5 Common Electrical Faults We Find During EICRs
Electrical installations can often give the impression that everything is fine. The lights work, the sockets work and the appliances switch on as they should.
But electrical faults aren’t always obvious.
During an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), testing and inspection can uncover problems that may otherwise remain hidden. Some are relatively minor, while others can present a genuine safety concern if left unaddressed.
At Pentacle Electrical and Security Ltd, we carry out EICRs for a range of properties and businesses, and over time we’ve seen plenty of examples of why periodic inspection is so important.
Here are five common issues that can be identified during electrical inspections.
1. Loose Electrical Connections
Loose connections are one of the problems we don’t want to find—but unfortunately, they do occur.
Electrical connections can become loose over time due to thermal expansion and contraction, vibration, movement or poor workmanship. A loose connection can create increased electrical resistance, which can result in heat being generated at the connection point.
The photograph accompanying this article shows a real example of heat damage caused by a loose connection.
What may have started as a relatively small issue has resulted in visible burning and damage to the terminals.
This is a good example of why electrical installations shouldn’t simply be judged by whether everything is still working. A circuit can continue to operate while a potentially dangerous fault is developing.
2. Poorly Terminated Cables
A secure and correctly made electrical connection is fundamental to a safe installation.
The second photograph shows an example of poor termination associated with a downlight. Although the conductors have been connected, the termination isn’t what we’d expect to see from a properly completed installation.
Poorly made connections can result in loose conductors, exposed copper, unreliable connections and, depending on the circumstances, increased risk of overheating or electrical shock.
This is particularly important when alterations or additions have been carried out over the years. An installation may have been modified by different people at different times, and not every alteration will necessarily have been completed to the same standard.
3. Damaged Cables and Accessories
Cables, switches, sockets and other electrical accessories can become damaged through age, impact, heat, moisture or general wear and tear.
Sometimes the damage is obvious. On other occasions, it may only become apparent during a detailed inspection.
Damaged insulation or accessories shouldn’t be ignored. Even if the circuit continues to function, damage can compromise the safety of the installation.
4. Inadequate Earthing or Bonding
Earthing and bonding form an important part of an electrical installation’s protective measures.
Testing during an EICR helps confirm that these arrangements are present and performing as required.
Problems with earthing or bonding aren’t necessarily something a property owner would notice during normal day-to-day use, which is another reason why periodic inspection and testing are so valuable.
5. Older Equipment and Previous Alterations
Electrical installations can evolve considerably over their lifetime.
A building may have originally been wired decades ago, with circuits subsequently added, extended or modified as the property’s use has changed.
Older equipment isn’t automatically unsafe, and an installation doesn’t necessarily need replacing simply because it isn’t new. However, an inspection can identify deterioration, damage, unsuitable alterations or areas where improvements may be recommended.
It’s about understanding the condition of the installation and making informed decisions about any work that may be required.
Why Regular EICRs Matter
One of the biggest benefits of an EICR is that it can identify problems before they develop into something more serious.
An electrical installation doesn’t have to be visibly broken to have a fault.
The examples in this article demonstrate that perfectly. A loose connection can leave behind visible heat damage, while a poorly terminated cable may remain hidden above a ceiling or inside an accessory.
Regular inspection and testing provide an opportunity to find these issues and assess the condition of the installation.
What Happens When Faults Are Found?
Finding an issue during an EICR doesn’t necessarily mean the whole installation needs replacing.
Observations are recorded and coded according to their level of urgency or importance. This allows the person responsible for the installation to understand what needs attention and prioritise remedial work appropriately.
The important thing is not to ignore significant observations.
Addressing faults promptly can help maintain the safety and reliability of the electrical installation and prevent small problems from developing into larger ones.
🔧 From the Field
When a connection gets too hot…
The first photograph in this article shows terminals that have suffered significant heat damage as a result of a loose electrical connection.
This is a great example of a fault that could easily go unnoticed until an inspection takes place. The circuit may still appear to work normally, but the condition of the connection tells a very different story.
The second photograph shows poor termination associated with a downlight.
Neither example is something you would necessarily identify simply by switching the light on or plugging an appliance into a socket.
That’s why inspection and testing are about much more than checking whether things work.
💡 Pentacle Pro Tip
Don’t wait for an electrical fault to announce itself.
If you’re responsible for a property or business, periodic inspection and testing can help identify problems that aren’t visible during normal use.
And if you’ve recently had electrical alterations or additions carried out, make sure the work has been properly inspected, tested and documented.
A circuit working correctly today doesn’t necessarily mean there isn’t a developing problem behind the scenes.
Need an EICR?
Pentacle Electrical and Security Ltd provides professional electrical inspection and testing for businesses, landlords and property owners.
If you’re unsure whether your electrical installation is due for inspection, or you’ve got concerns about its condition, get in touch with the Pentacle team for professional advice.