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Testing & electrical safety

EICR inspections in Bideford & North Devon

I carry out EICRs for homeowners, landlords and businesses across Bideford and North Devon. If you have concerns about an installation or need a report for a property, get in touch to discuss the scope.

Request an inspection Call 07393 476195

NAPIT-accredited contractorBideford-basedHomes & businesses

The basics

What's an EICR?

An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is the written record of an inspection and test of a property's fixed electrical installation. It records the findings and gives an overall assessment of satisfactory or unsatisfactory at the time of inspection. Some landlords or insurers may ask for a current report, but requirements vary.

It is a snapshot, not a guarantee that faults will not develop later.

The inspection

What does an EICR cover?

Within the agreed scope, I assess accessible parts of the installation through visual inspection and appropriate testing. The areas checked depend on the property and access available.

Wiring & circuits

Condition, damage and suitability of accessible cables and circuits.

Accessories

Sockets, switches and light fittings checked for condition and operation.

Consumer unit

Protective devices, circuit identification and visible condition.

Earthing & bonding

Key connections and the means of protection against electric shock.

Electrical tests

Relevant measurements, such as continuity, insulation resistance, Zs and RCD operation.

Not included: An EICR assesses the fixed electrical installation, not portable appliances such as kettles or toasters. I also provide portable appliance testing (PAT) as a separate service.

Who it's for

Homes, rentals & workplaces

Homeowners may arrange an inspection to understand the condition of an older installation, before planned work, or when buying or selling a property. Landlords and businesses may need a report for their own maintenance and compliance records.

If you have a specific deadline or requirement, mention it when you get in touch so the inspection can be scoped appropriately.

Where I work

Serving Bideford and nearby towns

Based in Bideford, AG Electrical Services covers North Devon, including Barnstaple, Northam, Appledore, Great Torrington and surrounding villages. Tell me the property location and type when enquiring.

Your document

Findings and next steps

Your report records the inspection results and any observations, with an overall satisfactory or unsatisfactory assessment. Each finding is assigned a code to explain its significance and any recommended action.

Read the observations and recommendations as well as the overall result. Where remedial work or further investigation is identified, the report explains what needs attention. Any follow-on work can be discussed separately.

Have a previous report? Share it when requesting a quote; it can help explain the property's history and any outstanding observations.

Reading your report

Understanding your EICR results

Each observation has a classification code. The report also gives a separate overall assessment.

Observation codes

Danger present

Immediate risk; make safe as soon as practicable and arrange urgent remedial work.

Potentially dangerous

Urgent remedial action is required.

Improvement recommended

A C3 is an improvement recommendation and does not by itself make the report unsatisfactory.

Further investigation

Further investigation is required without delay; follow the report's stated actions.

Overall assessment

Satisfactory

The report's overall assessment says the installation is suitable for continued use at the time of inspection. C3 recommendations may still be listed.

Unsatisfactory

The report identifies issues requiring remedial work or further investigation. Use its observations and recommendations to decide what needs to happen next.

My EICR service

EICR service FAQs

What my inspection includes, how I handle access and testing, and what to expect from the quote.

Does my quote include the inspection, testing and written report?

Absolutely! My quote includes the full electrical inspection and testing, along with a detailed digital Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR).

I also include photographs where appropriate to help explain any defects or issues identified during the inspection.

I usually issue reports on the same day, although more complex inspections may take a little longer. I guarantee that all reports will be issued within 10 working days.

How much of the installation do you inspect?

I assess the overall condition of the electrical installation, with a minimum sample size of 20% of accessories and terminations on each circuit.

If I identify signs of deterioration, damage or poor workmanship, I increase the sample size accordingly to investigate the extent of any potential issues.

Some clients prefer a more comprehensive inspection, with as close to 100% of the installation inspected as reasonably practicable. I'm happy to accommodate this, although the additional time involved will be reflected in the cost of the inspection.

The extent of the inspection is agreed beforehand, taking into account the condition of the installation, accessibility and the level of inspection required.

How do you handle unsafe or inaccessible areas?

We agree any known limitations before the inspection. These may include unsafe areas, inaccessible locations, or situations where moving a large amount of furniture just to reach a few sockets would not be practical. I record agreed limitations in the report.

