All electrical work should be inspected and tested before it is put into service (i.e. turned on) and an appropriate certificate issued to cover the relevant work undertaken. This is achieved through a series of visual checks and physical tests. First, a number of ‘dead tests’ are carried out with the power off and if successful, several ‘live tests’ are then conducted. The results are recorded and together with the record of the visual checks are presented to the client as part of the certification. This is normally either a Minor Works Certificate for small jobs on one circuit, or an Electrical Installation Certificate for larger jobs. The certification will cover the design, installation, and verification (testing) of the electrical work carried out. It is imperative that a registered electrician carries out each stage of the work to your property.
Once in use, every electrical installation needs to be checked periodically to ensure it is still safe to remain in service. This is achieved by undertaking an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR).
We offer two services, a Domestic Visual Condition Report (DVCR) for domestic properties only and an Electrical Installation Condition Report for both domestic and commercial properties.
Domestic Visual Condition Report (Domestic only)
As the name implies, this is a visual only inspection. The visual report will give an indication as to the condition of the electrical installation. It does not include testing, so the inspection is not likely to find hidden damage to equipment (for example, damage to cables and joints). Usually, a visual inspection report is only suitable if the installation has been maintained and copies are available of the Electrical Installation Certificate and/or any previous Electrical Installation Condition Reports. However, it can provide potential house purchasers with a lower cost option than a full EICR. An expert opinion on the condition of an electrical installation could prevent any unexpected surprises, as well as providing evidence for any potential price negotiations with the vendor.
Electrical Installation Condition Report
This is more in-depth than a DVCR and includes physical testing of the electrical installation. This has the added benefit of testing the wiring of the installation, which more often than not, will be buried in the fabric of the building. The tests will assess if the existing wiring is still suitable for continued use.
An EICR can be used to satisfy potential house purchasers if there is not any certification for the electrical installation. Unfortunately, many people only become aware of the need to have the necessary certification when they come to sell their property. This occurs when they unknowingly employ tradespeople who are either unaware themselves of the regulations or deliberately undertake the work and do not inform the property owner of the need for certification. This is normally because they do not possess the correct qualifications and are therefore not registered with the Competent Person Scheme.
The property owner only becomes aware of the need for certification when the purchaser’s solicitors request it. By which time the rogue tradesperson has either ceased trading or does not answer their phone! In this situation, with the agreement of the solicitors on both sides, an EICR can be used to provide an assessment of the current condition of the electrical installation. It cannot replace the Electrical Installation Certificate, as the inspector cannot verify the design or if the system was installed correctly. However, they can provide a report, which will confirm if the electrical installation is satisfactory for continued use, and provide a list of suggested improvements to conform with the current regulations.
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