Electrical testing & inspection in Preston.

Here at Powerhouse, we can provide professional domestic Electrical Inspection Condition Report (EICR) testing, which was known as periodic electrical testing. This is a comprehensive inspection of your home’s electrical systems and installations and is something we offer as part of our full range of domestic electrical solutions.

While homeowners are not required by law to conduct EICR testing, unlike businesses and landlords, it is required as part of the buying and selling process. This means that if you are planning on selling your property, an EICR test can help to indicate any improvements you should make first, to get the full value of your property. In addition, keeping your domestic electrics safe is something that you should consider a high priority, in the same way you would carry out maintenance on your car or boiler. 

How Often Should I Test My Electrics?

Home electrics can deteriorate with age, and can be prone to wear and tear. As a result, you should consider electrical testing on a regular basis. In fact, British Standard BS 76719 (IET Wiring Regulations) advises that homeowners, landlords and businesses test at the following intervals:

Homeowners – every 10 years at least, unless there is a swimming pool. In this case every year.

Businesses – every five years.  

Landlords  every five years, or when there is a change of tenancy.

What Does EICR Testing Involve?

This is a thorough investigation of your homes electrics, that will discover any faults, issues or damage that is unidentifiable to a simple visual inspection.  This could include faults with electrical circuits, or connections, or even the fuse board. Any small issue, however minor it may seem, can be a big risk for your health and safety, and that of your property. For example, a simple circuit that is not earthed properly can result in an electrical fire. 

Our team of trained professionals will test your system, and carry out a visual check too. This will include looking at light switches and sockets, cables and wiring. We will also assess the residual current device (RCD) for any circuits operating gardens and bathrooms. All visual checks should be carried out more frequently than the full EICR testing to ensure your home safety. 

On completion of the testing, you will be given an EICR. This is a report that outlines and details all of the inspections, including any work that needs to be undertaken, and a time frame for this to be rectified. If this test has an “unsatisfactory” result, this means that work is needed immediately for the safety of anyone living in the property. This will show exactly which systems failed, and why. Any required work is classified using specific codes:

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.  

One the work has been implemented and your electric system has passed, you will be given an EICR Certificate of Safety, giving you reassurance that your home electrics are safe.

For more information about electrical testing for your home, get in touch with Powerhouse today.

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