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Most homeowners would not drive their car for ten years without an MOT, yet many properties in Newton Abbot have not had their electrical installation inspected for decades.
An Electrical Installation Condition Report, commonly known as an EICR, is the electrical equivalent of an MOT for your property. It helps identify deterioration, damage, wear and tear, and potential safety issues before they become serious problems.
At A.M Electrics Devon Ltd, we carry out EICRs throughout Newton Abbot and the surrounding areas for homeowners, landlords, letting agents, and businesses.
What Is an EICR?
An Electrical Installation Condition Report is a detailed inspection and test of your property's fixed electrical installation.
The inspection covers items such as the consumer unit, circuit breakers, wiring, earthing arrangements, bonding conductors, sockets, switches, lighting circuits, and other electrical equipment that forms part of the installation.
Testing is carried out to confirm that circuits are operating safely and comply with current regulations.
Many faults cannot be identified through a simple visual inspection and only become apparent when electrical testing is completed.
Why Are EICRs Important in Newton Abbot?
We regularly attend properties in Newton Abbot where electrical installations have not been tested for many years.
Common issues found during inspections include:
- Outdated fuse boards.
- Missing RCD protection.
- Damaged accessories.
- Incorrect circuit identification.
- Signs of overheating.
- Poor electrical alterations carried out by previous contractors.
- Lack of earthing or bonding upgrades.
These issues can increase the risk of electric shock, electrical fires, nuisance tripping, and equipment damage.
An EICR helps identify these issues before they develop into more serious problems.
How Often Should an EICR Be Carried Out?
The recommended inspection intervals depend on the type of property.
Owner-occupied homes are generally recommended every 10 years or when the property changes ownership.
Rental properties require inspections at least every 5 years or at a change of tenancy where appropriate.
Commercial properties may require more frequent inspections depending on the environment and usage.
If you have recently purchased an older property in Newton Abbot and have no record of previous testing, an EICR is highly recommended.
Not All EICRs Are the Same
One thing we often hear from customers is that they have received vastly different prices for EICRs.
Unfortunately, not all inspections are carried out to the same standard.
An EICR is not a quick visit that can be completed in an hour. A proper inspection requires time, experience, testing equipment, and the qualifications needed to carry out inspection and testing work correctly.
We regularly hear stories from customers who have paid for an inspection but never received a report, or were told they needed thousands of pounds worth of work without being given proper evidence or explanations.
At A.M Electrics Devon Ltd, every EICR includes a detailed report explaining any observations identified during the inspection. Where appropriate, photographs are included to help customers understand exactly what has been found.
What Happens During an EICR?
Before testing begins, a visual inspection is carried out throughout the property.
Dead and live testing is then completed on each circuit to verify safety and compliance.
The inspection may include:
- Consumer unit inspection.
- Circuit testing.
- RCD testing.
- Insulation resistance testing.
- Earth fault loop impedance testing.
- Earthing and bonding verification.
- Circuit identification checks.
Once testing has been completed, a full report is produced detailing the condition of the installation and any recommendations.
EICRs Can Save Money in the Long Run
Many electrical faults can be identified long before they become expensive emergency call-outs.
By identifying problems early, homeowners can often plan repairs and upgrades rather than facing unexpected breakdowns or safety concerns.
An EICR also provides valuable peace of mind by confirming that the electrical installation has been professionally inspected and tested.
Looking for an Electrician in Newton Abbot?
Whether you are a homeowner, landlord, buyer, seller, or business owner, an EICR provides a clear picture of the condition of your electrical installation.
At A.M Electrics Devon Ltd, we carry out Electrical Installation Condition Reports throughout Newton Abbot, Kingsteignton, Ogwell, Abbotskerswell, Ipplepen, Kingskerswell, Bovey Tracey, Chudleigh and the surrounding areas.
If you are looking for a trusted electrician in Newton Abbot to carry out an EICR, contact A.M Electrics Devon Ltd today.