Electrical faults don’t always come with obvious warning signs. That’s why an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is so important.
Glow Electric will keep your home, your family, and your peace of mind protected. Our expert electricians carry out thorough EICR inspections to make sure your electrical system is safe, up to code, and working the way it should. Because when it comes to your home’s electrics, ‘working fine for now’ isn’t good enough.
What is an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)?
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a health check for your home's electrical system. It’s a detailed inspection carried out by a qualified electrician to make sure everything s safe and up to current UK standards.
You might not think about your electrics much, but over time, they wear down just like anything else in your home. Wiring can degrade, connections can loosen, and previous work might not have been done to the right standard. These things might not seem like a big deal, until they lead to electrical fires, power failures, or even electric shocks.
That’s why getting regular EICRs is so important. They help catch small issues before they turn into serious (and expensive) problems. Even if you're a homeowner wanting peace of mind or a landlord making sure your property is legally compliant, an EICR is a smart and responsible way to keep your home and family safe.
Why Do Homeowners Need an EICR?
Think about how much we rely on electricity every single day, from charging our phones to cooking meals and keeping our homes warm. Now imagine if something was wrong with your home’s electrical system, but you had no idea. Faulty wiring and outdated installations can be dangerous, leading to electric shocks, fires, or even power failures at the worst possible time. An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) helps catch these risks early, so you’re not left dealing with a costly or dangerous situation down the line.
For homeowners, safety should always come first. Electrical systems naturally wear out, and what worked fine 10 years ago might not meet today’s safety standards. Regular EICRs ensure your home’s electrics are in good shape, giving you peace of mind that your family is safe.
If you’re a landlord, electrical safety isn’t just good practice, it’s the law. Under the Electrical Safety Standards for Private Tenancies Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2024, rental properties must meet strict safety standards, including regular EICR checks.
While these rules specifically apply to landlords, homeowners should take them just as seriously. Even if there’s no legal requirement for you to get an EICR, following these same safety standards ensures your home is as safe as possible.
Glow Electric’s qualified electricians will inspect your system and let you know if anything needs fixing, and help you keep your home’s electrics in top condition because safety should never be a guessing game.
How Often Should an EICR Be Conducted?
For homeowners, it's recommended to have an EICR conducted every ten years. However, if you notice any signs of electrical issues, such as frequent tripping of circuit breakers, flickering lights, or unusual noises from electrical components, it's wise to schedule an inspection sooner.
For landlords, the regulations require that electrical installations be inspected and tested by a qualified person at intervals of at least every five years, or more frequently if specified by the inspector. This ensures the safety of tenants and compliance with legal obligations.
What Does the EICR Process Involve?
Glow Electric is aware that electrical safety isn’t something you should have to worry about. That’s why we take care of everything when it comes to your Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). Our process is thorough, straightforward, and designed to give you a clear picture of your home’s electrical health.
Here’s what happens during an EICR inspection.
1. Visual Inspection
Before we test anything, we start by inspecting the visible parts of your electrical system. This includes fuse boxes, sockets, light fittings, switches, and any exposed wiring. We look for clear signs of damage, overheating, or outdated components that might not meet current UK electrical standards. If something looks off at first glance, we’ll flag it right away.
2. Testing with Specialised Equipment
After the visual check, we move on to a deeper assessment using advanced testing tools. This is where we find issues that aren’t immediately visible. Some of the key tests include:
- Checking if the wiring is still functioning safely or if it has weakened over time.
- Inspecting the earthing and bonding system, which is essential for preventing electric shocks.
- Making sure the system isn’t overloaded, which could lead to overheating or potential fire hazards.
- Testing circuit breakers and fuses to confirm they will trip properly in case of a fault.
Electrical connections can loosen over time, so we also check whether any need tightening or replacing to prevent future failures.
3. Reporting and Recommendations
Once the testing is done, we create a detailed report outlining our findings. If your system is safe and meets regulations, we confirm that no further action is needed. If we find any issues, we categorise them based on their severity.
A C1 rating means there’s an immediate danger, like exposed live wires, and it needs urgent attention. A C2 rating indicates a potential safety risk that should be addressed as soon as possible. A C3 rating means the system is safe but could benefit from improvements. If we list FI (Further Investigation), it means a deeper inspection is needed to determine whether there’s a problem.
If repairs are required, we don’t just leave you with the report. We explain your options clearly and can handle any necessary work to bring your system up to standard.
At the end of the process, you receive a full EICR certificate, giving you peace of mind that your home’s electrical system has been professionally inspected and approved.
Understanding EICR Codes and Their Implications
The EICR report uses specific codes to indicate the condition of your electrical installations:
- Code C1: Danger present. Risk of injury. Immediate action required.
- Code C2: Potentially dangerous. Urgent remedial action needed.
- Code C3: Improvement recommended. While not immediately dangerous, these issues should be addressed to enhance safety.
- FI: Further investigation required. Additional examination is necessary to determine the extent of the issue.
Benefits of Regular EICRs for Homeowners
- Peace of Mind
Knowing that your electrical installations are safe reduces the risk of accidents and provides reassurance.
- Insurance Compliance
Some insurance policies require proof of regular electrical inspections. An up-to-date EICR can serve as evidence, ensuring your coverage remains valid.
- Property Value Maintenance
Regular maintenance, including electrical inspections, helps preserve your property's value and can be a positive selling point if you decide to move.
- Energy Efficiency
Identifying and rectifying electrical issues can lead to more efficient energy use, potentially lowering your utility bills.
Choose the Right Professional for Your EICR
It's essential to have your EICR conducted by qualified and competent electricians.
Glow Electric’s team is NICEIC-approved to make sure that we meet the highest standards in the industry. Our extensive experience in Northern Ireland means we're familiar with local regulations and specific requirements, providing you with a thorough and reliable service.
Common Electrical Issues Identified in EICRs
During our inspections, we often encounter issues such as:
- Outdated Wiring
Older homes may have wiring that doesn't meet current safety standards.
- Damaged Sockets and Switches
Wear and tear can lead to cracks or loose connections, posing hazards.
- Inadequate Earthing and Bonding
Essential for preventing electric shocks, deficiencies in this area are critical to address.
- Overloaded Circuits
Excessive use of extension leads or adding high-demand appliances without proper circuit assessment can lead to overloading.
Keeping Your Home Safe with Glow Electric
Electrical safety isn’t something you can afford to ignore. Even if you’re a homeowner wanting peace of mind or a landlord needing to meet legal requirements, an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a simple yet essential step in protecting your home, family, and property.
Glow Electric don’t just inspect your electrics, we also make sure you understand the condition of your system and what, if anything, needs attention. Our team of qualified electricians ensures your home’s electrical setup is safe, compliant, and built to last. If issues arise, we provide clear, practical solutions to get everything in top shape.
Beyond safety, an EICR can also help you save money in the long run. Faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, and outdated components can lead to inefficiencies that drive up your electricity bills. By identifying and fixing these issues early, you can prevent costly damage and improve your home’s energy efficiency.
If you’re planning to sell your home or rent it out, having a recent EICR can also be a valuable selling point. Buyers and tenants are more likely to trust a property that has been professionally inspected and certified as electrically safe. It’s a simple way to show that you’ve taken care of one of the most important aspects of home maintenance.
Don’t wait for flickering lights or a tripped fuse to tell you there’s a problem.
Book an EICR with Glow Electric today and take control of your home’s electrical safety.