Do you know how old your electrical installation is? Has it recently had a EICR completed in the last 10 years (if you own the property your living in) or 5 years (if it’s a rented property)?
Here at FBS Electrical Thanet we are frequently asked the question:
“How do I know if my electrical installation is up to date and safe?”
This is usually asked by new homeowners or new tenants when they move in. The simple answer is by a visual inspection or by looking at the Electrical Installation Condition Report.
Here are just a few clear signs that can help tell you the age of the wiring and equipment in your property:
- Fixed cables coated in black rubber (stopped being used in the 1960s).
- Fixed cables coated in lead or fabric (used before the 1960s).
- A fuse box with a wooden back, cast iron switches, or a mixture of fuse boxes (used before the 1960s).
- Older round pin sockets (or light switches), braided flex hanging from ceiling roses, brown (or black) switches, or sockets mounted in or no skirting boards (used before the 1960s).
- Light switches on the walls or in bathrooms (used before the 1960s).
One of the other visual inspections is to check to see if an RCD is fitted on the fuseboard. If you’re unsure what an RCD is or if you need one visit our Why you should have an RCD fitted in your home ASAP!
However old your electrical installation is, it could get damaged and will definitely suffer from wear and tear. So you should get an electrician to complete the relevant testing and provide a report to you!
What is the aim of an electrical report?
There are five main aims of an electrical installation condition report, and they are:
- Record the results of the inspection and testing to make sure the electrical installation is safe to be used until the next inspection (following any work needed to make it safe)
- Find any damage and wear and tear that might affect safety, and report it
- Find any parts of the electrical installation that do not meet the IET Wiring Regulations
- Help find anything that may cause electric shocks and high temperatures
- Provide and important record of the installation at the time of the inspection, and for inspection testing in the future.
The law on electrical testing for your property change this year. We have wrote up some informative blogs for our customers so they can understand:
What is an Electrical Installation Condition Report?
And
The Latest Landlord Electrical Regulations in 2020
In these two blogs, we explain the importance of electrical testing along with the fines that can be imposed when they aren’t adhered to. If you require any further information on electrical testing and EICRs then please contact us by either info@fbselectricalthanet.co.uk or by calling us on 01843 260465