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Electrical installation condition report

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a thorough inspection of the electrical systems in a property. It assesses the safety and condition of the installations, identifying potential hazards or defects. It is essential for your property in London to ensure electrical safety, comply with regulations, and protect occupants from electrical risks. To find out more information check out our detailed EICR page.

EICRs should be conducted periodically, and the frequency depends on the type of property. For domestic rental properties, an EICR is recommended every 5 years, or upon change of occupancy. Commercial properties may require more frequent inspections, typically every 3 to 5 years.

An EICR inspection involves a certified electrician assessing the electrical installations, including wiring, sockets, switches, consumer units, and more. They check for any faults or potential dangers. The duration varies based on the property’s size and complexity, but it usually takes a few hours to complete.

Yes, EICRs are a legal requirement for certain properties in London. Since June 2020, all rented properties in England, including London, require a valid EICR to comply with the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020.

Not having an up-to-date EICR can pose significant risks, including electrical shocks, fires, or even fatalities. An EICR identifies potential electrical hazards and allows for timely repairs, minimising the risk of accidents caused by faulty electrical installations.

EICR inspections must be conducted by qualified and certified electricians. Look for electricians who are registered with competent person schemes like NICEIC, ELECSA, or NAPIT.

It is not recommended to conduct an EICR yourself. EICRs require specialized knowledge and equipment. To ensure accurate and reliable results, always hire a certified professional electrician.

The cost of an EICR inspection can vary depending on the size and complexity of the property. Typically, prices range from £100 to £200 for a standard domestic property, while larger or commercial properties may cost more.

Yes, after the EICR inspection, you will receive a detailed report. It will contain the findings of the inspection, any defects or deviations from regulations, and a classification of the observed issues (e.g., C1, C2, C3). It may also include recommendations for necessary remedial actions.

If your property fails the EICR inspection, you should promptly address the identified issues to ensure electrical safety and compliance. Engage a qualified electrician to carry out the required repairs and obtain a new EICR once the necessary remedial works are completed.

In an EICR report, C1, C2, and C3 are the codes used to classify observations. C1 signifies “danger present,” C2 indicates “potentially dangerous,” and C3 means “improvement recommended.” C1 and C2 issues require immediate attention, while C3 issues are advisory and not critical for safety.

Yes, since June 2020, rental properties in England, including London, are required to have a valid EICR. This is a legal requirement under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020.

Yes, you can use the EICR report to discuss and negotiate necessary repairs with the property owner or landlord. The report provides a clear assessment of the electrical condition, and any significant issues (C1 or C2) must be addressed by the property owner.

An EICR can identify various electrical issues, such as faulty wiring, inadequate earthing, overloaded circuits, damaged sockets or switches, and lack of proper bonding. These issues, if left unaddressed, can lead to potential electrical hazards.

Yes, a qualified electrician can provide you with an estimate for any required repairs or improvements after reviewing the EICR report. This estimate will help you plan and budget for the necessary electrical works.

Portable appliances testing

PAT testing is the process of inspecting and testing portable electrical appliances to ensure they are safe for use. It is crucial for electrical safety in London to identify any potential faults or hazards in appliances that could pose a risk to users.

The frequency of PAT testing depends on the type of appliance and its usage. Generally, portable appliances in commercial settings should be tested annually, while those in domestic settings may require testing less frequently.

PAT testing should be conducted by qualified and competent individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills. Look for technicians who have been trained in PAT testing and have relevant certifications.

While some basic checks can be done by users, PAT testing itself should be carried out by trained professionals with the right equipment to ensure accurate and reliable results.

Any portable electrical appliance with a plug and cable that is regularly moved, connected, or disconnected should undergo PAT testing. This includes items like computers, kettles, fridges, caffe machines, microwaves, printers, and power tools.

Although there is no specific legal requirement for PAT testing, the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 mandate that employers ensure the safety of electrical equipment. PAT testing is an effective way to comply with these regulations.

The cost of PAT testing varies depending on the number of appliances and their location. Generally, prices range from £1 to £5 per appliance, but bulk testing may be available at discounted rates.

While there is no specific legal requirement for PAT testing in rental properties, landlords have a duty of care to ensure that electrical appliances provided to tenants are safe. PAT testing can help fulfill this obligation.

