Philip Bond asks a question about Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) Codes relating to worn or dated switches. It has been answered by the NICEIC (Theme – Regulations & Legislation):
Question:I have a query in relation to Periodic Inspection Report (now EICR) Codes. I am currently receiving inspection and testing reports and on the reports there is a lot of talk of 'all sockets and switches are worn and dated', and this is giving a Code of 2.
My understanding is that a Code 2 would more likely be used if the socket or switch is cracked, but not exposing any live conductive parts - and such worn/dated switches should be a Code 3 or Code 4, or even just an observation.
Your help and clarification is appreciated.
Answer: A Code 2 indicates an item which requires improvement, but not an item of immediate danger, but which could migrate to an immediate danger under fault conditions.
Note that since the PIRs were replaced by EICRs, there is no longer a Code 3.
If an assessor is showing signs of wear and tear then the inspecting engineer would need to use his engineering judgment in determining what action would need to be under taken in order to remove danger and prevent injury.
A Code 2 would indicate that an installation is in an unsatisfactory state.
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