In general, the fewer the limitations, the more complete the inspection can be, which supports a more reliable assessment of the installation.

Are VAT and travel included?

I am not VAT-registered, so I do not add VAT. Travel is included for up to one hour in total per day. For example, a 30-minute journey each way has no additional travel charge. If total daily travel exceeds one hour, I factor it into the quote.

Are minor remedial works included?

Minor remedial work that requires no additional materials is included. This may include adding missing earth sleeving, re-terminating connections or replacing missing accessory screws. Work requiring materials, such as lamps, new accessories or circuit breakers, will be discussed with you and charged separately.

Will circuits need to be isolated during the EICR?

Circuits are isolated where required for safe testing. In exceptional circumstances, I may carry out live testing only where there is a good reason, following a risk assessment and taking appropriate precautions. I will discuss any expected interruptions with you beforehand.

Why can EICR quotes vary?

The price depends on factors such as the number and type of circuits, the property's size and condition, access, and the time needed to inspect, test and complete the report. When you enquire, please share the property type and location, any access issues, and a previous report if you have one. I can then quote for the scope your property needs.

Electrical work is about protecting life and property. I take the time to carry out a considered inspection and explain the findings clearly. If you value a careful assessment and straightforward advice, rather than choosing on the lowest headline price alone, get in touch for a quote based on your property.

Request an EICR quote

Before the visit

Pre-EICR checklist

A few simple things can make the inspection faster, more complete and more cost-effective.

Make sure the consumer unit and the main electrical installation are accessible.
Clear areas around sockets, switches, fuse boxes and distribution equipment where possible.
Let me know about any known issues, nuisance trips, overheating, damaged fittings or previous reports.
If the property is occupied, ask tenants or residents to keep access routes clear for the duration of the inspection.
Tell me if there are any areas that are unsafe or difficult to access, so I can record any limitations correctly.
If you need your Wi-Fi to remain on during specific times, please let me know in advance so I can plan the inspection to avoid unnecessary disruption.

Examples from inspections

Examples of issues found during inspections

These photos show findings from electrical inspections. Similar appearances do not necessarily have the same cause, so an electrician should assess your own installation.

Charred cable touching copper heating pipework in a loft — During an inspection and testing visit for a landlord, I noticed a distinct fishy, burning smell as I entered the loft. I investigated further and found a cable touching copper heating pipework, with visible charring to its insulation. It was a reminder that a thorough inspection takes more than technical knowledge and test equipment: it also means using your eyes, ears and nose to notice potential warning signs.

Heat-damaged wiring at a kitchen downlight connection — After the client asked me to investigate kitchen downlights that had started working intermittently, I inspected the recently installed fittings and found this badly heat-damaged connection. The lights had only been installed around two weeks earlier, so this was a serious issue to find so soon after the work.

Socket beside a bifold door with cable routed beneath carpet — While inspecting a socket beside a bifold door, I found its cable routed beneath the carpet, directly between two carpet grippers, with no suitable mechanical protection. I disconnected the socket rather than leave it in use. As the cost of rerouting and protecting the cable was too high, it remained out of service. A concealed damaged cable can pose a serious risk of electric shock.

Flat PVC cable routed through external guttering to an outside socket — While inspecting an outside socket, I found flat PVC cable routed through the guttering to supply it. This cable wasn't suitable for exposure to sunlight and moisture, and the guttering wasn't a suitable form of containment. I re-fed the socket from another location and removed the cable from the guttering.

Charred 16 mm² conductor fused at a consumer unit RCD main switch — While inspecting this fuseboard, I found the 16 mm² live conductor badly burnt where it enters the RCD main switch. It had fused at the supply-side connection. We had already discussed replacing the board because of other faults, and this was another serious problem that needed addressing.

Severely corroded earth electrode removed from a front garden — During an EICR, I recorded a poor Ze reading. With the gas bonding disconnected for testing, I could not obtain a Zs reading. I traced the issue to a badly corroded earth electrode in the front garden. It was a serious finding and a reminder to check the earthing arrangement.

Photos are examples only and cannot diagnose another property's electrical installation.

Arrange an EICR

Need an inspection?

Share the property location, type and any deadline or previous report. I can then discuss the next step with you.

Send an enquiry Call Alex