can add costs if upgrades or replacements are needed.
Questions
What should I do immediately after a failed EICR?
Address any issues noted in the EICR promptly. Engage a registered electrician to carry out the required remedial work. This helps ensure your property is safe and compliant with regulations. Prompt action after a failed report reduces safety risks and helps avoid potential legal issues associated with non-compliance.
How can flickering lights in my home be diagnosed?
Flickering lights may be caused by loose connections or circuit deficiencies, which can lead to safety risks. Schedule an EICR to diagnose the problem accurately. A registered electrician will inspect the circuit for poor connections and ensure all installations meet safety standards. This helps to prevent further issues and ensures safety.
Should I replace my wiring after an EICR?
An EICR helps determine whether existing wiring needs replacement. If the report highlights significant damage or non-compliance issues, replacement may be necessary to ensure safety. Consult with the electrician who conducted the EICR to understand the specific issues and receive expert recommendations on any required upgrades.
What limitations might affect an EICR inspection?
Limitations in an EICR inspection might include inaccessible areas such as sealed wall cavities or locked utility spaces. These areas might hide potential faults which can't be assessed during the inspection. Provide as much access as possible to ensure a comprehensive inspection. Discuss any access issues with the electrician beforehand for the most thorough assessment.