Elec test done on a green form (not CPS)

northwest1965

When we asked the seller for a EICR, he produced one on a green paper (form), not by someone who is a member of a CPS. The tester (who lives 40 miles from seller) basically did a box ticking exercise and didn't test sockets, wiring, switches.

Has anyone had this and would it be acceptable, to pay for a test ourselves and ask solicitor to have a retainer should work be needed. (Survey showed a socket in cupboard under sink and it's not correct type)

MattMattMattUK

northwest1965 said:

When we asked the seller for a EICR, he produced one on a green paper (form), not by someone who is a member of a CPS. The tester (who lives 40 miles from seller) basically did a box ticking exercise and didn't test sockets, wiring, switches.

How old is the property, when if ever was it's previous test, has it been rewired etc. If it is 1960s and still on additional wiring then I might have an issue, if it was rewired ten years ago then not.

northwest1965 said:

Has anyone had this and would it be acceptable, to pay for a test ourselves and ask solicitor to have a retainer should work be needed.

You can ask for that, the seller may or may not agree. As for a "retainer" if the test uncovers anything you feel needs changing then you can attempt to negotiate on price, but there is no default position for a "retainer", the seller can agree to the full cost, negotiate somewhere in the middle, or most likely just say no.

northwest1965 said:

(Survey showed a socket in cupboard under sink and it's not correct type)

Without knowing the specifics it is hard to say, but lots of things that get flagged on tests are things that are not up to regulations now but were when they were installed and in some cases that can only be a few years ago.

northwest1965

MattMattMattUK said:

How old is the property, when if ever was it's previous test, has it been rewired etc. If it is 1960s and still on additional wiring then I might have an issue, if it was rewired ten years ago then not.

 

Without knowing the specifics it is hard to say, but lots of things that get flagged on tests are things that are not up to regulations now but were when they were installed and in some cases that can only be a few years ago.

In part 3, he states the installation is 7 years old. The house was built 1850 , so assuming it had a full re-wire seven years ago, we would expect there to be documentation for that, but in part 2 it states there is no previous records.

The kitchen was fitted 7 years ago  The socket is not waterproof

anselld

northwest1965 said:

MattMattMattUK said:

How old is the property, when if ever was it's previous test, has it been rewired etc. If it is 1960s and still on additional wiring then I might have an issue, if it was rewired ten years ago then not.

 

Without knowing the specifics it is hard to say, but lots of things that get flagged on tests are things that are not up to regulations now but were when they were installed and in some cases that can only be a few years ago.

In part 3, he states the installation is 7 years old. The house was built 1850 , so assuming it had a full re-wire seven years ago, we would expect there to be documentation for that, but in part 2 it states there is no previous records.

The kitchen was fitted 7 years ago  The socket is not waterproof

A waterproof socket is not required under the sink... it is not expected to leak or spray water.

If the EICR is from an electrician registered with one of the recognised bodies, NICEIC, Napit, etc then it should be OK.  None the less you would be safer to get (and pay for) your own inspection by your own electrician.

There is always a debate about work "required" because the regulations change all the time so there will inevitable be things "not to current standards" but which are not necessarily essential repairs.

vic_sf49

As a seller, I'd say yes, feel free to pay for a test, but it's being sold as is, so either proceed or walk away. 

MattMattMattUK

northwest1965 said:

MattMattMattUK said:

How old is the property, when if ever was it's previous test, has it been rewired etc. If it is 1960s and still on additional wiring then I might have an issue, if it was rewired ten years ago then not.

 

Without knowing the specifics it is hard to say, but lots of things that get flagged on tests are things that are not up to regulations now but were when they were installed and in some cases that can only be a few years ago.

In part 3, he states the installation is 7 years old. The house was built 1850 , so assuming it had a full re-wire seven years ago, we would expect there to be documentation for that, but in part 2 it states there is no previous records.

I would expect there to have been documentation, but many people lose paperwork so it is hardly surprising that there is not paperwork now. There would be a commissioning sticker on the consumer unit which should give you a good idea of when it was done and no registered electrician would replace a consumer unit but connect it to unsafe wiring, so highly likely it was replaced at the same time if it had not been done previously. 

northwest1965 said:

The kitchen was fitted 7 years ago  The socket is not waterproof

As Ansell says above there is not a requirement for the socket to be waterproof, either now or seven years ago.

If you want this for your own piece of mind then you can volunteer to pay for your own inspection, the seller might agree, but I agree with Vic, the response will be that whatever it shows the price is the price. 

35har1old

northwest1965 said:

When we asked the seller for a EICR, he produced one on a green paper (form), not by someone who is a member of a CPS. The tester (who lives 40 miles from seller) basically did a box ticking exercise and didn't test sockets, wiring, switches.

Has anyone had this and would it be acceptable, to pay for a test ourselves and ask solicitor to have a retainer should work be needed. (Survey showed a socket in cupboard under sink and it's not correct type)

Seller doesn't have to supply EIRC they are only required when property is rented. It is at your expense just like if you wanted a survey carried out on the building 

Maahes

anselld said:

A waterproof socket is not required under the sink... it is not expected to leak or spray water.

Indeed - I had my kitchen refitted and rewired in June and I have an ordinary double socket under my sink for the dishwasher and washing machine.

Jumblebumble

anselld said:

northwest1965 said:

MattMattMattUK said:

How old is the property, when if ever was it's previous test, has it been rewired etc. If it is 1960s and still on additional wiring then I might have an issue, if it was rewired ten years ago then not.

 

Without knowing the specifics it is hard to say, but lots of things that get flagged on tests are things that are not up to regulations now but were when they were installed and in some cases that can only be a few years ago.

In part 3, he states the installation is 7 years old. The house was built 1850 , so assuming it had a full re-wire seven years ago, we would expect there to be documentation for that, but in part 2 it states there is no previous records.

The kitchen was fitted 7 years ago  The socket is not waterproof

A waterproof socket is not required under the sink... it is not expected to leak or spray water.

If the EICR is from an electrician registered with one of the recognised bodies, NICEIC, Napit, etc then it should be OK.  None the less you would be safer to get (and pay for) your own inspection by your own electrician.

There is always a debate about work "required" because the regulations change all the time so there will inevitable be things "not to current standards" but which are not necessarily essential repairs.

On the otherhand my understanding is that an EICR can be carried out by anybody who is competant and qualified without any Legal definition but one that is done by a non CPS member is not really worth the paper it is printed on
( As indeed the OP has foumd out as an EICR with no proper testing is in my view worthless)