EICR Testing in Chippenham & Wiltshire
Chippenham, Wiltshire and nationwide commercial
Nulectrics makes EICRs simple. You get a fully qualified electrician, a clear pass or fail you can act on, and any remedial work estimated up front rather than drip-fed as we go.
For landlords working to a deadline we turn reports around quickly, and we explain every finding in plain English, so you know precisely what needs doing now and what can safely wait.
What is an EICR?
An EICR is a scheduled inspection and test of a property's fixed wiring, consumer unit, sockets and circuits. Our engineers record any issues against the standard C1, C2, C3 and FI codes and issue a clear satisfactory or unsatisfactory certificate, along with a written schedule of any remedial work and exactly what is needed to put it right.
Why electrical testing matters
Electrical faults cause a significant proportion of domestic fires in the UK. Home Office and fire service figures vary, but most estimates put the share of accidental dwelling fires caused by electricity between 45% and 65%. Many of those fires are preventable.
A periodic inspection picks up deterioration, overloaded circuits and non compliant work before anything goes wrong. The UK wiring regulations exist for good reason. If you are unsure whether your property meets them, an EICR is the quickest way to find out.
Beyond safety, the written report is your compliance record: proof for insurers, letting agents, buyers, and health and safety inspectors that the fixed wiring meets BS 7671.
Who needs an EICR?
The right time to book depends on who you are and what the property is used for.
Landlords
Every 5 years, required by lawLegally required every 5 years and at change of tenancy under the 2020 Private Rented Sector regulations. We provide the certificate you need to give your tenants and letting agent.
Homeowners selling
Recommended before saleBuyers and their solicitors increasingly ask for a recent EICR. A clean report removes a common late stage sticking point and gives buyers confidence in the wiring.
Homeowners staying
Every 10 yearsRecommended every 10 years, or sooner if you are extending, rewiring rooms, or buying an older property whose electrical history is unclear.
Insurance renewal
Often an insurer requirementMost insurers now expect a valid EICR before renewing cover, particularly on older, larger or previously modified properties.
Commercial premises
Duty of care, typically 5 yearsNot fixed in law, but essential for meeting your duty of care under the Electricity at Work Regulations. Typically every 5 years, more often on industrial sites.
Change of tenancy or occupancy
At each new tenancyRentals need re testing at every change of tenancy. Owner occupied homes should be re tested at change of occupancy.
How your EICR works
From the first call to the finished report, here is exactly what happens. Every EICR is booked at a fixed price, tested to BS 7671 by a qualified electrician, and returned with a clear, coded report you can act on.
For homes we cover Chippenham, Corsham, Calne, Melksham, Devizes, Trowbridge, Bradford on Avon, Warminster, Westbury, Malmesbury, Salisbury, Swindon, Bath and the surrounding Wiltshire area. For commercial and industrial testing we work UK-wide, and can schedule multiple sites into one visit programme with a single portfolio report.
What to expect
| Pricing | Fixed price, agreed before we visit |
| On site | 3 to 4 hours for most homes |
| Testing | Full inspection to BS 7671, C1 danger flagged on the spot |
| Your report | Emailed within 48 hours, coded C1 to FI, plain English |
| If work is needed | Remedial estimate separately, no obligation |
EICR codes and how often you need one
Every issue we find is classified with the standard EICR codes below, so you can see exactly what needs doing and how urgently. C1 or C2 findings make a report unsatisfactory and, under most guidance, should be put right within 28 days, sooner where the risk is serious. Once the remedial work is done we issue a fresh certificate confirming compliance.
What the EICR codes mean
| Code | Meaning | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| C1 | Danger present | Risk of injury. Immediate action required. |
| C2 | Potentially dangerous | Urgent remedial work is needed to make it safe. |
| C3 | Improvement recommended | Not dangerous, but an upgrade is advised. |
| FI | Further investigation | Something needs a closer look before a verdict. |
A report is marked Unsatisfactory if any C1 or C2 is recorded.
How often you need an EICR
| Property | Recommended interval |
|---|---|
| Owner-occupied home | Every 10 years |
| Rented home in England | Every 5 years (a legal requirement) |
| Commercial or office | Every 5 years |
| Industrial | Every 3 years |
These are recommended maximums, or sooner on a change of occupancy.
EICR FAQs
How often do I need an EICR?
For homeowners, every 10 years is recommended. For landlords, every 5 years is a legal requirement. Commercial properties should be tested every 5 years.
What do the classification codes mean?
C1 (Danger Present) , immediate risk, urgent action required.
C2 (Potentially Dangerous) , could become dangerous, prompt action required.
C3 (Improvement Recommended) , not meeting current standards but not immediately dangerous.
FI (Further Investigation) , further investigation required.
Is an EICR a legal requirement for landlords?
Yes. Since June 2020, landlords in England are legally required to have the electrical installations in their rental properties inspected and tested at least every 5 years.
Is an EICR a legal requirement?
For landlords, yes. The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 require an EICR every 5 years and at each change of tenancy. For homeowners it is strongly recommended but not mandatory. For commercial properties there is no fixed legal requirement, but you need one to meet your health and safety obligations, and most insurers expect it.
How often should an EICR be carried out?
Owner occupied homes: every 10 years or at change of occupancy. Rented homes: every 5 years or at change of tenancy. Commercial premises: every 5 years. Industrial sites: every 3 years. Higher risk environments such as swimming pools, hospitals and cinemas may need more frequent inspection.
Does an EICR include PAT testing?
No. An EICR covers the fixed wiring and installation only. PAT testing covers portable appliances such as kettles, fridges and office equipment, and is a separate process. We can carry out both in the same visit if you need it.
What is the difference between an EICR and an EIC?
An EIC (Electrical Installation Certificate) is issued when new electrical work is carried out, for example a rewire, a new circuit or a major alteration. It certifies that the new work complies with BS 7671. An EICR assesses an existing installation. One certifies new work, the other checks whether what is already there is still safe.
Can I do an EICR myself?
No. It must be carried out by a qualified, registered electrician. The testing involves working on live circuits and interpreting results against the wiring regulations. It is not a DIY job, and a self produced report has no legal or insurance standing.
Book an EICR
Need an EICR or any other form of electrical testing? Call us or fill in the form and we will arrange it.
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