The PAT test label provides evidence that the appliance was tested at a specific time. However, it does not guarantee the appliance’s ongoing safety. Regular testing is necessary to maintain safety standards.

If an appliance fails the PAT test, it should be taken out of service immediately, and a qualified technician should be consulted for repairs or replacement.

PAT testing can identify various faults in appliances, including damaged cables, incorrect wiring, and insulation issues. However, it may not detect all hidden faults.

Battery-operated appliances with no mains supply are generally considered low risk and may be exempt from formal PAT testing. However, visual inspections are still recommended.

Yes, a PAT testing certificate or report is typically provided after the inspection. It contains details of the tested appliances, their test results, and any recommendations or actions taken.

Yes, at Testar we offer flexible scheduling, including weekends and after business hours, to accommodate the needs of our clients.

Yes, it is beneficial to conduct PAT testing for stored or unused appliances to ensure their safety before putting them back into service.

To schedule a PAT testing appointment, contact us to discuss your requirements. We will arrange a suitable time for the inspection.

Emergency lighting

Emergency lighting testing involves checking the functionality of emergency lights to ensure they work during power outages or emergencies. It is crucial for buildings and facilities to provide safe evacuation routes and visibility in emergencies.

Emergency lighting should be tested regularly to ensure its reliability. In general, a monthly test of the function should be performed, and a more comprehensive annual test is required.

The monthly test involves briefly switching off the mains power to check if the emergency lights activate and provide sufficient illumination. It is a short test to confirm basic functionality.

The annual test is more in-depth and involves a full discharge test of the emergency lighting system. The power supply is intentionally cut off to see how long the lights can provide adequate illumination.

Yes, emergency lighting testing is a legal requirement in London and is mandated by building regulations and safety standards to ensure occupant safety.

Qualified electricians or technicians with knowledge of emergency lighting systems should perform the testing. They should have appropriate training and certifications.

While building occupants and facility managers can perform the monthly visual checks, the comprehensive annual test should be conducted by qualified professionals.

Self-contained emergency lighting systems have batteries within each individual light fitting, while central battery systems have a centralized battery source that powers multiple lights.

The monthly test can be conducted during business hours as it is brief and involves minimal disruption. However, the annual test may require a partial evacuation or be done after hours.

If the emergency lights fail during testing, it indicates a fault in the system. A qualified technician should be contacted immediately to diagnose and rectify the issue.

Yes, combining emergency lighting testing with other safety inspections can be efficient and convenient. At Testar, we offer comprehensive safety inspection services.

To schedule an emergency lighting testing service, contact Us today. At Testar, will guide you through the process and set up a convenient testing time.

homebuyer reports

A Homebuyer Electrical Report is a comprehensive inspection of a property’s electrical installations carried out by a qualified electrician. It assesses the safety and condition of the electrical systems, helping potential buyers make informed decisions about the property’s electrical safety and any potential repair costs.

A Homebuyer Electrical Report includes a thorough examination of the property’s electrical installations, wiring, sockets, switches, consumer units, and more. It identifies any faults, potential hazards, and provides recommendations for remedial actions.

Unlike other inspections like the EPC (Energy Performance Certificate), a Homebuyer Electrical Report is not a legal requirement. However, it is strongly recommended to ensure you are aware of any electrical safety issues before purchasing the property.

The time taken to receive a Homebuyer Electrical Report may vary depending on the property’s size and complexity. If you chose Testar, you can expect to receive the report within 48 hours after the inspection.

Homebuyer Electrical Reports should only be conducted by qualified and certified electricians who have the expertise to identify electrical safety issues accurately.

Yes, a Homebuyer Electrical Report can identify both visible and hidden electrical issues, providing a more comprehensive view of the property’s electrical safety.

Yes, the report can highlight potential fire hazards associated with faulty electrical installations, damaged wiring, or overloaded circuits.

While newly built properties may have passed inspections during construction, it is still advisable to get a Homebuyer Electrical Report for an extra layer of assurance.

The primary focus of the Homebuyer Electrical Report is on the property’s fixed electrical installations, but we can also provide PAT testing in one go.

In most cases, Homebuyer Electrical Reports are arranged after making an offer and before the property purchase is finalized. However, you can request one before making an offer if the seller agrees.

The cost of a Homebuyer Electrical Report varies depending on the property’s size, location, and the complexity of the electrical installations. Generally, it ranges from £200 to £350.

