Electrical faults can cause downtime, costly repairs and serious safety risks. Regular testing identifies potential issues before they become problems, helping you stay compliant and protecting your staff, customers and property.
An up to date EICR or PAT testing record also demonstrates that your business is fulfilling its responsibilities under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and BS 7671 Wiring Regulations. Many insurers now require evidence of regular electrical inspections to maintain policy validity, making professional testing an important part of every company’s duty of care.
To make compliance simple, AJM Electrical offers scheduled testing and maintenance programmes for commercial clients. We can plan testing intervals around your business operations, ensuring inspections are carried out safely, efficiently and with minimal disruption.
For larger sites, ongoing maintenance contracts are available, combining regular EICR updates, PAT testing and system health checks. This proactive approach keeps your installation in top condition and reduces the likelihood of unexpected faults or downtime.
All testing is carried out by our fully accredited NICEIC, MCS and RECC engineers, ensuring consistent quality and compliance across every project.
If you’ve been told you need an EICR but aren’t sure what it is or whether it’s really necessary, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions we receive at AJM Electrical Services.
Whether you’re a homeowner, landlord or business owner, an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is one of the best ways to ensure your property’s electrical installation is safe and working as it should.
Below, we’ve answered the questions we’re asked most often.
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a detailed inspection of the fixed electrical installation within a property.
Unlike a quick visual check, an EICR involves testing the wiring, consumer unit (fuse board), sockets, switches, lighting circuits and other fixed electrical equipment to ensure everything complies with current safety standards.
The purpose is simple: to identify any deterioration, damage, defects or safety concerns before they become dangerous.
Electrical systems naturally deteriorate over time. Wiring can become damaged, protective devices may no longer meet current standards, and hidden faults can develop without any obvious signs.
An EICR helps to:
Many electrical faults cannot be seen by simply looking at sockets or switches, which is why testing is so important.
The recommended inspection intervals are:
If your property is older, has recently been altered, or you’ve noticed electrical problems, an inspection may be recommended sooner.
During the inspection, one of our qualified electricians will:
Once complete, you’ll receive a comprehensive report detailing the condition of your installation.
Yes, but only while individual circuits are being tested.
Our electricians work efficiently to keep disruption to a minimum, and we’ll explain exactly what’s happening throughout the inspection.
This depends on the size and complexity of the property.
As a general guide:
We’ll always provide an estimated timescale when booking your inspection.
Your report may include observation codes.
A serious risk requiring immediate action.
An issue that should be repaired as soon as possible.
Something has been identified that requires additional investigation before the installation can be confirmed as safe.
The installation is considered safe, but improvements are recommended to bring it closer to current standards.
Don’t panic.
An unsatisfactory report simply means that issues have been identified that require attention.
Many properties, particularly older homes, receive recommendations for remedial work.
We’ll clearly explain:
Once any required repairs have been completed, we can provide the necessary certification.
Not necessarily.
Some observations are relatively minor improvements, while others require urgent attention.
Our electricians will always explain the findings in plain English and prioritise any work that affects the safety of your family or property.
No.
An EICR checks the property’s fixed electrical installation, including wiring, sockets, lighting circuits and the consumer unit.
PAT Testing checks portable electrical appliances such as kettles, computers, extension leads and power tools.
Many businesses require both.
Absolutely.
A home survey does not fully assess the electrical installation.
An EICR can reveal hidden defects that could cost thousands of pounds to rectify after you’ve moved in.
It’s often one of the most valuable inspections you can arrange before completing a purchase.
Yes.
Many dangerous electrical faults show no visible signs.
Just because sockets work and lights come on doesn’t necessarily mean the installation is safe.
Regular inspections help identify hidden issues before they become expensive or dangerous.