Buying a house with an unsatisfactory EICR

tickler

Wondering why the vendors had an EICR previously (unless it was a rental property) and why you felt the need to get one?

Lots of EICRs (too many) come back as 'unsatisfactory' as too many of those doing them are throwing the baby out with the bathwater and marking stuff strictly against the 18th edition regs as opposed to accepting that an installation that was appropriate for 17th or even 16th edition regs AT THAT TIME, can still be perfectly safe although admittedly a few minor improvements may typically be required.

What exactly are the "higher than expected readings?" and which part(s) of the installation are they applicable to?  R2 relates specifically to the CPC (Circuit Protective Conductor), i.e. the earth conductor. You've stated "on a number of circuits" which I'm thinking would be unlikely unless perhaps on ALL circuits but it shouldn't be a major job to dig a little deeper and end up with something more specific  

As far as tackling it along with the vendor goes my take on it would be you're free to do as much checking and be as thorough as you wish... but you'll be paying for it!

It's very much a sellers market at the moment so I'd doubt very much there's any scope to use it as a stick to negotiate with.

MiserlyMartin

I've never even heard of a EICR. When were these dreamed up? I last bought a house in 2020. Sounds like yet another waste of money to me.

iainseal

tickler said:

Wondering why the vendors had an EICR previously (unless it was a rental property) and why you felt the need to get one?

Lots of EICRs (too many) come back as 'unsatisfactory' as too many of those doing them are throwing the baby out with the bathwater and marking stuff strictly against the 18th edition regs as opposed to accepting that an installation that was appropriate for 17th or even 16th edition regs AT THAT TIME, can still be perfectly safe although admittedly a few minor improvements may typically be required.

What exactly are the "higher than expected readings?" and which part(s) of the installation are they applicable to?  R2 relates specifically to the CPC (Circuit Protective Conductor), i.e. the earth conductor. You've stated "on a number of circuits" which I'm thinking would be unlikely unless perhaps on ALL circuits but it shouldn't be a major job to dig a little deeper and end up with something more specific  

As far as tackling it along with the vendor goes my take on it would be you're free to do as much checking and be as thorough as you wish... but you'll be paying for it!

It's very much a sellers market at the moment so I'd doubt very much there's any scope to use it as a stick to negotiate with.

Thanks - not saying we are going to ask to renegotiate, just looking for anyone able to help shed light on how big an issue this might be (as my knowledge of electrics is limited!) 

High R2 readings not on all of them, but identified on 3 circuits. Figures like 1.8. Haven't been able to work out from googling if that's considered particularly high (think it depends on cable length). 

iainseal

MiserlyMartin said:

I've never even heard of a EICR. When were these dreamed up? I last bought a house in 2020. Sounds like yet another waste of money to me.

Thanks for taking the time to post this reply  

anselld

iainseal said:

ProDave said:

Is "High R2" the ONLY reason for the EICR being unsatisfactory?  If not list ALL of the C2 or C1 items?

High R2 could be as simple as some terminal screws not done up tight enough. Any evidence of a lot of posh new switches and sockets fitted?

No C1 or C2 issues identified, a couple of C3 issues which we aren't worried about, and then 'further investigation' relating to a number of circuits getting R2 readings that are higher than expected. 'Unsatisfactory' was the terminology used by the electrician on the report due to the areas for further investigation. 

Sorry, yes, I should have said FI also leads to "unsatisfactory".  The point was it is not just an interpretation it is the overall outcome of the EICR on the certificate.  ie any C1, C2 or FI -> "unsatisfactory".

martindow

Can you call the electrician to ask?  This seems analagous to surveyors reports,  where often a quick follow-up phone call can determine whether it is serious or not.

macman

MiserlyMartin said:

I've never even heard of a EICR. When were these dreamed up? I last bought a house in 2020. Sounds like yet another waste of money to me.

They have been required for rental properties for a couple of years, but entirely superfluous otherwise.

TheJP

macman said:

MiserlyMartin said:

I've never even heard of a EICR. When were these dreamed up? I last bought a house in 2020. Sounds like yet another waste of money to me.

They have been required for rental properties for a couple of years, but entirely superfluous otherwise.

Since you posted this, your EICR is out of date. That's how irrelevant these checks are.