What an installation assessment covers
Electrical installations deteriorate with age and use. Electrical Safety First, an electrical safety charity, explains that inspection and testing examine wiring, fixed equipment, earthing and bonding. Its periodic testing guidance (electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk) describes a condition report recording observed damage, deterioration and conditions that could cause danger.
That assessment concerns the fixed installation. It should not be confused with checking individual appliances. If your concern is a particular appliance or a specific fault, describe it separately from a request to assess the installation.
Use records to frame the discussion
A previous report, known alteration date or record of electrical work can give the discussion a starting point. Mention what you hold and any recommendation already recorded. Include later alterations as part of the property history you describe.
Where dates or records are missing, leave them unknown. Give the property’s age if known, alongside any separate information you hold about electrical work.
Our electrical inspection page helps you describe the property and the assessment you want to discuss.
Explain the report requirement
If someone has requested an electrical installation condition report, or EICR, state that requirement explicitly. Describe the property or area involved, the reason for the request and any deadline.
Include access arrangements involving a tenant or property manager, along with records already available. Where an existing report identifies a concern, quote the relevant wording accurately rather than converting it into your own diagnosis.
Inspection timing and rented homes
For rented homes in England, the current rental safety guidance (gov.uk) covers private and social rented properties, subject to exemptions and transition provisions. It requires qualified, competent inspection, with the report recording the condition and next inspection.
Those rental requirements should not be applied automatically to every owner-occupied home. For your enquiry, identify the property’s use, the reason for assessment and any date or requirement already recorded. If you have a new concern, describe it directly rather than treating a routine inspection request as a diagnosis.