EICR in Upminster RM14

It is an inspection and test of the fixed wiring and the main parts of the electrical system in a property. Romford Electrical Services covers Upminster, and this page walks you through what normally happens on the day so nothing comes as a surprise.

A little preparation makes the day smoother. Make sure the electrician can reach the consumer unit (fuse box), which is often in a cupboard, under the stairs or in a garage. Clear a path to it if you can. Do the same for any sub-boards, outbuildings or garden supplies that are part of the installation.

Tell everyone in the property that the power will be switched off for periods. Landlords should warn tenants in advance. Switch off and save anything sensitive, such as computers, and make a note of any problems you already know about, like flickering lights, warm sockets or tripping circuits.

Every inspection is a little different, but most follow this order.

First, a visual check. The electrician looks at the consumer unit, sockets, switches, light fittings and any visible wiring for damage, wear or signs of overheating. They also check that earthing and bonding are in place.

Second, the power goes off. Circuits are isolated so that the testing can be done safely. This is usually done in stages, so you will not always lose everything at once.

Third, testing. Instruments are used to check things you cannot see, such as the condition of the wiring, how well circuits are protected, and whether protective devices trip as they should.

Finally, the results are recorded and the power is restored. How long it takes depends on the size of the property and the number of circuits, so ask when you enquire.

The findings go into the installation condition report. Observations are normally given a code. C1 means danger is present, C2 means potentially dangerous, C3 means improvement is recommended, and FI means further investigation is needed. The report then states whether the installation is satisfactory or unsatisfactory overall.

If anything is flagged, you do not have to guess what to do next. Ask the electrician to explain each item in plain English and which ones matter most. Problems with an older consumer unit, for instance, may lead to a conversation about a Consumer Unit Upgrade.

Landlords often need an EICR for a rental property, and buyers and sellers sometimes want one to understand the condition of the wiring before a sale goes through. The rules for landlords can change, so check GOV.UK for the current position and keep your report somewhere safe.

When you choose who carries out the work, ask whether they belong to a recognised scheme such as NICEIC or NAPIT, ask to see ID on arrival, and check that they carry insurance. These are sensible questions for any electrician.