EICRs in Cwmbranfor landlords, homeownersand buyers
Know exactly what condition your wiring is in. A thorough inspection and test, a clear report in plain English, and honest advice on what needs doing, and what doesn't.
NAPIT Approved Contractor · Reg. no. 63450 · Free quotes
Over 15 years
In the industry
NAPIT Approved Contractor
Reg. no. 63450
Part P Registered
Via NAPIT scheme
£2m Public Liability
Fully insured
12-Month Guarantee
On workmanship
Service overview
EICRs: what it is and when you need it
What an EICR is
An Electrical Installation Condition Report is a formal inspection and test of a property's fixed wiring: the consumer unit, circuits, sockets, switches, lighting points and earthing. It records the condition of the installation and highlights anything that is dangerous, potentially dangerous or would benefit from improvement, using standard classification codes.
Who needs one
Landlords need regular EICRs for rented homes. Buyers often want one before completing on an older property. Homeowners use them to check the wiring after moving in, before a renovation, or simply when the installation hasn't been looked at in years. Businesses use them as part of keeping premises safe.
When to have one
Rented homes in Wales and England generally need an EICR at least every five years, and at the start of a new tenancy where required. For owner-occupied homes, a periodic inspection is commonly recommended every ten years, or sooner for older installations, after a change of occupancy, or if you've noticed warning signs such as scorch marks, flickering lights or frequent tripping.
Why a qualified inspector matters
An EICR is only useful if it is accurate. A rushed inspection can miss faults or, just as unhelpfully, flag work that isn't needed. A NAPIT-registered electrician carries out the testing properly, explains the findings and gives honest advice on priorities.
What happens if it's ignored
The risks of putting it off
Faults in fixed wiring are usually hidden in walls, under floors and behind fittings. An EICR is how you find them before they find you.
Hidden deterioration
Insulation breaks down with age and heat, connections loosen, and earthing can be disturbed by past alterations; none of which is visible from the outside.
Shock and fire risk
Faults such as missing earths or damaged cables increase the risk of electric shock and electrical fire.
Landlord compliance
Missing or out-of-date reports can leave landlords unable to show they've met their legal responsibilities.
Insurance and sale delays
Insurers, buyers and solicitors may ask for evidence of the installation's condition. No report can mean delays.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Leaving the inspection until days before a tenancy or completion date.
- Choosing the cheapest, fastest inspection rather than a thorough one.
- Assuming a new-looking consumer unit means the wiring behind it is fine.
- Ignoring recommendations on a previous report.
Our process
How the job is done, step by step
01
Booking and access
A time is arranged that suits you or your tenants, with access to all rooms and the consumer unit.
02
Visual inspection
Accessories, the consumer unit, visible wiring and earthing and bonding are checked for damage and wear.
03
Testing
Each circuit is tested, with brief power interruptions during the process.
04
Report
Findings are recorded with standard classification codes and explained in plain English.
05
Next steps
If remedial work is needed, you get a clear quote. Any work carried out is backed by a 12-month workmanship guarantee.
Benefits
What you get when it's done properly
Peace of mind
Know the real condition of your wiring, not a guess.
Honest priorities
Clear separation between what is urgent and what can wait.
Compliance for landlords
A report you can provide to tenants and letting agents.
Smoother sales
Answers buyers' and surveyors' questions about the electrics.
Plan spending
Budget for improvements before they become emergencies.
Safer home
Dangerous faults are identified so they can be put right.
In detail
Inside an EICR: codes, limitations and property types
Classification codes
Observations are coded. C1 means danger is present and immediate action is required. C2 means potentially dangerous, with urgent remedial action required. C3 means improvement is recommended. FI means further investigation is needed. An installation with any C1, C2 or FI is reported as unsatisfactory. C3 items alone don't make a report unsatisfactory.
Sampling and limitations
A full EICR tests a representative sample of the installation; the extent and any limitations, such as areas that couldn't be accessed, are recorded on the report. Agreeing the extent in advance means there are no surprises.
Rented properties
For landlords, the report needs to be provided to tenants, and any remedial work identified as required must be completed within the timescales set. Thomas can carry out the inspection and, if you choose, the remedial work, then provide confirmation once it's done.
Buying an older home
Older properties may have earlier wiring types, limited earthing or past DIY alterations. An EICR before or soon after purchase tells you whether you're looking at minor improvements or something larger such as a partial rewire.
Commercial premises
Shops, offices and small industrial units have their own inspection intervals and often more complex installations. Testing can be arranged to limit disruption to trading.
EICRs when buying or selling
For sellers, having a recent report ready answers buyers' questions early and can help a sale move along. For buyers, an EICR shows what you are taking on before or soon after completion, so any work can be budgeted and planned rather than discovered later.
What happens on the day
The inspection starts at the consumer unit, where the protective devices, labelling and the main earthing and bonding are checked. Each circuit is then tested in turn: continuity of protective conductors, insulation resistance, polarity, earth fault loop impedance and RCD operation. Accessories are opened on a sample basis to check terminations. Brief interruptions to the power are normal, and you'll be told before any circuit is switched off.
Reading your report
The report summarises the overall condition, lists each observation with its code, and states a recommended date for the next inspection. Thomas talks you through it so you know what is urgent, what is advisory and what doesn't need any action at all. Nothing is coded to create work that isn't needed.
Why VE Electrical
EICRs from the electrician who does the work
VE Electrical Services is owner-led. When you book eicrs with us, the person who quotes the job is Thomas Villars: the same fully qualified, NAPIT-registered electrician who carries it out, tests it and signs it off. There is no hand-off between a salesperson and a fitter, and no call centre between you and the answers you need.
Thomas has over 15 years' experience in the industry and set up the business eight years ago in Cwmbran. The business is a NAPIT Approved Contractor (registration no. 63450), Part P registered, carries £2 million public liability insurance and is a TrustATrader member. Every job is backed by a 12-month workmanship guarantee.
Quotes and site visits are always free. You get honest advice on what is needed, a clear price before work starts, and certification when the job is complete. For larger projects, trusted subcontractors are brought in, with Thomas remaining your single point of contact from start to finish.
FAQ
EICRs questions
How much does an EICR cost?
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The price depends on the size of the property and the number of circuits. Quotes are free, and you'll know the price before booking.
How long does an EICR take?
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Most homes take a few hours. Larger properties or those with many circuits take longer; you'll get an estimate when you book.
Will the power be off?
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Each circuit is switched off briefly while it's tested. Power is restored as the inspection progresses.
How often do landlords need an EICR?
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Rented homes generally need one at least every five years. Your report will state the recommended date for the next inspection.
What if my report is unsatisfactory?
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You'll get a clear explanation of each item and a quote for putting it right. Once the work is done, it's confirmed in writing.
Can you do the remedial work too?
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Yes. Thomas can carry out the work identified, which is then backed by a 12-month workmanship guarantee.
Do I need to be there?
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Someone needs to provide access to every room and the consumer unit. For rented homes, access can be arranged with tenants.
Do you carry out EICRs in Newport and Cardiff?
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Yes. VE Electrical covers Cwmbran, Newport, Cardiff, Pontypool, Abergavenny, Monmouth, Pontypridd, Bristol and surrounding areas.
Related services
Areas covered
EICRs from our Cwmbran base across South Wales and Bristol.
Find out what condition your wiring is really in
Get a free quote for an EICR with a clear, honest report. Quotes and site visits are always free.
NAPIT Approved Contractor no. 63450 · £2m public liability · 12-month workmanship guarantee