EICR testing in Caerphilly
Caerphilly is a commuter town, and it tests like one. A large share of the stock is post-war and modern estate housing occupied by owners who want a condition report before selling or before an extension, alongside a steady rental market in Bedwas, Abertridwr and Senghenydd. We cover the whole of CF83.
Book an EICR in Caerphilly
The housing stock in Caerphilly
Post-war semis and later estate housing mean tidier installations than the valleys average, but a lot of consumer units from the 1990s and early 2000s that predate current RCD requirements. Garage conversions are common here and frequently show up as the weakest circuit in the property.
Driveway parking makes Caerphilly one of the easier areas to work in, so tests generally run to time. Estate properties with integral garages need the garage cleared enough to reach the board and any sub-circuits.
What we typically find here
- 1990s and early 2000s boards without RCD protection on sockets
- Garage conversion circuits added without certification
- Outdoor sockets and garden lighting on unprotected supplies
- Loft-mounted junction boxes left inaccessible after insulation top-ups
- Extension circuits fed from an already loaded ring final
Around two and a half to three hours for a typical Caerphilly semi, longer where a garage or annexe carries its own circuits.
C1, C2, C3 and FI in plain English
Something on the installation presents an immediate risk of injury, for example exposed live parts. We make it safe on the day where we can and it is reported straight away. A C1 means the report is unsatisfactory.
Not dangerous right now, but it could become so, for example missing earthing or bonding. A C2 also makes the report unsatisfactory and needs remedial work before a satisfactory report can be issued.
The installation is safe but does not meet the current standard, for example no RCD protection on a circuit that would need one today. A C3 on its own does not fail the report.
Something could not be fully assessed during the inspection and needs more work to establish whether it is a fault. An FI also results in an unsatisfactory report until it is resolved.
Any C1, C2 or FI makes the report unsatisfactory. If your Caerphilly property fails, you get an itemised written quote for the remedial work, and you are free to have that work done by anyone you choose.
How the visit runs
- 1Booking and accessWe agree a slot, including evenings and weekends, and confirm who is providing access to the consumer unit, intake position and every room.
- 2Visual inspectionAccessories, protective devices, bonding and cable condition are inspected before any instrument is used.
- 3Dead testingPower is off in stages while continuity, insulation resistance and polarity are tested circuit by circuit.
- 4Live testingEarth fault loop impedance and RCD operation are measured with the supply restored.
- 5Coding and reportEvery observation is coded C1, C2, C3 or FI, photographed, and written up in plain English alongside the schedule of test results.
- 6Remedials, if neededAnything that needs putting right is quoted in writing at a fixed price. You are free to use another electrician, and we will still verify and re-issue.
EICR questions from Caerphilly customers
Do you test before a house sale?
Yes. A pre-sale EICR gives you a costed picture of the installation, which is far easier to negotiate with than a surveyor's caveat.
How long is the report valid?
Domestic rented property is generally on a five-year cycle, and the report itself will state the recommended date for the next inspection.
Do you cover Bedwas and Senghenydd?
Yes, along with Abertridwr, Llanbradach and the rest of CF83.
What is an EICR?
An Electrical Installation Condition Report is a formal inspection and test of the fixed wiring in a property. It records the condition of the installation against BS 7671 and codes anything that falls short.
How often does a rented property need one?
Domestic rented property in England and Wales is generally on a five-year cycle, with a copy provided to tenants. Check the current guidance from your local authority for your specific situation.
How long does an EICR take?
Most domestic properties take two to four hours depending on the number of circuits. HMOs and subdivided houses take longer because each supply is inspected separately.
Also covered nearby
Bedwas, Senghenydd, Abertridwr, Llanbradach, Ystrad Mynach