What Does The EICR Test Consist Of?

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The testing and completion of an EICR will pick up any potential problem before it can become serious, or even hazardous.

The testing will involve the following:

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Visual inspection:

This is where the electrician will survey the electrical installation before they commence with the electrical testing. The visual inspection will highlight broken or cracked devices, where devices may have been installed in the wrong location, or if there have been overloading or overheating problems.

Electrical testing with the use of electrical test meters include:

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Dead testing

Continuity testing: a test to check if there are any badly connected conductors.

Insulation resistance testing: this test is to make sure that the electrical insulation material surrounding the conductors is intact.

Polarity: this test is to check that the connection is connected in the right sequence.

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Live Testing

Earth fault loop impedance testing: this test is to check that if a fault did occur, that the system meets requirements to cause a disconnection of the supply within the time limit specified

RCD testing: on modern electrical systems RCD’s and RCBO’s are regularly fitted, these devices react to electricity missing from the circuit or installation such as when a person is receiving an electric shock as the electricity passes through his body to the ground (earth)

During the testing, the completion of the EICR observations will be recorded and given a code of C1, C2 or C3 in regard to defects or omissions within the electrical installation being tested.

• C1 = Danger Present, Immediate Remedial Action Required, There is a risk of injury and that immediate remedial action is required to remove the dangerous condition

• C2 = Potential Danger Urgent Remedial Action Required, Potentially dangerous condition’: Urgent remedial action required, this should declare the nature of the problem, not the remedial actions required.

• C3 = Improvement Recommended, This code more often than not implies that while the installation may not comply with the current set of regulations, complies with a previous set of regulations and so is deemed to be safe although this safety can be improved upon

On completion of the EICR, the findings will be explained and recorded and an estimate for any required remedial works raised and supplied to the client.

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What is the cost of an EICR Test?

Generally, the cost will be determined by the number of circuits in the building to be tested and quoted on a price per circuit. This price includes the testing as outlined above and a completed EICR with any notifications of remedial works. Beware prices vary and so does the quality of the tests performed don’t be fooled by cheap prices and make sure you use an accredited company like us.