As we head towards winter, I always see a big rise in electrical callouts across Norwich — tripping circuits, blown fuses, flickering lights, and the occasional “half the sockets have gone off” panic.
Why It’s Worth Booking an EICR Before Christmas
It’s no coincidence. Once the heating, tumble dryer, and Christmas lights are all on at once, your home’s electrical system is suddenly under far more strain than it’s seen all year.
That’s why an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is one of the best bits of preventative maintenance you can do before the festive season hits.
🔍 What Exactly Is an EICR?
An EICR is a full electrical safety inspection — a bit like an MOT for your home’s wiring. I test your circuits, sockets, lights, fusebox, and earthing to make sure everything’s in good condition and meets current regulations (BS 7671).
The results are recorded in a formal report, which highlights:
- C1 or C2 faults (things that are dangerous or could become dangerous)
- C3 observations (recommendations for improvement)
- Any non-compliances with the latest standards
Most homeowners only need one every 10 years, or every 5 years for rental properties, but I often suggest having one sooner if:
- You’ve bought a new home and don’t know the wiring history
- You’ve added new circuits or had a rewire done years ago
- You’ve noticed tripping, buzzing, or flickering recently
Why It Matters More in Winter
Electricity demand shoots up over the colder months. We plug in more heaters, run dryers longer, and keep lights on earlier.
That extra load can push older or damaged wiring to its limit — especially if your fusebox is dated or the circuits haven’t been checked in years.
Just last December, I carried out an EICR in a 1970s home in Hethersett. The customer had been getting a random trip every time they used the kettle and toaster together. Turned out the kitchen ring main had a damaged cable under the floor — something you’d never spot without proper testing. One quick fix later, and no more nuisance trips (or cold cups of tea).
Catching those issues early saves the cost and chaos of mid-winter breakdowns — especially when everyone’s at home, and electricians are flat-out.
🏠 Ideal Timing for Landlords and Homeowners
If you’re a landlord, you’re legally required to have an EICR every five years (or at the start of each new tenancy). It’s part of keeping your property compliant under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020.
If you’re a homeowner, it’s about peace of mind. A safe, up-to-date electrical system not only protects your family but also helps keep your insurance valid.
Autumn is the ideal time to book one — before the winter rush, when emergency jobs take priority and slots fill up fast.
🔧 What’s Checked During an EICR?
During a typical inspection, I’ll:
- Test every circuit from the fusebox to the outlets
- Check earthing and bonding (for safety during faults)
- Inspect sockets, switches, and fittings for damage
- Verify that RCDs trip correctly
- Confirm your fuse box consumer unit meets current regs
I always take the time to explain the findings in plain English — no jargon, no pressure, just clear advice on what’s safe and what could use improvement.
If any work is recommended, I’ll give you options using trusted brands like Hager accessories, Fusebox boards, and Aico alarms where relevant.
🧠 Quick Fact
A typical Norwich household power use increases by around 40% in winter — meaning any existing electrical fault will show up much faster once the cold sets in.
❓FAQs
Q: How long does an EICR take?
A: Usually between 2 and 4 hours for an average three-bed home. I’ll always let you know beforehand if it’s likely to take longer.
Q: Will the power be off the whole time?
A: Only in short sections while I test each circuit — I’ll keep essential things like your fridge powered whenever possible.
Q: My house was rewired years ago — do I still need one?
A: Yes. Wiring can deteriorate over time, and standards evolve. Even good-quality work from a decade ago might not meet today’s safety requirements.
Q: Do you cover villages outside Norwich?
A: Absolutely — I regularly work in Wymondham, Hethersett, Cringleford, Thorpe St Andrew, Sprowston, and Brundall.
👷♂️ Book Your EICR Before the Winter Rush
If you’d like your home’s electrics checked before Christmas, now’s the perfect time. Get in touch with Norfolk Current Ltd — trusted electricians in Norwich and surrounding villages.
📞 Call 01603 369440
