What to Expect…From Your EICR

During your EICR we’ll carry out a comprehensive visual inspection and electrical testing of your fixed wiring to ensure it’s safe and compliant. The electricity will need to be switched off for parts of the inspection, so please save any work and shut down sensitive equipment beforehand. Once complete, you’ll receive a detailed report explaining any observations and, if necessary, recommendations for remedial work.

What may need to be switched off?

Power will normally be isolated while testing takes place. This means:

• Lights will go off temporarily.
• Sockets will lose power.
• Computers and electronic equipment should be shut down beforehand.
• Refrigeration is usually unaffected if the inspection is completed promptly, but longer inspections should be planned accordingly.
  

How to prepare

Before your appointment:

• Ensure access to the consumer unit.
• Clear access to sockets and switches where possible.
• Let the inspector know about any known faults or tripping circuits.
• Back up and shut down sensitive electronic equipment before testing begins.

Our engineer will carry out a visual inspection and electrical safety test on each portable appliance. We’ll check plugs, cables, casings and internal wiring (where accessible), before carrying out the appropriate electrical safety tests using calibrated equipment. Each item will receive a pass or fail result, and you’ll receive a full asset register and certificate upon completion. Any unsafe items will be clearly identified and explained, with advice on repair or replacement.

What you’ll receive:

After testing, you should receive:

• A detailed asset register
• Pass/fail results for each appliance
• Unique asset ID labels (if applicable)
• Pass labels on compliant appliances
• Failure labels on unsafe appliances
• A PAT testing certificate/report

To help the testing go smoothly:

• Ensure appliances are accessible.
• Save any work on computers before testing.
• Let the engineer know if there are critical appliances that cannot be switched off.
• Disconnect personal items if they are not to be tested.

Our engineer will inspect every emergency light fitting, check its condition and carry out a simulated power failure to ensure it operates correctly. During an annual inspection, each light will be tested for its full rated duration (usually 3 hours) to confirm the batteries provide adequate backup in the event of a power cut. Once complete, you’ll receive a record of the inspection along with details of any defects or recommendations for remedial work. You will also be provided a log book upon request for your record keeping. 

What to expect during the visit

• Some normal lighting may be temporarily switched off while testing.
• The building usually remains occupied during the inspection.
• After a full 3-hour test, batteries require up to 24 hours to fully recharge, so another prolonged power failure during that period could reduce emergency lighting duration.

Common faults found

• Failed batteries
• Lamps that do not illuminate
• Damaged or missing diffusers
• Faulty charging circuits
• Missing emergency lights after building alterations
• Exit signs not working
• Inoperative test switches
• Fittings obstructed or painted over

Full duration (annual) test

Once every 12 months, a full rated-duration test is carried out:

• Lights are operated on battery power for their full rated duration (typically 3 hours).
• The engineer checks the lights remain illuminated throughout.
• After the test, charging indicators are checked to ensure batteries begin recharging.

During your fire alarm inspection, we’ll carry out a thorough visual inspection and functional test of your fire alarm system to ensure it’s operating safely and reliably. A selection of detectors and call points will be tested, along with the control panel, sounders, batteries and any connected safety systems. The alarm will sound briefly during testing, and once complete, the system will be fully reset. You’ll receive a detailed service record outlining any findings and recommendations for remedial work if required.

After the inspection

You’ll receive:

• A record of the tests carried out
• Details of any faults or defects found
• Recommendations for repairs or improvements
• Confirmation that the system has been returned to normal operation

During your annual fire extinguisher service, we’ll inspect every extinguisher for damage, pressure, weight, accessibility, correct positioning and compliance with BS 5306-3. We’ll update the service labels, provide a service report, and advise if any extinguishers require replacement or extended servicing, helping keep your premises safe and compliant.

During a fire extinguisher service, the engineer will:

Visual inspection

• Check the extinguisher is in the correct location.
• Confirm it is easily accessible and not obstructed.
• Ensure the correct type of extinguisher is provided for the fire risk.
• Inspect for dents, corrosion, cracks or damage.
• Check the cylinder, hose and nozzle for wear or blockages.
• Inspect the handle and operating lever.
• Verify the safety pin and tamper seal are intact.
• Check the pressure gauge (where fitted) is in the green zone.
• Inspect labels and operating instructions for legibility.
• Check the manufacture date and service history.

Mechanical checks

• Confirm the hose and horn (CO₂ extinguishers) are secure and undamaged.
• Check discharge nozzles are free from obstructions.
• Ensure all moving parts operate correctly.
• Inspect the valve assembly for signs of leaks or damage.

Weight and pressure checks

• Weigh CO₂ extinguishers to ensure they haven’t lost gas.
• Check stored-pressure extinguishers maintain the correct pressure.
• Identify any signs of leakage.

Installation checks

• Ensure wall brackets and stands are secure.
• Confirm extinguishers are correctly mounted.
• Check identification signs are present and visible above extinguishers where required.

Documentation

• Update the service label with the inspection date.
• Record all extinguisher details and findings.
• Identify any extinguishers requiring replacement or extended servicing.
• Provide a service certificate or report.

Extended servicing (when required)

Some extinguishers require more than an annual inspection:

• Water, Foam and Powder: Extended service typically every 5 years, involving discharge, internal inspection and refill/recharge (or replacement if more economical).
• CO₂: Hydraulic pressure testing typically every 10 years.

Reasons an extinguisher may fail inspection

• Low pressure.
• Underweight CO₂ cylinder.
• Damaged or corroded cylinder.
• Missing safety pin or tamper seal.
• Illegible operating instructions.
• Blocked hose or nozzle.
• Past its service or test date.
• Wrong extinguisher type for the identified fire risk.