Electrical Testing & Inspecting in Swadlincote

A report is marked unsatisfactory when the inspector finds a real safety concern, for example, missing RCD protection, inadequate earthing and bonding, damaged sockets, or unsafe past alterations. The coding (C1, C2 and FI) shows how urgent each issue is. If we find anything, we explain it plainly and set out what’s needed.

Not every socket is dismantled individually. We carry out a full visual check of accessible accessories and test a representative sample on each circuit alongside testing the circuits themselves – expanding to more points if the sample shows a problem. It’s a thorough approach without needlessly pulling your whole home apart.

The inspection itself usually takes a couple of hours for an average home, longer for larger or older properties, with the report issued shortly afterwards. Clear access to the consumer unit and sockets helps it run smoothly, so moving furniture beforehand speeds things along. We’ll give you a realistic timeframe when you book.

A full installation test follows a set sequence: continuity of protective conductors, continuity of ring final circuits, insulation resistance, polarity, earth fault loop impedance, prospective fault current and RCD testing. Together, these confirm the wiring is sound and that protective devices will operate quickly if a fault occurs.

For an owner-occupied home, an inspection is generally recommended around every ten years, or sooner if you notice problems, buy an older property or have had significant work done. Rented homes are on a shorter cycle. Regular checks give peace of mind that the wiring is still safe to use.

Not every electrician is set up for it – an EICR needs someone specifically trained and experienced in inspection and testing, using calibrated instruments and coding faults correctly to BS 7671. Registration with a body like NICEIC also means the report is accepted by insurers and letting agents. Our team carries these out and certifies them.

We visually check the consumer unit, sockets, switches and accessible wiring for damage, wear or signs of overheating, then carry out a series of electrical tests on the circuits. The aim is to find fire and shock risks and confirm the installation is safe to keep using.

It helps to clear access to the consumer unit, sockets and switches so we can reach them without moving heavy furniture on the day. Knowing where the fuse board is and flagging any known issues speeds things up too. The tidier the access, the smoother the inspection tends to be.

Yes, for parts of the inspection. Some tests can only be carried out safely with circuits isolated, so the supply is switched off in stages rather than all at once. We keep interruptions as short as possible and let you know beforehand so you can plan around anything sensitive.

An unsatisfactory result means we’ve found something that needs putting right to make the installation safe. We explain each issue in plain terms, prioritise anything urgent and set out the remedial work needed. Once the repairs are done, the installation can be signed off as satisfactory.