What is Tested in an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is a detailed assessment of an electrical installation’s safety and compliance. Below are the key elements tested during an EICR:
1. Visual Inspection
Before conducting electrical tests, the inspector will check for any visible issues, including:
Consumer unit (fuse board): Checking for correct labelling, damage, and compliance with modern
standards.
Sockets, switches, and light fittings: Ensuring they are secure, free from damage, and not
overheating.
Protective bonding: Confirming proper earthing and bonding of gas, water, and oil pipes.
Cabling: Looking for exposed or deteriorated wiring.
Signs of overheating or burning: Around sockets, switches, and distribution boards.
2. Continuity Testing (Ring & Radial Circuits)
This test ensures that all cables and connections in the electrical system are intact and properly
connected.
Ring final circuit continuity: Ensuring a continuous loop in ring circuits.
Radial circuit continuity: Checking wiring in non-ring circuits.
Protective conductor continuity: Verifying that earth conductors are connected and functional.
3. Insulation Resistance Testing
Tests whether electrical cables have adequate insulation to prevent short circuits or electric shocks.
Live-to-earth insulation
Live-to-neutral insulation
Neutral-to-earth insulation
This ensures there are no damaged, degraded, or exposed wires that could cause electrical failures.
4. Polarity Testing
Ensures that the live, neutral, and earth connections are correctly wired at sockets, light fittings, and distribution boards. Incorrect polarity can be a serious safety hazard.
5. Earth Fault Loop Impedance Testing (ZS Test)
Confirms that the protective devices (fuses, MCBs, RCDs) will operate correctly in the event of a fault.
Ensures the fault current will return safely to the main earth without delay.
Verifies that earthing arrangements meet required safety standards
6. RCD Testing (Residual Current Device Testing)
Residual Current Devices (RCDs) protect against electric shock by cutting power if leakage is
detected.
Testing ensures:
RCDs trip within specified time limits.
They function correctly under fault conditions.
They operate at the correct sensitivity level (e.g., 30mA for domestic systems).
7. Live Testing (Prospective Fault Current - PFC & Prospective Short Circuit Current - PSC)
Measures the maximum current that could flow under fault conditions.
Ensures the protective devices (fuses, circuit breakers) can safely interrupt a short circuit.
8. Functional Testing of Electrical Components
Ensures that all electrical components operate correctly, including:
Light fittings and switches
Sockets and power outlets
Smoke detectors (if connected to mains power)
Extractor fans and other electrical appliances
9. Protective Bonding Testing
Checks that gas, water, and oil pipes are properly earthed.
Ensures compliance with IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671).
10. Observations & Coding of Defects
All findings are categorised under:
C1 – Danger Present (Immediate action required)
C2 – Potentially Dangerous (Urgent remedial work needed)
C3 – Improvement Recommended (Non-urgent but advisable)
FI – Further Investigation Required
Final Report & Recommendations
Once testing is complete, a full EICR report is issued detailing:
✔ Overall condition of the electrical installation.
✔ Any defects or safety concerns.
✔ Required remedial actions (if any).
How My Electrics Can Help
My Electrics provides thorough EICR inspections, identifying safety issues, ensuring compliance with BS 7671, and recommending necessary remedial actions to keep your electrical installation safe and compliant.
If you are interested in EICR testing, send us a message using the form below and we will get back to you.
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