Receiving an “unsatisfactory” electrical testing report is the last thing you want to see. Your mind might race with questions: Is my home dangerous? How much will repairs cost? Can I still sell or rent my property? The good news is that whilst an unsatisfactory report isn’t ideal, it’s a common occurrence that can be resolved with the right approach and professional help.
This guide explains everything you need to know about electrical testing reports, why properties fail, and how to get your electrical systems back up to standard quickly and safely.
What Is Electrical Testing?
Electrical testing, formally known as an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), is a comprehensive assessment of your property’s electrical systems. Think of it as an MOT for your home’s wiring and electrical components.
A qualified electrician examines your electrical installation to identify potential hazards, deterioration, or non-compliance with current safety standards. The process involves both visual inspections and electrical testing using specialised equipment.
The inspection covers everything from your consumer unit (fuse box) and wiring circuits to socket outlets, light fittings, and fixed appliances. The electrician will check for signs of damage, wear, or installations that don’t meet modern safety regulations.
During the assessment, the electrician will test various electrical parameters including insulation resistance, earth continuity, and polarity. These tests reveal problems that aren’t visible to the naked eye but could pose serious safety risks.
The final report classifies your electrical installation into one of several categories, ranging from satisfactory to unsatisfactory, with recommendations for any necessary remedial work.
The Importance of Electrical Testing
Regular electrical testing isn’t just a legal requirement for landlords – it’s essential for every property owner’s safety and peace of mind. Understanding why electrical testing matters helps you see beyond the inconvenience and cost to the genuine benefits. Faulty electrical installations cause thousands of house fires and electrical accidents each year, making early detection through regular testing crucial for preventing these incidents and protecting your family from electric shock, burns, or worse. Beyond personal safety, electrical faults can cause devastating fires that destroy homes and belongings, whilst insurance companies increasingly require evidence of proper electrical maintenance and may refuse claims without demonstrated regular testing.
From a compliance and financial perspective, the benefits are equally compelling. Landlords must provide tenants with a valid EICR every five years (or more frequently if recommended), and homeowners selling their property may also need recent electrical testing certificates, particularly for mortgage approvals. Addressing electrical issues early prevents minor problems from becoming major, expensive repairs, whilst a satisfactory electrical report adds value to your property and can speed up sales transactions.
Common Reasons for Unsatisfactory Reports
Understanding why properties receive unsatisfactory reports helps you identify potential issues before they become problems. Most electrical failures fall into several common categories.
Outdated Consumer Units
Many properties still have old-style fuse boxes that don’t meet current safety standards. These systems often lack adequate RCD protection, have insufficient capacity for modern demands, or use obsolete components that are difficult to maintain safely.
Inadequate Earthing and Bonding
Older properties frequently have inadequate earthing arrangements or missing equipotential bonding. Modern standards require comprehensive earthing systems that weren’t necessary when many homes were first wired.
Damaged or Deteriorated Wiring
Electrical cables deteriorate over time, particularly rubber-insulated cables common in older installations. Physical damage from renovations, rodents, or general wear can create dangerous situations requiring immediate attention.
Missing RCD Protection
Current regulations require RCD protection for most circuits to prevent electric shock. Many older installations lack this protection entirely or have inadequate coverage, representing a significant safety risk.
Overloaded Circuits
Modern homes use far more electrical appliances than properties wired decades ago. Original circuits may be overloaded, creating overheating risks and potentially dangerous conditions.
Non-Compliant Additions
DIY electrical work or additions by unqualified individuals often don’t meet safety standards. Bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor installations are particularly prone to non-compliant work that creates safety hazards.
Faulty or Missing Safety Devices
Circuit breakers, fuses, and other protective devices may be incorrectly rated, damaged, or missing entirely. These safety devices are your first line of defence against electrical faults and must function properly.
Poor Installation Standards
Even relatively recent work may not meet current installation standards if carried out by unqualified persons or to outdated regulations. Poor workmanship can create immediate safety risks requiring prompt correction.
How Goodwill Electrical Can Help Bring Your Property Up to Standard
Receiving an unsatisfactory electrical report doesn’t mean you’re facing a huge problem. At Goodwill Electrical, we specialise in electrical work that transforms failing electrical installations into safe, compliant systems that exceed current standards. Our team starts with a comprehensive assessment of your Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), clearly explaining any issues so you understand exactly what’s wrong. We then develop a detailed action plan that prioritises critical safety concerns and offers cost-effective solutions for all problems, ensuring your home’s electrical system is safe and up to code.
Our services cover a wide range of electrical upgrades and repairs. From complete consumer unit upgrades to rewiring services, we ensure every aspect of your property’s electrical system is brought up to code. We also specialise in earthing and bonding solutions, safety device installations, and challenging areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor spaces.
Beyond immediate repairs, we provide ongoing support to help you maintain your electrical systems and plan for future upgrades. We offer maintenance schedules, emergency call-out services, and follow-up EICR testing to confirm compliance. Our service includes detailed testing, certification, and documentation for insurance, mortgage, or rental purposes.
