Electrical safety is something no property owner should overlook. Whether you’re a landlord, homeowner or business manager in Brighton, Hove or Bevendean, keeping your electrics up to standard is both a legal requirement and a crucial safety measure. One of the most effective ways to do this is through an EICR, a formal inspection that highlights any risks within your electrical installation. In this guide, we break down exactly what an EICR is, why it matters and who needs one.
Electrical installations degrade over time through regular use, environmental factors and general wear. An EICR checks the integrity of your wiring, sockets, fuse board and other fixed components, highlighting any faults that could lead to electric shock, fire or system failure.
By identifying issues early, you can plan repairs before they become dangerous or expensive.
What Does an EICR Involve?
An EICR, or Electrical Installation Condition Report, is a comprehensive inspection carried out by a qualified electrician to assess the safety and condition of your property's fixed electrical systems. It covers all key components, from wiring and sockets to the consumer unit and protective devices. This service is essential for homes and commercial premises across Brighton, Hove and Bevendean.
Visual Inspection
The electrician will begin with a thorough visual check of the installation. This involves looking for any obvious signs of damage, wear or poor workmanship. They’ll check the condition of cables, sockets, switches, the consumer unit, and any accessible parts of the installation.
Testing of Circuitry
Next, a series of electrical tests is conducted on each circuit. These tests assess how well the system is functioning and whether it meets current safety standards. The electrician will measure things like insulation resistance, polarity, earth continuity and RCD operation.
Checking for Outdated Wiring and Unsafe Modifications
Outdated or degraded wiring is a common cause of electrical faults. The electrician will check for signs of wear, old cable types (such as rubber-insulated wiring), and any unauthorised alterations that could compromise safety.
Testing of Circuit Breakers, Earthing and Bonding
Proper earthing and bonding are critical to electrical safety. The electrician will confirm that all metal components (such as pipes and radiators) are correctly bonded and that the earthing system is sufficient. Circuit breakers and RCDs are tested to ensure they trip correctly under fault conditions.
Verifying Compliance with Current Regulations
Electrical standards in the UK are governed by the IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671). The electrician will assess whether the installation complies with these regulations, including requirements introduced in recent updates.
Identification and Coding of Defects
Any issues found during the inspection are documented and given a classification code:
C1 – Danger present, immediate action required
C2 – Potentially dangerous, urgent attention needed
C3 – Improvement recommended (not necessarily unsafe)
FI – Further investigation required without delay
Final Assessment
Once all checks are complete, the electrician will issue a report stating whether the installation is satisfactory or unsatisfactory. If the result is unsatisfactory, the report will detail the necessary remedial work to bring the installation up to standard.
Who Needs an EICR?
- Landlords must obtain an EICR every five years, or at each change of tenancy
- Homeowners are advised to get an EICR every ten years
- Businesses often require periodic reports to meet workplace safety standards
Even if you're not legally obliged to get one yet, an EICR offers peace of mind and helps you avoid the risk of unseen electrical dangers. This is particularly important for properties in areas like Brighton, Hove and Bevendean, where a mix of older homes and modern developments may present unique electrical challenges.
Book Your EICR with Resistance Electrical
At Resistance Electrical, we carry out thorough and professional EICR assessments for landlords, homeowners and businesses across Brighton, Hove and Bevendean. Whether you're looking to meet legal standards or simply want to keep your electrics in check, our qualified electricians are ready to help.
Call us today on 07361 565265 to book your EICR or to speak with our team.
