How Does an EICR Improve Safety?

An EICR is a thorough inspection of the electrical installation in a building, which a qualified electrician/electrical inspector carries out. The EICR aims to ensure that the electrical installation is safe and meets the current standards and regulations.

Protective Devices Visual Inspection

Protective devices, such as circuit breakers, RCDs and fuses, work by interrupting the flow of electricity in situations such as current leakage or an overload.

During an EICR, the electrician will check the protective devices to ensure they are working correctly and providing the necessary protection. If the electrician finds that the protective devices are faulty or not providing adequate security, they will recommend repairs or replacements to ensure that the electrical installation is safe.

Ensuring that the protective devices are working correctly, an EICR helps improve safety by minimizing the risk of accidents or injuries caused by electrical issues. It is essential to have appropriately functioning protective devices in place to ensure the safety of the electrical installation and the occupants of the building.

Testing the Correct Function of Protective Devices

Testing the correct function of protective devices during an EICR is essential because it helps ensure that the electrical installation is safe.

Protective devices, such as an RCD, RCBO or AFDD, are designed to protect against electrical faults by interrupting the flow of electricity when a fault is detected. If these devices are not functioning correctly, the electrical installation may not be adequately protected in the event of a fault, which can be dangerous. 

Testing the correct function of protective devices during an EICR helps to identify any problems with these devices so that they can be repaired or replaced as needed. This helps to reduce the risk of electrical accidents and ensure the safety of the electrical installation.

Testing for Safe Readings

Testing for safe readings in an EICR refers to measuring and verifying the safety of the electrical installation. During an EICR, a qualified electrician will use specialized equipment to measure the electrical current leakage, voltage, and resistance of various electrical installation components. These measurements help determine if the electrical installation operates safely and within acceptable limits.

For example, the electrician may measure the current flowing through an electrical circuit to ensure that it is within the rated capacity of the course. They may also measure the resistance of the electrical wiring to ensure that it is not too high, which could indicate a problem with the wiring or a potential safety hazard.

By testing for safe readings, the electrician can identify any problems with the electrical installation that may need to be corrected to improve safety. This may include repairing damaged wiring or replacing faulty electrical equipment.

Safety in 'Special Locations'

In an EICR, safety in "special locations" refers to the additional safety measures required in certain buildings or areas with a greater risk of electrical accidents. Particular locations may include areas where flammable gasses or liquids are present, where electrical equipment is likely to come into contact with water, or where people are particularly vulnerable, such as hospitals or nursing homes.

To ensure safety in these locations, the electrical installation may need to meet additional requirements to reduce the risk of electrical accidents. For example, in a bathroom, it may be necessary to use light fittings rated for use in damp locations (also known as IP-rated light fittings). In outdoor areas, it may be required to use waterproof sockets and outlets to protect against the elements. In areas near water sources, such as kitchens, it may be necessary to maintain a minimum distance between electrical sockets and water sources to reduce the risk of electrical shock.