Frequently Asked Questions

The best way to ensure your property's electrical system is safe is to have a qualified electrician carry out an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). This thorough inspection checks the condition of your wiring, sockets, switches, and consumer unit against current BS 7671 standards. An EICR will identify any defects, potential hazards, or non-compliance issues and provide clear recommendations for remedial work. Landlords are legally required to have an EICR carried out every 5 years, or at each change of tenancy.

A residential electrical system inspection, formally known as an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), is a detailed assessment of the fixed electrical installations in a property. This includes the wiring, sockets, light fittings, consumer unit (fuse box), and earthing arrangements. A qualified NICEIC-approved electrician will test each circuit, check for wear and tear, assess the overall safety of the installation, and classify any defects found. The inspection typically takes 2-4 hours depending on the size of the property.

A domestic electrical safety certificate — the EICR — involves a comprehensive inspection and testing of all fixed electrical installations in your home. The electrician will check the consumer unit, test all circuits for continuity, insulation resistance, and earth fault loop impedance, inspect sockets and switches for damage, and verify that the installation complies with current regulations. Any issues are classified as C1 (danger present — immediate remedial action required), C2 (potentially dangerous — urgent remedial action required), or C3 (improvement recommended). You will receive a detailed report with the findings.

An EICR report covers the condition of all fixed electrical installations including: the consumer unit (fuse box) and its protective devices; all wiring circuits; sockets, switches, and light fittings; earthing and bonding arrangements; and any accessories connected to the fixed installation. The report details the type and extent of the installation, records test results for each circuit, identifies any damage, deterioration, defects, or dangerous conditions, and classifies observations using the C1/C2/C3/FI coding system. It also provides an overall assessment of whether the installation is satisfactory or unsatisfactory.

A consumer unit, commonly known as a fuse box, is the main electrical distribution board in your property. It receives the incoming electrical supply and distributes it to the various circuits around your home (lighting, sockets, cooker, shower, etc.). Modern consumer units contain miniature circuit breakers (MCBs) and residual current devices (RCDs) that protect you from electrical faults and reduce the risk of fire and electric shock. If your consumer unit still uses rewirable fuses or does not have RCD protection, it may need upgrading to meet current safety standards.

PAT Testing (Portable Appliance Testing) is the examination of electrical appliances and equipment to ensure they are safe to use. It involves a visual inspection and, where appropriate, electronic testing of portable electrical devices such as computers, kettles, toasters, power tools, and extension leads. PAT testing is particularly important for landlords, businesses, and organisations where employees or tenants use electrical equipment. While there is no specific law that requires PAT testing, the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require that all electrical systems and equipment are maintained to prevent danger.