Fixed Wire Testing

Fixed Wire Testing (Electrical Installation Condition Report ( EICR ) 

Fixed Wire Testing – otherwise known as an ‘Electrical Installation Condition Report’ (EICR) or a ‘Periodic Inspection’ – is an essential part of your Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM), and essentially inspects your building’s electrical installation.

Fixed Wire Testing is the procedure and the EICR is the outcome. Your inspection is the means to receive that report.

There are three key reasons you need to have an Electrical Installation Condition Report:

• To ensure your electrical system is safe for continued use.
• To provide early detection of potential issues to avoid downtime and loss of earnings for businesses.
• To ensure your building and contents insurance remains valid.

The main aims Fixed Wire Testing include:

• Confirming the integrity of your electrical installation
• Preserving the safety of individuals from electric shock or further harm such as smoke inhalation and burns caused by an electrical fire
• Protecting your premises from damage due to an electrical fire
• And identifying defects or inconsistencies with regulations and standards

WHAT IS AN EICR?

An EICR is a formal document produced by an electrician or electrical engineer after a comprehensive assessment of electrical systems within any commercial or industrial property.

EICR – Electrical Installation Condition Report), is essentially the same as a certificate as it is your evidence to demonstrate you’ve had your Fixed Wire Testing, and therefore the maintenance of your electrical installation carried out.

WHAT DOES AN EICR DO?

An EICR has five main purposes:

1. Ensure that all electrical installations on the property are safe: A qualified engineer or electrician will inspect the electrical system to make sure that it is free of damage, wear and tear and deterioration. They also determine whether an installation or equipment is properly installed.
2. Identify damage and wear and tear that might affect the safety of occupants on a property: Once issues are detected, the electrician will recommend corrective action to make sure that the electrical system is in good working condition.
3. Find components of an electrical installation that do not meet the Institution of Engineering and Technology’s Wiring Regulations: Criteria includes the suitability of the control gear and switchgear, the bonding and earthing of wires and cables and the conditions of sockets.
4. Determine which electrical appliances are likely to cause shocks and fires: An EICR determines which electrical appliances show signs of damage and wear and tear, recommending the repair and replacement of items deemed unsafe.
5. Record the condition of an electrical installation, to be used in future inspections: The EICR also comes in handy in the event an accident occurs. It’s proof that you have taken the necessary measures to ensure the safety of your customers and employees.

HOW IS AN EICR CARRIED OUT?

To perform an EICR test, the electrician will disconnect the electrical installation from the main power supply. Specific issues that can be revealed during an EICR inspection include:

• Adequacy of bonding and earthing
• Availability of residual current devices (RCDs) for sockets used to plug in outdoor electrical equipment.
• Condition of visible cables and leads, light fittings and downlighters.
• Extent of damage or wear and tear on electrical installation and equipment
• Suitability of control gear and switchgear
• Serviceability of sockets, switches, light fittings, and other electrical equipment
• Changes in the property and premises that have led to, or might lead to, electrical installation deficiencies.
• Instances of “daisy chaining”, or when one extension lead is connected to another extension lead.

WHAT HAPPENS IF client DON’T PASS THE EICR? – codes & definitions 

If your EICR report reveals issues with your electrical system, the results will come out as “Unsatisfactory,” meaning there is remedial work to be done. The electrician will indicate a code to specify the extent of the risk and the required action:

Code 1: Danger present. Occupants are at risk of injury and immediate action is needed.

Code 2: Potentially dangerous. Urgent remedial action is needed to make the electrical installation safe.

Code 3: Improvement recommended. This is the only EICR classification code that indicates your electrical system poses no danger, but improvements can be made.

FI: Further investigation is required. This means the contractor can’t determine the safety of the installation without additional information or investigation. An example of this is the lack of a main protective bonding of a Lightning Protection System (LPS), where the contractor must consult with the designer to confirm that it is safe to bond.

TEST PROCEDURE 

1. Provide details of the inspection including the purpose of the report, date of the last inspection, and other installation records.
2. Check the facility and visually inspect for any damage such as wear and tear that might affect electrical safety.
3. Look for electrical installation that does not meet the wiring regulations.
4. Inspect the facility for anything that may cause electric shocks and high temperatures.
5. Capture photo evidence of non-compliant items to further provide detailed information.
6. Record the results of the inspection and document recommended actions.
7. Test electrical facilities to ensure safe electrical installation.