What Happens During an Electrical Safety Check?
If you have never arranged an electrical safety check before, you might be unsure what it involves. Will the electrician need access to every room? Will the power be switched off? And what happens if they find a problem?
For a detailed assessment of your property’s fixed electrics, you would normally arrange periodic inspection and testing. The findings are recorded in an Electrical Installation Condition Report, commonly known as an EICR.
Here is how the process works.
Before the appointment
When booking, explain the type of property you have and mention any known problems, such as tripping circuits or damaged fittings. If you have a previous electrical report or certificates for installation work, have these available.
You should also discuss access and any arrangements needed for switching off the power. Let the electrician know about equipment that must remain powered so this can be planned safely.
Before the visit, clear access to the consumer unit and make sockets and switches accessible where possible.
What does the electrician check?
The assessment covers the fixed electrical installation within the agreed scope. This includes wiring, the consumer unit, sockets, switches and other relevant fixed equipment.
The electrician looks for damage, deterioration and conditions that could present a risk. Checks also cover protective measures, including earthing, bonding and relevant safety devices.
The inspection has an agreed extent and may have access limitations. These should be recorded in the report, so you understand what has been assessed.
Will the electricity be switched off?
Yes, parts of the testing require circuits to be safely isolated, so you should expect interruptions to the electricity supply.
Ask about this when booking, especially if you work from home or need to make arrangements for other people in the property. The time required depends on the size of the installation, its condition and how easily it can be accessed.
Does an EICR include testing appliances?
An EICR focuses on the fixed electrical installation. It does not replace separate checks of portable appliances such as kettles, toasters and televisions.
If you also need appliances checked, discuss this when arranging the appointment so the correct work can be included.
What happens after the inspection?
You receive a report setting out the findings and whether the installation is satisfactory or unsatisfactory for continued use.
Where issues are identified, classification codes explain their significance:
C1: Danger is present and immediate action is required.
C2: A potentially dangerous condition requires urgent remedial action.
C3: An improvement is recommended.
FI: Further investigation is required without delay.
Your electrician should explain the findings in plain English, including what needs attention and how urgently. A C3 recommendation alone does not make the overall report unsatisfactory.
An inspection does not automatically include all remedial work. Ask what is included in the booking and how any necessary repairs will be quoted and arranged.
Electrical safety checks in Wakefield
Whether you want reassurance about your home’s wiring or need an existing installation assessed, Hodgson Electrical provides electrical testing and certification across Wakefield, Pontefract, Castleford and nearby areas.
Contact our NAPIT-registered team to discuss your property and arrange an electrical safety check.
