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When visiting properties in Corby and Kettering , I come across so many problems and issues that could have been easily avoided and a lot of money could have been saved if only the owner would maintained the electrical system regularly, so I decided to write this article about - Why you should consider having a home electrical safety check (EICR)
A home electrical safety check is more formally known as an Electrical Installation Condition Report or an EICR. It is a safety check conducted by an electrician to report on the state of the electrical installation in your Corby home – think of it like a MOT for a building.
When do I need an electrical safety check?
For privately owned domestic properties, it's not a statutory requirement to have an EICR, it's just a good idea. It's advisable that the electrical installation of your property is tested and inspected at regular intervals and no longer than once every ten years.
Prior to 2012 the EICR was known as a Periodic Inspection Report or a PIR.
So, why should you consider having an EICR? Read on to find out...
Why have an electrical safety check?
-To ensure there's no damage to any electrical installations
As part of the EICR your electrician will conduct a visual inspection to look out for damaged or broken plug sockets, switches, light fittings and fuseboards and also signs of overheating and burning.
- To determine if electrical devices are installed in the right locations
For example wall mounted light switches shouldn't be installed inside bathrooms.
-To check your earthing
As part of the EICR your electrician will check that your earthing system is suitable for your electrical installation. It is vital that you have adequate earthing for both the protection of you and others in your property and the property itself.
-To check if RCDs are installed and to check their performance if they are
Your electrician will first of all check if Residual Current Devices (RCDs) are installed and if they are, they will check if that offer adequate protection from electric shock.
-To determine just how much a risk any possible issues are
To determine just how much a risk any possible issues are, your electrician will number them from C1 to C3 on the EICR.
Understanding the electrical safety check codes
Code C1 - Danger present: With this issue there's a risk of injury and immediate remedial action is required to remove the dangerous condition.
Code C2 - Potentially dangerous condition: Urgent remedial action required, this should declare the nature of the problem, not the remedial actions required.
Code C3 - Improvement recommended: This code more often than not implies that while the installation may not comply with current regulations, it complies with previous regulations and is deemed safe but its safety could be improved.
If you are based in Corby, Kettering or the surrounding area and are in need of an EICR electrical safety check, contact DNA Father and Son's Electrical. We are your local, experienced electrician.