5 year electrical testing, also referred to as fixed wire testing or EICR testing, is a safety check performed on a property’s complete electrical installation system. This includes the fuse box, circuits, wiring, switches, sockets, and lighting.
The purpose of 5 yearly electrical testing is to identify any damage, wear and tear, or potential faults that could lead to electric shocks, fires, or other safety incidents. Issues with earthing, insulation resistance, overloading, or incorrect wiring are assessed.
By having a qualified, experienced electrician thoroughly inspect and test electrics every 5 years, property managers and homeowners can ensure residents and visitors remain protected.
Is 5 Year Testing a Legal Requirement?
- For commercial buildings like offices, shops and warehouses, 5 yearly electrical checks are not a legal obligation currently. However, periodic electrical inspection testing every 5 years is strongly advised to guarantee staff and customer safety.
- For rented residential properties in the UK, 5 year fixed wire testing is a mandatory legal requirement. Landlords must have a valid Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) completed every 5 years by a certified electrician.
So in summary, regular electrical safety checks are vital for all properties, but explicitly required by law for rental homes on a 5 year cycle.
Why is it a 5 Year Cycle?
Industry best practice guidance states that a full inspection and testing of electrical installations should occur approximately every 5 years in most properties. This enables any deterioration or damage to be caught in reasonable timescales, before safety is compromised.
The 5 year timeframe aligns with the legal testing requirements introduced for rental properties. As the highest safety standards, these mandatory checks have led to 5 yearly cycles being adopted more widely.
Ten year cycles may have been typical historically, but regular electrical advances and the faster degradation of modern components means 5 years is now the norm.
What Does the 5 Year Testing Cover?
A detailed visual inspection of the electrics is completed initially, checking for any obvious warning signs like damaged cables, overloaded circuits, or loose connections. The condition of switches, sockets, fuse boxes and light fittings is assessed.
This is followed by electrical safety tests on the fixed wiring and integral electrics:
- Continuity testing – confirms correct earthing, bonding and RCD protection
- Insulation resistance – detects any insulation damage allowing current leakage
- Polarity checks – verifies live and neutral connections are wired to the right terminals
- Earth fault-loop impedance – measures electric shock risk from earth faults
- Load testing – checks circuits will not overload during normal operation
Portable appliances like kettles, TVs and laptops do not form part of the fixed installation so are not included in 5 year testing. These can be checked separately through PAT testing services if required.
5 Year Electrical Testing Certification
Once the inspection and testing work is fully completed, you receive a detailed report summarising the safety of your electrics. This Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) contains:
- Details about the installation’s design, age and condition
- A list of all the circuits and areas tested
- Observations from assessments, such as damage spotted
- Results of the electrical safety tests
- A safety classification – satisfactory or unsatisfactory
- Recommendations of any improvements required
- The date the next test is due – 5 years from issue
The electrician also labels the consumer unit with the test date and their details once finished. It is important to keep copies of EICR certificates safe in case they are needed for insurance or regulatory checks in the future.
How Much Does 5 Year Testing Cost?
The cost of 5 yearly electrical inspections/testing depends on the size of the property and number of circuits that require checking. Typically prices range from £150-£500 for a domestic house.
To receive an accurate fixed wire test quote for your home or commercial premises, contact DH Electrical Services today on 01234 567890. Our expert electricians serve customers across the North West region.
Choosing an Electrician for 5 Year Testing
It is important that 5 yearly electrical checks are conducted by a fully qualified, experienced electrician rather than attempting them yourself. All electrical work in the UK must legally be performed by registered electricians who are appropriately trained and insured.
Upon request, an electrician should provide certification to demonstrate they are registered with an industry scheme such as NICEIC or NAPIT. This proves they meet stringent competence requirements.
DH Electrical Services have decades of experience completing 5 year testing and only employ the most qualified, skilled electricians. Get in touch today to discuss your testing needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I get my electrics tested?
For most properties, testing every 5 years is the recommended minimum duration. Rental properties specifically must be tested on a 5 year cycle to meet UK legal requirements. Commercial and industrial sites may need more frequent testing.
What if my property fails the 5 year electrical test?
If your electrics are classified as unsatisfactory after testing, your electrician is obliged to provide remedial actions that must be undertaken. The highest priority C1 defects present a risk of injury and must be fixed immediately. Lower priority improvements may have longer timescales.
Do I need to be at the property during testing?
No, unlike a gas safety check there is no legal obligation to be present. As long as your appointed electrician can access the electrics, you can provide keys and let them conduct testing independently. However, being available is useful if any questions arise.
What certification do I receive after the test?
A full Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) detailing the safety status of your electrics will be supplied once the electrician finishes testing. This shows observations, results and classifications plus confirms if repairs are needed.
Contact DH Electrical Services on 07946 714 436 for a competitive quote on 5 year electrical testing today. Our fully certified electricians in Liverpool serve customers across the North West region.