Can an EICR Reduce Electrical Fire Risks?

An EICR does not have to be prompted by a visible fault. Nevertheless, certain warning signs should not be ignored.

These can include:

• Flickering lights
• Unexplained tripping of circuit breakers
• Frequently blown fuses
• Hot sockets or plugs
• Scorching or discolouration around electrical accessories
• Damaged sockets or switches
• Concerns about old or deteriorating wiring
• Recurring electrical faults

The London Fire Brigade identifies several of these as signs of a potential electrical problem.

If you notice something unusual, it is sensible to obtain professional advice rather than simply waiting to see whether the problem becomes worse.

An EICR may be appropriate where a broader assessment of the installation is required, although an electrician may recommend a different form of investigation where there is a specific immediate fault.

An EICR involves professional inspection and testing of the fixed electrical installation.

The electrician assesses its condition, undertakes appropriate tests and records observations about electrical safety.

The resulting report states whether the installation is considered satisfactory or unsatisfactory for continued use and records relevant observations using recognised classification codes.

An EICR is consequently much more than a quick glance at a consumer unit or a few sockets. The value of the inspection lies in the systematic assessment undertaken by someone competent to carry out electrical inspection and testing.

This is also why choosing an appropriate electrician matters. The usefulness of the report depends upon the quality of the inspection, the accuracy of the testing and the professional judgement applied to the findings.

EICR observations are given classification codes according to their significance.

C1 means danger is present. There is a risk of injury and immediate remedial action is required.

C2 means potentially dangerous. Urgent remedial action is required.

C3 means improvement is recommended. This does not, by itself, make the EICR unsatisfactory.

FI means further investigation is required. Further investigation is necessary to establish whether danger or potential danger exists.

Electrical Safety First confirms these classifications in its current guidance on electrical installation condition reporting.

Where C1, C2 or FI observations are recorded, the overall assessment of the electrical installation will be unsatisfactory.

Understanding these codes is important because an EICR is intended to communicate the condition of the installation clearly. It should provide a meaningful basis for deciding what action is required rather than simply leaving the property owner with an unexplained collection of technical observations.

An unsatisfactory EICR is not something to ignore.

The report should identify the observations responsible for the unsatisfactory assessment. The next stage is to understand what remedial work or further investigation is required.

For landlords subject to the relevant regulations in England, C1 and C2 observations require remedial work, while FI requires further investigation. Current Government guidance also explains the requirements surrounding remedial action for rented properties.

For homeowners, an unsatisfactory result still provides valuable information. It identifies concerns that can then be discussed with an electrician and addressed appropriately.

In this respect, discovering a defect is not a failure of the inspection. Finding previously unidentified problems is precisely one of the reasons an EICR is worthwhile.

If your EICR identifies electrical defects, Contact Electrician can help you understand the findings and discuss the electrical work that may be required.