The electrical installation can be easy to overlook when viewing a house because most of it is hidden. A standard property survey should not be assumed to include the detailed inspection and testing provided by an EICR.
Look at the visible clues
Look for damaged or scorched sockets, obvious DIY alterations, very old accessories and the general condition of the consumer unit. These observations cannot replace testing, but they can prompt useful questions.
Ask for electrical paperwork
Ask whether there is a recent EICR and whether certificates are available for significant electrical work. Lack of paperwork does not prove the installation is unsafe, but it may make an inspection more worthwhile.
Consider an EICR before major work
If you are buying an older property or planning renovation, knowing the condition of the installation early can help with budgeting and sequencing work.
Do not rely on everything switching on
Lights and sockets working during a viewing tells you very little about the safety and condition of hidden wiring. Proper inspection and testing is designed to reveal issues that a simple functional check cannot.
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