Electrical Testing Specialists

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ELECTRICAL TESTING

Periodic electrical testing, otherwise known as EICR testing or an Electrical Inspection Condition Report (EICR), is a comprehensive inspection of your electrical systems and installation. At SCT, our specialist test engineer team can conduct this service as part of our full range of fire, security and electrical test solutions.

Unlike companies and landlords, homeowners are not compelled by law to do a periodic electrical test. However, it is sometimes requested as part of the purchasing or selling process. It’s also a good idea to check the safety of your home’s electrics regularly, just like you would with a boiler or a car.

WHAT DOES ELECTRICAL TESTING INVOLVE?

A periodic EICR will determine whether or not your electrical installation has any faults that are not visible with a simple visual inspection. Various issues, such as electrical circuits overheating or getting overloaded during usage, might occur. If an electrical circuit is not correctly installed – for example, without bonding or earthing to secure the electrics safely – it may result in a fire or shock risk. Periodic testing will identify any flaws in your electrical system.

A professional electrician may also perform a visual inspection of your property, giving you a quick assessment of its safety. A visual inspection will search for damaged light switches and sockets, broken wires, and burn marks caused by power outlet overloading. A qualified electrician should perform visual examinations at regular intervals between more comprehensive periodic assessments.

Your test engineer will issue you a certificate whenever a periodic test is completed. The periodic electrical test is also known as an Electrical Inspection Condition Report (EICR). The report will include any degradation, damage, flaws, or other harmful features of your electrical system and anything that is not in accordance with current safety regulations that may endanger individuals.

Suppose a periodic test results in a negative outcome. In that case, the EICR will be classified as “unsatisfactory,” indicating that action must be done to eliminate the danger to anybody living or working on the property. The report will also show which electrical systems failed the periodic testing. Specific codes are used to classify any needed work as shown below:

C1 – this means ‘danger is present’, there is a likely risk of injury and action is required immediately.
C2 – potentially dangerous with remedial action needed urgently.
C3 – improvements to your electrical system are recommended. This is the only code that can appear on an EICR and still pass the test.

When your electrical system has passed the periodic inspection and any necessary remedial work has been completed, you will be given a Minor Works Certificate, which will give you peace of mind that your electrics are safe.

For more information about an EICR for your business or home, please give us a call today and see how we can help.