Electricity can be easy to take for granted, our hidden helper shielded from view in cables and fuse boxes in cupboards. Unremarked upon unless something goes wrong. It is perhaps unsurprising that we can overlook the need to check for signs of damage or wear and tear. Here at Hawtin Electrical we offer Electrical safety testing services in Oxford to help keep your home safe from any electrical problem.
What is an Electrical Installation Condition Report?
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a test that is performed periodically to assess the safety of a property’s fixed wiring. An EICR is designed to highlight any potential problem with a property before it can become hazardous. For homeowners it is recommended that an EICR inspection is carried out every 10 years. For Landlords, one must be carried out every 5 years or when there is a change of tenancy. The EICR must be carried out by a suitably qualified electrician. Hawtin Electrical are NICEIC approved contractors providing electrical testing services, including EICR, in Oxford.
Do I Need An EICR?
As already mentioned, it is recommended that you have an electrician perform an EICR once every decade for your home. There are some signs that you, the homeowner, can look at if you are unsure if your equipment is outdated.
- A Fuse Box with cast iron switches, a wooden back or a mixture of boxes.
- Braided flex on ceiling fixtures.
- Sockets mounted into skirting boards.
- Fixed cables with black rubber, lead or fabric coating.
- Round Pin sockets and light switches
- Brown or black switches
Each of these features indicate a pre-1960’s electrical system which is likely to need some attention. It is also a good idea to have an electrician perform an EICR when you are purchasing a new property to ensure there are no problems, and expensive faults, for you to inherit.
What will an EICR tell me?
The EICR will tell you about the safety and state of your electrical system and advise if there are any hazards or areas of improvement.
During the EICR inspection the electrician will make a number of different observations and will assign each one an observation code accordingly. Code C1 means immediate action is required as there is danger present and code C2 means Urgent action required with potential danger. Each of these codes indicate serious concerns and further work will need to carried out to remedy the situation. A C3 code means improvement recommended and gives you the chance act upon a concern that may develop into a more serious fault later. Hawtin Electrical can provide you with advice and an estimate for any works necessary alongside your copy of the EICR.
If you have any questions about an EICR please don’t hesitate to contact us at Hawtin Electrical.
Landlord In Cowley & Bicester, Oxford