EICR Testing in Birmingham for Landlords, Homes and Businesses
Sam Ward Electrical carries out EICR testing in Birmingham for landlords, homeowners, letting agents and businesses. An electrical installation condition report (EICR) inspects and tests your fixed wiring, consumer unit, sockets and earthing, and codes any faults C1, C2, C3 or FI. Private landlords in England need one at least every five years.
Sam Ward Electrical, NAPIT registered (membership 63406). Last reviewed:
At a glance
- Who
- Landlords, letting agents, homeowners, buyers and businesses
- What
- Inspection and testing of fixed wiring, a written report with coded observations, and remedial quotes
- Where
- Birmingham, Kings Heath and the wider West Midlands
- How long
- Usually two to four hours for an average house; longer for large or commercial properties
- Certification
- Electrical Installation Condition Report to BS 7671
- How to book
- Call 07917 533653 or send an enquiry with the property address and current report expiry date
What is an EICR?
An EICR is a formal report on the condition of a property's fixed electrical installation, produced after inspection and testing to BS 7671. It covers the consumer unit, wiring, sockets, switches, light fittings and earthing, but not plug-in appliances. The report states whether the installation is satisfactory for continued use.
How often do I need an EICR?
Private landlords in England need an EICR at least every five years by law; for other properties the interval is a recommendation, usually shown on the previous report.
| Property | Interval | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Privately rented home (England) | At least every 5 years | Legal requirement under the 2020 regulations |
| Owner-occupied home | Every 10 years, or when you buy | Recommended by Electrical Safety First |
| Commercial premises | Commonly every 5 years | Recommended interval, or as stated on the last report |
What happens during EICR testing in Birmingham?
EICR testing involves a visual inspection followed by tests on every circuit. A standard visit runs like this:
- Visual inspection. We check the consumer unit, accessories, cables and bonding for damage, wear and signs of overheating.
- Dead testing. With circuits switched off, we test continuity and insulation resistance.
- Live testing. We test earth fault loop impedance, polarity and RCD operation.
- Report. Each issue is coded and you receive the written report, usually by email.
- Explain and quote. We talk you through the observations in plain English and quote for any remedial work.
Our EICR testing in Birmingham usually takes two to four hours for an average house. Some tests need the power off, so there will be short periods without electricity.
What do the codes on an EICR mean?
C1 means danger is present, C2 means potentially dangerous, C3 means improvement is recommended and FI means further investigation is needed. Any C1, C2 or FI makes the report unsatisfactory. Our guide to EICR codes explained gives examples of each.
What happens if my EICR is unsatisfactory?
An unsatisfactory report means remedial work is needed. Landlords must complete it within 28 days, or sooner if the report says so, and give written confirmation to the tenant and the local council. We can carry out the remedial work and provide the paperwork; our guide to landlord electrical safety rules lists every deadline.
Why choose Sam Ward Electrical?
- NAPIT registered, membership 63406
- TrustMark licensed, licence 3612738
- More than 10 years in the electrical trade
- Fully insured
- Work tested and certified to BS 7671
- Part P notification handled for you
To book EICR testing in Birmingham, call 07917 533653 or request a booking online. If the report shows old wiring, see our house rewires service.