Yes, the report can identify any deviations from current electrical safety regulations and recommend measures to bring the property up to code.

Simply contact Testar. We offer Homebuyer Electrical Reports, and we can schedule an inspection at a convenient time for you and the seller.

eicr remedial works

EICR remedial works refer to the repairs and improvements required after an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) identifies electrical issues or hazards in a property. They are necessary to bring the electrical installations up to safety standards.

A qualified electrician conducts the EICR and assesses the need for remedial works based on the report’s findings and the severity of observed issues.

EICR remedial works should only be carried out by qualified and certified electricians to ensure safety and compliance with regulations.

The urgency of the remedial works depends on the severity of the identified issues. Critical issues (C1 observations) should be addressed promptly, while other less critical issues can be scheduled accordingly.

A new EICR report is not always required after remedial works. However, some electricians may issue a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate (MEIWC) or Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) to confirm that the issues have been rectified.

While you can visually inspect completed works, it is best to rely on the electrician’s expertise to ensure that all identified issues have been properly addressed.

Opting not to address identified issues poses a risk to the property’s safety, occupants, and may lead to non-compliance with regulations. It is strongly recommended to address the issues promptly.

Yes, at Testar we always provide full breakdown of the costs for individual remedial works and materials.

In some cases, addressing electrical issues can contribute to improved energy efficiency, especially if outdated or faulty components are replaced.

Check the electrician’s certifications, qualifications, and industry accreditations. Look for membership in reputable trade organisations, such as NICEIC or ELECSA.

If your EICR identifies multiple issues, some non-critical repairs may be addressed in stages. However, critical issues (C1 observations) should be resolved promptly to ensure safety.

fire alarm

Fire alarm testing involves checking the functionality of fire alarm systems to ensure they will operate correctly in the event of a fire. Regular testing is crucial to ensure early detection and prompt response to potential fire incidents, thereby protecting lives and property.

Fire alarm testing should be performed regularly as part of a scheduled maintenance plan. In general, testing is recommended on a weekly, monthly, and annual basis.

Weekly fire alarm testing is a basic functional test where the alarm is activated manually to ensure sounders and visual indicators are operational.

Monthly fire alarm testing is more comprehensive and includes testing individual devices such as smoke detectors, heat detectors, and manual call points to verify their proper functioning.

Annual fire alarm testing is a more extensive examination carried out by a qualified technician. It involves a detailed check of all components, including control panels, detectors, and sounders.

Yes, fire alarm testing is usually required by local fire safety regulations and insurance policies. Compliance with these regulations is essential for commercial building owners.

While building occupants or facility managers can conduct weekly testing, comprehensive monthly and annual testing should be carried out by qualified professionals.

The duration of fire alarm testing varies depending on the size and complexity of the building and the number of devices to be tested. It may take a few hours to complete.

Weekly testing is brief and typically does not cause significant disruptions. However, monthly and annual testing may involve temporary alarm activation, leading to a short evacuation.

Yes, combining fire alarm testing with other safety inspections can be efficient and convenient. Many companies offer comprehensive fire safety inspection services.

Yes, after fire alarm testing is completed, the technician should provide a report detailing the test results, any identified issues, and any necessary actions taken.

Yes, keeping detailed records of all fire alarm tests is essential for compliance and tracking system performance over time.

smoke alarm

Smoke detector testing involves checking the functionality of smoke detectors to ensure they will detect smoke and activate the alarm when necessary. Regular testing is crucial for early detection of fires and timely evacuation.

Smoke detector testing is a simple process that includes activating the test button on the detector to simulate smoke detection. The alarm should sound promptly if the detector is functioning correctly.

Smoke detector testing is legal requirement for private rental sector to obtain HMO licence. In general it is strongly recommended by fire safety authorities and insurance companies for property safety.

Yes, interconnected smoke detectors are designed to activate all alarms when one detector is triggered. Therefore, testing one detector should activate all interconnected ones.

If the smoke detector fails to sound during testing, check the battery, and ensure it is properly installed. If the issue persists, consider replacing the battery or the smoke detector itself.

Yes, both battery-powered and hardwired smoke detectors should be tested regularly to ensure their functionality.

Smoke detector testing conducted by homeowners typically does not require formal documentation. However, ordering smoke detectors testing at Testar, we are providing inspection and testing report for domestic premises.