A eicr test procedure is a periodical inspection of electrical installations in homes and commercial buildings to check that they are safe for use. This is often required before a property can be sold, purchased or rented. It is also a requirement for many mortgage lenders and insurance companies. An EICR can identify any issues that need to be addressed, allowing for planned maintenance and preventing unexpected problems and expenses.

The process begins with a visual inspection of the wiring and appliances in the building to identify any potential hazards. Once this has been completed the electrician will disconnect the electricity supply and carry out a series of tests on the circuits. These include dead testing (insulation resistance, continuity and polarity) and live testing (residual current devices are tested to see if they can shut down the system in an emergency).

Demystifying the EICR Test Procedure: A Step-by-Step Guide

A comprehensive report will then be created showing the results of each of the tests carried out. The report will then be rated as either satisfactory or unsatisfactory. It is a legal requirement to have an EICR test conducted every five years for landlords and ten years for homeowner-occupied properties.

The eicr test procedure is not designed to be a fault-finding process but rather an assessment of the installation against the latest edition of BS7671, which is currently 18. It should be noted that a faulty electrical system can still cause injury to people even when it has passed an EICR test. Therefore, it is important to ensure that any defects identified by an EICR test are fixed immediately.