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EICR - Visual Inspection
Visual Inspection for your EICR
The Electrical Installation Condition Report is a detailed assessment of the electrical installation within the property inspected. It is typically carried out by a qualified electrician and is used to identify any defects in the electrical system to ensure that it is safe and compliant with relevant regulations.
During an EICR visual inspection, the electrician will look for any visible signs of damage or deterioration to the electrical system. The electrician will also check that all electrical equipment, such as sockets, protective devices, and light fittings, are properly installed and in a safe condition.
After completing the visual inspection, the electrician will prepare a report detailing their findings and any recommended repairs or upgrades.
This report can be used by the property owner or manager to ensure that the electrical system is safe and compliant with relevant regulations.
Looking out for Potential Danger
There are several potential dangers that may be encountered during an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) visual inspection. These include:
Risk of Electrical Shock
Lack of adequate bonding to utilitys, exposed or poorly contained conductors & damaged equipment are all examples of risks that could result on a fatal electric shock if not addressed.
Fire Hazards
If an electrical installation is in poor condition, it may present a risk of fire. The electrician should be alert for any damage to equipment like consumer units non-IP4X, fire-rated downlighting & any other potential fire hazard not compliant with the latest regulations. and should report any such issues to the appropriate authorities.
Over-rated Overcurrent Protection
During the inspection, the correct use of overcurrent protection must be confirmed. This is to ensure you don't have a scenario in which a cable cannot safely handle less current than the fuse protecting any circuit.
For example, a 2.5mm flat twin & earth cable using reference method 101 is safely rated for 17 Amps; if this circuit was on a B20 MCB, the circuit would be deemed unsafe & over-rated.
Checking Protective Devices
During an EICR visual inspection, the electrician will check that all protective devices, such as circuit breakers, RCDs & SPDs, are in good working order and meet current standards. This involves using switches & confirming that single pole switching is in the correct conductor.
They will also check that electrical wiring and connections are secure and in good condition and that all electrical outlets and switches are properly installed and functioning safely.
The electrician will also check for signs of damage or wear that could impede safety, such as cables & fittings. If any issues are found, the electrician will make recommendations for repair or replacement as necessary.
What can’t be Visually Inspected?
During an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) visual inspection, the electrician will primarily be able to inspect the visible components of the electrical installation. This includes any unconcealed wiring, outlets, switches, and protective devices such as circuit breakers and fuse boxes.
However, there may be areas of the electrical installation that are hidden behind walls or other structures and, therefore, cannot be visually inspected.
This is where your inspector will utilize test equipment to judge the safety of the installation.