How Often Should I Have My Electrics Tested In My Home

It is natural over time, that all electrical systems deteriorate as they are used so often. That is why it is important to have the necessary tests carried out to ensure their integrity and safety. For homeowners this is particularly important as the usage of specific systems is a lot higher than anywhere else. At IPF Electrical we are accredited electrical engineers. In our latest article we take a look at how often I should have my electrics tested in my home.

What Is Electrical Testing?

Electrical testing is the process of having an accredited and registered electrician enter your home to complete a full inspection on the electrical installations. During this test a full visual as well as deeper inspection is carried out to make sure that all of your electrical installations are working as they should be. 

Over time and due to wear and tear many electrical installations will deteriorate. That is why it is important to have them inspected at least every 10 years. This will help to ensure that no accidents or injuries occur from faulty electrics, but also any remedial work that needs to be completed is not as extensive or potentially expensive.

How Often Should They Be Tested?

Depending on what context you are looking at, electrical testing will be dependent on how often they should be tested. If you are a homeowner this will differ from those who are renting out their properties. Whichever it may be, having your electrics tested is a must, due to wear and tear as well as how often they are used within your home. The explanation for homeowners and rented accommodation is as follows:-

For Homeowners

For homeowners it is recommended that your electrics are tested once every 10 years. However, if you find yourself moving into a new home it is always worthwhile having a check done to know if there is any remedial work going to be needed. The tests will determine the safety and conditioning of the wiring within your home. 

In addition to the 10 year testing rule, if you find that your home is showing signs of wear and tear or any of the following are occurring then you should consider having an electrical test carried out:-

• Regular circuit breaker trips 
• Burning smells 
• Slight electric shocks from sockets 
• Sparking 
• Flickering lights 
• Irregularities with outlets, sockets or switches.

For Landlords

If you are a landlord it is your responsibility to ensure that those who are renting your home are safe. This is why it is suggested that every 5 years an electrical test should be carried out. Or ideally between tenants. This ensures that the new people moving into your home are safe, as well as all electrics working as they should be. It is a legal requirement for all landlords and one in which not adhered to can have severe consequences.

What Does The Test Check For?

The test should be carried out by an accredited and certified professional. They will be checking the electrics within your home against the UK standard for the safety of electrical wiring. Their inspection will also take into account the following areas:-

• The adequacy of earthing and bonding.
• The suitability of switchgear and controlgear. 
• The serviceability of the switchgear, sockets and light fittings. Items that may need replacing include older round-pin sockets, round light switches and any sockets that may be mounted on circuit boards. 
• The type of wiring system and its condition. This will be dependent on the age of your home. 
• Sockets that may be used to supply portable electrical equipment for outdoor use.
• The presence of adequate identification and notices.
• The extent of any wear and tear or damage that has occurred over time. 
• Any changes in use of premises which may have led to unsafe conditions.

To Conclude

Having electrical testing carried out is important to your home, especially for those that are renting or moving into somewhere new. How often you should have your electrics tested in your home does come with a general rule however. If you feel that your house could benefit from it then it is highly recommended to have it completed. At IPF Electrical we have a number of years experience in the world of electrical testing among other services. For more information on how we can help and also what other services we offer then please feel free to Contact Us.

What Is An EICR?

With such an emphasis on safety within buildings or properties having the necessary checks completed, it is now a regulatory requirement. Carrying out these checks not only satisfies regulations but also ensures the safety of those within your building or property. At IPF Electrical we are experienced electrical installation experts. In our latest article we take an in-depth look at what is an EICR.

What Does EICR Stand For?

EICR stands for electrical condition report. This in-depth inspection is carried out on your properties/buildings electrical systems and installations. The report is designed to assess the electricals within your home to ensure that they are operating as they should be, as well as to limit any incidents that may occur. During the test, each element is split into 3 categories. These categories are as follows:-

• C1 – Indicates that danger does exist and will need immediate attention. 

• C2 – Indicates that there is potential for danger and advises urgent attention 

• C3 – Indicates that the electrics pose no danger however it is still recommended to have improvement work carried out.

Once you receive your EICR back from a regulated and trained individual, you are then able to look at what work, if any, needs to be carried out to ensure that your home/building is safe from electrical failings.

Who Needs An EICR?

There are varying situations to who and when you need to have an EICR completed. What can be said is that over time naturally the installations of electrics as well as their components do wear due to extensive use. This is why having one completed is vital for the safety of those within homes and businesses. Some of the guidelines for various situations include the following:- 

Homeowners

Homeowners are required to have an EICR carried out every 10 years. It is also important to have one completed if you are moving out of your home as well as moving into somewhere new. This helps to ensure electrical integrity at both ends. There has also been a common rise in insurance policies requiring an EICR as well. The only exception to the 10 year rule is if you have a swimming pool. This then moves to a yearly EICR check.

Rented Homes 

Under the ‘Landlord and Tenants Act (1985)’ it is required that the electrical elements are maintained and checked throughout the duration of tenancy. It is therefore recommended that an EICR assessment is carried out once every 5 years, or ideally at the change of tenancy. This helps to ensure electrical elements have not been tampered with during that previous person’s occupancy. 

Businesses 

Whilst it is not a legal requirement for businesses to have an EICR, it is the responsibility for the employer to keep people safe under the Health and Safety at Work Act. This law states it is integral for employers to ensure that all precautions are taken to protect employees. Therefore having an EICR completed once every 5 years is usually what is recommended. 

What Happens During An EICR?

During an EICR the approved contractor will check the electrical installations against the requirements of BS7671- Requirements for Electrical Installations. The following areas are checked for their integrity and to ensure their working is correct:- 

• Adequacy or earthing and bonding 
• Suitability of switchgear and control gear (Consumer Unit)
• Type of wiring system and its condition 
• Provision of residual current devices for socket-outlets that may be used to plug in equipment 
• Presence of adequate identification and notices 
• Extent of any wear and tear or damage/deterioration
• Changes in the of the premises which have led to or caused any issues installation

All of these areas are checked thoroughly and make up the basis of an EICR assessment. At the end, the approved contractor will be able to notify you of any areas of failing as well as any remedial work that may need to be carried out in order to pass the assessment.

What Happens If I Fail An EICR Inspection?

If you find yourself in a position where your home or building fails an EICR it is then your responsibility to have remedial work completed. This remedial work will look at the failed areas on your assessment and improve or correct such failings as appropriate. It is then your job to ensure that a retest is carried out once the remedial work has been completed. The timescales on this will be solely down to how extensive the remedial work needs to be.

To Conclude

An EICR is a required component for your home to ensure the safety of the electrical systems in which you have installed. Understanding what is an EICR gives you a better understanding of the importance of this check within your home or business. At IPF Electrical we are highly experienced and accredited electrical installation experts. For more information on how we support your home or business, as well as carry out any EICR assessments or remedial work then please do Contact Us.