EICR Specialist
EICR Testing in Cheshire
Electrical Installation Condition Reports for commercial premises, schools and landlords across Chester, Northwich, Tarporley and the wider Cheshire area. NAPIT approved, with 24 years experience and remedial work carried out in house.
What is an EICR?
An Electrical Installation Condition Report, or EICR, is a formal inspection and test of a fixed electrical installation. It checks that the wiring, consumer unit, sockets, switches and protective devices are safe to continue in use, and it records any faults or areas that need attention. An EICR is the recognised way to prove the electrical safety of a building, whether that is a commercial unit, a school, or a rented home.
M Stowell Electrical carries out EICR testing throughout Cheshire. Every report is clear, honest and easy to act on, and where remedial work is needed it can be carried out by the same electrician who did the inspection.
Commercial and schools EICR testing
Commercial premises should be inspected at regular intervals to stay compliant and to satisfy insurers. The exact interval depends on the type of premises and how it is used, and the report will recommend when the next inspection is due. Regular EICR testing protects staff, customers and the business itself.
Schools and education buildings sit on a planned compliance cycle. Because testing is best done when the building is quiet, school EICR work is usually booked into the school holidays. M Stowell Electrical has school and education sector experience and is happy to work to your planned maintenance schedule.
- Offices, shops, units and industrial premises
- Schools, colleges and education buildings
- Planned and booked in advance to suit your operating hours
- Method statements provided where required
Landlord EICR testing
An EICR is a legal requirement for landlords in England and Wales. In England this has applied since June 2020, and equivalent requirements now apply to rented homes in Wales. The inspection must be done at least every 5 years, and a copy of the report must be provided to tenants within 28 days. In England, local authorities can issue civil penalties of up to £30,000 for failing to comply.
An EICR from a NAPIT approved electrician is legally valid and accepted by letting agents, insurers and councils. M Stowell Electrical can inspect your rental property, give you a clear report, and carry out any remedial work needed to bring it up to standard.
What an EICR covers
- Condition of the consumer unit and protective devices
- Wiring, cables and connections
- Earthing and bonding arrangements
- Sockets, switches and accessories
- Signs of wear, damage, overheating or overloading
- Suitability of the installation for how the building is used
- Presence of dangerous or non compliant work
- A clear schedule of any faults found, with codes
Understanding C1, C2 and C3 codes
Every observation on an EICR is given a code so you know exactly how serious it is.
C1
Danger present. A risk of injury exists and immediate action is required. The installation is reported as unsatisfactory.
C2
Potentially dangerous. Urgent remedial work is needed. The installation is reported as unsatisfactory until this is put right.
C3
Improvement recommended. Not dangerous, but the report advises an upgrade to current standards. This alone does not fail the report.
FI
Further investigation required. Something needs a closer look before a final view can be given.
In plain terms: a report with any C1 or C2 codes is classed as unsatisfactory and needs remedial work. A report with only C3 items is satisfactory but with recommendations.
NAPIT certificates and in house remedial work
M Stowell Electrical is NAPIT approved, so the certificates issued are legally valid and recognised by insurers, councils and solicitors. There is no need to bring in a separate firm to sign off the work.
If your EICR finds faults, there is no need to find another contractor. Remedial work is carried out in house, by the same NAPIT approved electrician, and certified on completion.
EICR testing FAQs
How often do I need an EICR?
For rented homes the legal maximum is every 5 years. For commercial premises the interval depends on the type and use of the building and will be stated on your report. Many owners arrange testing on a regular planned cycle to stay ahead of it.
How long does an EICR take?
It depends on the size of the installation and how many circuits there are. A small flat is much quicker than a large commercial unit. We will give you a realistic idea when we book the work in.
What happens if my property fails?
If the report is unsatisfactory because of C1 or C2 codes, the faults need to be put right and the installation retested or confirmed. M Stowell Electrical can carry out the remedial work in house and certify it on completion.
Are your certificates accepted by insurers and councils?
Yes. As a NAPIT approved electrician, the certificates issued are legally valid and recognised by insurers, local authorities and letting agents.
How much does an EICR cost?
The cost depends on the size and type of the premises and the number of circuits. Call 07872 616 602 for a clear price for your property.
Book your EICR in Cheshire
Commercial, schools and landlord EICR testing from a NAPIT approved electrician. Call for a clear price today.