Introduction

Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR) are essential for ensuring the safety of electrical installations in buildings. They help identify any potential hazards or defects that could cause harm to people or property.

In this article, we will look at completing EICR electrical reports, advice on fault coding when a problem is found, and the City and Guilds 2391 qualifications.

Completing EICR Electrical Reports

Completing an EICR involves a thorough inspection of the electrical installation in a building. The inspection must be carried out by a qualified electrician who is registered with a competent person scheme, such as NICEIC, ELECSA, or NAPIT. The report must be completed in accordance with the latest edition of the Wiring Regulations namely, BS 7671:2018+A2(2022) – the brown book!

The inspection involves checking the condition of the entire installation including the wiring, switches, sockets, and other electrical equipment in the building. However, it is imperative to have a discussion with the client or the client’s representative to clarify the extent and limitations of your report. The electrician must identify any defects, damage, wear and tear, or signs of overheating, and record them in the report.

Advice on Fault Coding

The report must also include a classification code for each defect identified. correctly identifying the fault code is essential to ensure that appropriate action is taken to rectify any issues found. The fault code helps to identify the severity of the problem and the urgency of the repairs required. The codes are:

1. C1 – Danger present, immediate remedial action required
   The C1 code is used for defects that present an immediate danger to people or property and require immediate remedial action.
2. C2 – Potentially dangerous, remedial action required
   The C2 code is used for defects that are potentially dangerous and require remedial action.
3. C3 – Improvement recommended
   The C3 code is used for defects that do not present an immediate danger but could be improved to enhance safety or performance.
4. FI – Further investigation required without delay
   The FI code is used for defects that require further investigation to determine the severity of the problem – but will ultimately lead to a dangerous condition (C1 or C2).

To give the reader a general idea, loose connections can be coded as FI, overloading as C2, short circuits and insulation damage as C1, and RCD failure as FI.

Correctly identifying fault codes during an EICR inspection is crucial for ensuring electrical safety and compliance with regulations. Fault codes help prioritize repairs, identify potential hazards, and ensure appropriate action is taken to rectify any issues found.

This requires a thorough understanding of the EICR coding system and BS 7671 and should only be performed by a suitably qualified electrician. This involves attaining appropriate trade qualifications such as City & Guilds 2391.

City and Guilds 2391 Qualifications

The City and Guilds 2391 qualifications are intended for electricians who perform inspections and tests on electrical installations, including EICRs. The qualifications cover the requirements of BS 7671 and other relevant standards and regulations.

There are three levels of qualification:

• City and Guilds 2391-50, which covers the initial verification and certification of new installations
• City and Guilds 2391-51, which covers the periodic inspection, testing, and certification of existing installations
• City and Guilds 2391-52, a combination of (-50 and -51), which is for experienced electricians seeking to develop their skills and knowledge in the inspection and testing of electrical installations.

These qualifications are assessed through a combination of practical assessments and written exams, and candidates are required to have prior knowledge and experience in electrical installation work.

Completion of these qualifications can enhance an electrician’s career prospects and demonstrate their competence in this important area of work.