Who Can Check My Electrics?
This is why we’ve put together a thorough “how to” guide for people to take a look at. Hopefully this can answer any questions that may be lingering.
This is why we’ve put together a thorough “how to” guide for people to take a look at. Hopefully this can answer any questions that may be lingering.
Choosing an approved registered contractor to check your electrics is as important as choosing an approved mechanic to carry out an MOT on your car. It is however, something that is never thought about, and is very rarely kept on top of by homeowners around the country.
People can easily get confused when learning what needs to be checked, when they need to be checked and who can check your electrics.
This is why we’ve put together a “how to” guide for home owners to take a look at. Hopefully this can answer any questions that may be lingering.
This must seem like such an obvious answer at the outset. But when it comes to electricians, some are more qualified than others. Some specialise in domestic properties only. Some specialise in Commercial properties only. And some might say they specialise in both.
Unfortunately, some aren’t electricians at all and are referred to as “cowboy electricians”. We set ourselves apart from that crowd at IPF Electrical, as we’re proud of every installation and service that we complete.
It is important to make sure you are not duped in to hiring someone who seemingly is an electrician. Not only will it be unlikely that they’re qualified, it’s highly likely that you’ll be underquoted but then overcharged.
There are several things you can do when looking for someone to check your electrics, from checking they’re registered down to checking reviews from other people.
Using websites such as Check a Trader can help when trying to find a genuine electrician. There are normally an array of reviews with each electrician. And registered electricians are normally registered here also.
At IPF Electrical, we have a team of experienced electrical professionals who provide a professional service to all our customers. We have a range of skills, paired with our industry level training and experience.
Electrical installations in the home can deteriorate just like everything else. General wear and tear, ageing, all factor in to the deterioration, which is why electrical tests should be carried out regularly. If you’d like to know, in more detail, how often you should check your electrics, just click the highlighted link on this line.
For domestic properties, it is highly recommended to have your electrics checked at least once every 10 years.
If you are a landlord of a property, you should look to have your electrics checked every 5 years. If a tenancy comes to an end before this 5 year period, you this should carry this out before new tenants occupy the residence.
All businesses should have their electrics checked every 5 years.
These guidelines are advised by British Standard BS 76719 (IET Wiring Regulations).
The basic explanation, is that an electrician will check all electrical installations for any faults.
There are several faults that can occur such as electrical circuits becoming overloading during usage or if a circuit has not been installed correctly. These faults can lead to electric shocks or even a fire, which is why it is so important to have your electrics tested.
Once you have chosen your electrician, be sure to discuss in depth with your electrician what they will do. So you are informed exactly what is and isn’t included.
Once your electrician has completed the investigation, you will be issued with an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report). This report will detail and damage, deterioration or dangerous conditions. It will also include anything non-compliant with current safety standard that could lead to dangerous conditions putting people at risk.
If your test comes back negative, this will lead to a record of “unsatisfactory”. This indicated that immediate work is required to cease risk to anyone living or working in the property.
There should also be details regarding which electrical system or systems failed the test. The following codes are assigned to the work required:
Once your system has passed the inspection, whether that be immediately or following any C1 or C2 work completed, you will be issued an EICR Certificate of Safety. You can relax knowing your home is safe and your electrics are fully compliant.
It is important that you have the best experience possible having an inspection carried out in your home. In order for this, you should feel comfortable with your electrician.
Be sure to make sure you’re fully informed of what is going to happen during your electrical inspection. Feeling confident about having your electrics checked is exactly how you should feel. Your electrician should be able to provide you with everything necessary to make this happen.
Our engineers at IPF Electrical can help you with your journey to your certificate of Safety. Feel free to give us a call and we can help. We want to ensure that all of our customers have the best experience possible, and we are here to do that.