CPD – How to Complete an Electrical Safety Check

An Electrical Safety Check or EICR is a series of inspections to ensure a property's electrical system is safe and up to standard. This checklist involves checking wiring, sockets, switches, and other electrical parts where electricity flows. The assessment aims to see possible risks that could lead to electric shocks, fire, or other incidents related to electricity.

In the UK, the law requires an electrical safety check to be done regularly. It should also be done by a qualified electrician who knows British Standard BS 7671. Moreover, landlords, employers, homeowners, or anyone in charge of a property is responsible for booking this check. All in all, doing this not only complies with the law but also gives you peace of mind for your place

How often are electrical safety checks needed?

Generally, it goes from 5 to 10 years, but it still depends on the property. The frequency of checks depends on the type of property and how it is used. Hence, older properties usually need more frequent inspections because their power systems may be outdated and at higher risk due to wear and tear. Here are the required timelines for different types of properties.

1. Residential homes - An inspection is recommended every 10 years.
2. Rental properties - UK regulations require inspections at least every 5 years. However, it is also required if there is a change in the occupant.
3. Commercial properties - Recommended intervals can be different and will be based on the nature of the business and the age of the electrical systems.
4. High-risk environments (involving water or flammable materials) - May need more frequent checks.

Process of an electrical safety check in the UK

An electrical safety check has three main steps: Visual inspection, EICR testing, and EICR report, and all of them are equally important. Now, the first thing to do is a visual inspection to find obvious problems, then EICR tests to identify hidden issues, and finally, the report to know if your power system follows safety rules.

Visual Inspection

The electrician starts by visually checking the system for evident problems like damage or exposed wires. Homeowners and landlords can help by making sure outlets and switches are easy to reach, wires are in good condition, and outlets are covered, with no exposed wires.

EICR testing procedures

After the visual inspection, the next part of an electrical safety check is for the electrician to use tools like voltage testers and circuit testers to conduct assessments. There are two types of tests: the Dead test and the Live test. Dead tests are done when the system is off, and Live tests are conducted while the system is on to see if it can shut down in an emergency. Below are the examples for both Dead and Live tests.

Dead Tests:

• Ring Circuit Loop Impedance: Ensures cables form a complete loop and checks outlet polarity.
• Insulation Resistance: Make sure the insulation around wires is intact.
• Continuity Testing: Checks for loose or poorly connected wires.

Live Tests: 

• Polarity Testing: Ensures wires are connected in the right order.
• Earth Fault Loop Impedance Testing: Checks if the system can disconnect quickly if there's a fault.
• RCD Testing: See if the Residual Current Device (RCD) is working to prevent electric shocks.

Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)

After the electrical safety check, the electrician gives a report called the EICR. This report shows if the system is “satisfactory” or “unsatisfactory” and lists any safety issues to fix. Aside from listing the issues, it also confirms if it meets the British Standard for Electrical Safety (BS 7671) or not.

Remedial Repair Work

Now, if they find any faults, they list them with codes that indicate the risk level. Afterwards, the electrician must fix these faults right away to ensure safety and comply with regulations. Below are the different codes:

1. C1 - Immediate danger, needs action now.
2. C2 - Potential danger, needs fast repairs.
3. C3 - Improvement suggested.
4. FI - Needs further check.

Course Summary

The course CPD – How to Complete an Electrical Safety Check teaches learners how to complete an electrical safety check. You will explore how to inspect and assess power systems, follow safety rules, and write reports. The course also helps you find common electrical problems and use safe practices.

Additionally, this programme is useful for landlords, property managers, or people who want to become electricians. It will guide you in following the law and keeping people safe. By the end, you will be able to conduct electrical safety checks and fix any problems confidently.

Course Content

This course gives you a simple guide to performing an electrical safety check. With interactive lessons and practical exercises, you’ll learn the key steps for inspecting and testing power resources. Each module focuses on an area you can apply right away to the actual workplace. Here's what it covers:

1. Introduction to Electrical Safety Checking: Learn why an electrical safety check is important and understand legal standards such as BS 7671.
2. Preparing for an Electrical Safety Test: Find out how to gather tools, inspect the property, and prepare documents for the assessment.
3. Testing Electrical Installations: Understand how to perform visual checks, test circuit breakers, and earthing systems, and use tools like insulation testers and RCDs.
4. Interpreting Test Results: Learn to evaluate test results, check if the installation is safe, and classify issues as per EICR standards.
5. Remedial Actions and Reporting: Discover how to identify repairs, document problems, and provide clear advice to clients or property owners.
6. Post-Test Procedures: Understand the final steps, including rechecking repairs and completing the EICR report.

Entry Requirements

The CPD – How to Complete an Electrical Safety Check course is open to everyone, and no experience is needed. The college also recommends having multimetres, insulation testers, ground resistance testers, and digital clamp metres, as these tools will be used in the lectures and practical exercises. This course is perfect for landlords, property managers, and anyone interested in electrical safety.

Current events: Staying alive by staying safe

Taking a moment to be careful can save you from much bigger problems later. By doing an electrical safety check, you'll get to solve a lot of problems and even avoid accidents entirely. This little attention and caution now can prevent regret in the future, making it an important step in ensuring safety and well-being in all aspects of life.

The College of Contract Management is offering the CPD – How to Complete an Electrical Safety Check to help you gain the essential knowledge and skills needed to conduct one. Take the time to learn more about electrical safety. This way, you will keep not only yourself but others safe as well.

The final arrangements for the CPD – How to Complete an Electrical Safety Check are almost complete. During the lecture, all essential tools and materials will be provided to enhance your learning experience. Should you have any questions, our team is ready to assist via email or live chat.