As a home or business owner, electrical safety inspections (also known as electrical installation condition reports or EICRs for short) might not necessarily be on your radar. However, they are such an important part of ensuring that your home and business premises are safe and free from electrical hazards. In this guide, we will discuss why they’re so important and when you’ll need to consider booking your next electrical safety inspection.
Why You Need Electrical Safety Inspections
Electrical safety inspections are important for a number of reasons. First and foremost, they can help prevent electrical fires. Electrical fires can be caused by faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, and many other electrical issues that can occur if the problem isn’t solved quickly. An electrical safety inspection can identify these issues before they become a problem, allowing you to take action to prevent a fire from occurring.
As well as identifying emerging faults which could lead to possible fires, an EICR tests the whole of the electrical system, from the intake point to the end of every circuit. This involves both visual inspection and up to 11 sperate tests per circuit! These tests and inspections ensure that, should a fault occur, the protection devices will keep any people inside, and the building itself, safe.
By carrying out regular electrical safety inspections in your home or business premises, potential hazards that could cause injury or even death can be identified. For example, exposed wires could be spotted and resolved, which would have proven a great risk to your family or team.
When You Need an Electrical Safety Inspection
So, when should you have an electrical safety inspection? There are a few situations where an inspection is recommended:
– When purchasing a new home: If you are buying a new home, it is important to have an electrical safety inspection before closing the deal. This will make sure that the home is safe and free from electrical hazards.
– After a major renovation: If you have recently completed a major renovation, it’s a good idea to have an electrical safety inspection. That way you’ll be able to rest assured that the new electrical work is up to safety standards.
– If you are experiencing electrical issues: If you’ve noticed electrical problems such as flickering lights, frequent circuit breaker trips, or other issues, you should have an electrical safety inspection. This will help identify the cause of the problem and ensure that it is fixed safely.
– If your home is older: If you live in an older home, it is a good idea to have an electrical safety inspection. Older homes may have outdated electrical systems that are not up to current electrical standards or may be unsafe.
How Often is an Electrical Safety Inspection Required
Depending on the property or installation type, the recommended time interval for electrical safety inspections will differ. Here is a guide to help you out with knowing when to book your next EICR.
- 5 years for an owner-occupied home
- 5 years for a rented home
- 3 years for an industrial building
- 1 year for a swimming pool
- 3 months for a construction site
Electrical safety inspections are an important part of maintaining a safe and efficient premises. By having regular inspections, you can identify potential hazards and prevent electrical fires, ensure that your electrical system is up to standard and, most importantly, safe. If your next EICR is due, or you’d like some guidance on when to book your electrical safety inspection, reach out to the CJ Timms Electrical team on 01159 440594.
