21 Oct Periodic testing for Walsall home buyers
Periodic Testing, better known as Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR), are often recommended as part of a home buying process as they can prove invaluable for checking the condition and safety of electrics in a property before deciding to buy it.
Leading electrical safety campaigning charity Electrical Safety First said the majority of home buyers are exposing themselves to increased risk of fire by failing to check the electrics before purchasing.
The survey found that two thirds of homes bought in the UK had not been checked, with many buyers believing that periodic electrical testing is covered as part of a Homebuyer’s Survey.
Risk of fire or injury from faulty electrics
The Electrical Safety First research found that half of people are not aware there is an electrical inspection that can protect them, and more than a third reported finding issues with electrics after they had moved in. One in ten of those experienced injury or fire as a result.
The cost of remedying these faults averaged £2,000, with some rising as high as £10,000.
‘Risk of increased expense without EICR’
Phil Buckle, Director General of Electrical Safety First, said: “It’s easy to bypass checking the electrics when purchasing a property if you think it is included in the recommended home survey report – our research suggests this is the case for around 20% of people”
“However, not conducting an EICR significantly increases the risk of additional expense, and electric shock or fire, to the buyer and their family”
“We’re encouraging people to use a registered electrician to do a quick and relatively inexpensive check to ensure they know exactly what they’re getting into with a property purchase.”
What is an EICR?
An Electrical Installation Condition Report is an official document produced following a full inspection of the electrical systems and installations in a home or workplace.
It will test switches, sockets, wiring and any power source to check they comply with safety standards and regulations, through both visual and electrical testing inspections.
We recommend having an EICR carried out before exchanging contracts on any new home. Please contact our local knowledgeable advisors for an idea of the cost of an EICR for a property in Walsall and the surrounding areas.
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