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Table of Contents
- Thorough EICR and PAT Testing in Chineham
- A Real EICR and PAT Testing Project in Chineham
- What Is an Electrical Installation Condition Report?
- What Is Portable Appliance Testing?
- EICR and PAT Testing During One Visit
- Our Process
- What Is Included in the Price?
- Test Equipment and Materials
- Common Problems We Find
- Why Customers Choose MAYTRICS LIMITED
- What to Send With Your Enquiry
- FAQ SECTION
1) Thorough EICR and PAT Testing in Chineham
I’m Darren May, the electrician behind MAYTRICS LIMITED. I carry out Electrical Installation Condition Reports and Portable Appliance Testing for homeowners, landlords, letting agents and businesses throughout Chineham and the surrounding Basingstoke area.
One recent project involved carrying out a full EICR at a three-bedroom property in Chineham. The homeowner wanted a clear assessment of the fixed electrical installation and also asked us to test several portable and fixed appliances within the kitchen, including a kettle, toaster, washing machine, dishwasher and air fryer.
The visit involved much more than looking at the consumer unit. We visually inspected the accessible installation, tested every circuit connected to the fuse board and checked the condition of the protective devices, earthing, bonding, polarity, insulation resistance, continuity and RCD operation. We then completed the PAT testing, recorded the appliance results and applied the appropriate labels before explaining our findings to the customer.
Back to top2) A Real EICR and PAT Testing Project in Chineham
The Chineham customer contacted us because they wanted reassurance about the condition of their three-bedroom property’s electrical installation.
Before arranging the inspection, we asked for a clear photograph of the consumer unit. This allowed us to see approximately how many circuits were installed and allocate enough time to inspect and test the property properly.
We do not base EICR prices purely on the number of bedrooms. A three-bedroom home could have six circuits or sixteen circuits, and the amount of inspection and testing required would be very different. Pricing the work according to the number of circuits gives the customer a fairer and more realistic quotation.
On the day of the appointment, we completed a visual inspection of the accessible parts of the installation before working methodically through the circuits connected to the consumer unit.
The inspection and testing included checks of:
- The condition of the consumer unit
- The type and condition of the protective devices
- Earthing arrangements
- Main protective bonding
- Circuit continuity
- Ring final circuit continuity where applicable
- Insulation resistance
- Polarity
- Earth fault loop impedance
- RCD operating times
- Accessible sockets, switches and accessories
- Signs of overheating, damage or deterioration
Once the fixed electrical installation had been assessed, we carried out Portable Appliance Testing on the kitchen equipment requested by the homeowner.
The appliances included a kettle, toaster, washing machine, dishwasher and air fryer. Each item was visually inspected and tested as appropriate before the results were recorded and a pass or fail label applied.
When the work was complete, we explained the outcome to the customer and issued the relevant documentation following payment.
Back to top3) What Is an Electrical Installation Condition Report?
An Electrical Installation Condition Report, commonly known as an EICR, assesses the safety and condition of the fixed wiring within a property.
It covers the electrical installation itself rather than portable equipment. This includes the consumer unit, final circuits, fixed wiring, protective devices, earthing, bonding and accessible electrical accessories.
An EICR may be requested when:
- A landlord needs to meet rental property requirements
- A homeowner wants reassurance about an older installation
- A property is being purchased or sold
- No previous electrical report is available
- The existing report is out of date
- A property has been extended or altered
- A customer is planning a consumer unit upgrade
- There are concerns about previous DIY work
The purpose is to identify defects, deterioration and safety concerns that may not be obvious during everyday use.
An electrical installation can appear to work normally while still containing loose connections, deteriorated insulation, missing protection or other issues that only become apparent through inspection and testing.
Back to top4) What Is Portable Appliance Testing?
Portable Appliance Testing assesses electrical equipment that is connected to the installation rather than forming part of the fixed wiring.
Despite the name, not every item tested needs to be easily portable. Appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers may also be included where inspection and testing have been requested and access is available.
PAT testing may involve:
- Visual inspection of the appliance
- Inspection of the plug and flexible cable
- Checking the fuse rating
- Earth continuity testing
- Insulation resistance testing
- Alternative leakage testing where appropriate
- Polarity checks for suitable leads
- Recording the result
- Applying a pass or fail label
The exact test depends on the appliance construction and classification.
A visual inspection is an important part of the process. Test equipment cannot compensate for obvious physical damage such as exposed conductors, cracked plugs or poorly repaired cables.
Back to top5) EICR and PAT Testing During One Visit
Where practical, an EICR and PAT testing can be completed during the same appointment.
For the Chineham property, combining both services meant the homeowner received an assessment of the fixed electrical installation and the selected kitchen appliances without arranging two separate visits.
Before quoting, we ask for:
- A photograph of the consumer unit
- The approximate number of circuits where known
- The property type
- The reason for requiring the EICR
- A list of appliances requiring PAT testing
- Any known electrical faults
- Details of previous reports if available
The appliance list is important because testing five items takes considerably less time than testing fifty. Knowing the quantity in advance allows us to allocate enough time and provide a clear fixed price.
Back to top6) Our Process
1. Initial enquiry
The easiest way to contact us is through the enquiry form on our website.
You can provide your details, explain why the inspection is required and upload a photograph of the consumer unit. If PAT testing is required, please also provide a list or approximate quantity of the appliances to be tested.
Customers may initially contact us by telephone, WhatsApp or email. Where necessary, we will direct them to the website form so all the relevant information is recorded correctly.
2. Quotation and booking
Once we have reviewed the consumer unit photograph and appliance list, we confirm the price and answer any questions.
This type of work is normally quoted at a fixed price based on the information provided. Typical combined EICR and PAT testing projects range from approximately £300 to £500, depending on the number of circuits, quantity of appliances and size of the installation.
Once accepted, we arrange a convenient appointment. The customer receives a booking confirmation, automated reminders and a notification when we are on our way.
3. Inspection and testing
On arrival, we discuss any known concerns and explain that individual circuits may need to be disconnected briefly while testing is carried out.
We then complete the visual assessment and test each circuit methodically. Readings are recorded as the inspection progresses so the final report accurately reflects the condition of the installation.
If PAT testing has also been booked, we work through the agreed appliance list, carrying out the appropriate visual checks and electrical tests.
4. Findings and recommendations
Once the inspection is complete, we explain the findings in plain English.
If observations are recorded on the EICR, we explain what they mean, why they have received a particular classification and whether remedial work is required or recommended.
We do not use an EICR as an excuse to create unnecessary remedial work. Our role is to provide a fair and honest assessment based on the condition of the installation and the requirements of BS 7671.
Where remedial work is genuinely needed, we can provide a separate quotation. Nothing additional is carried out without the customer’s agreement.
5. Documentation and aftercare
Once payment has been received, we issue the completed Electrical Installation Condition Report together with the PAT testing records.
If further work is recommended, the customer can decide whether and when they would like to proceed. We remain available to answer questions and can arrange a separate appointment where required.
Customers may also receive occasional aftercare emails containing electrical safety advice, maintenance reminders and information about our services.
Back to top7) What Is Included in the Price?
Our pricing includes the time required to carry out a thorough assessment rather than a rushed inspection.
For the EICR, the quoted price includes:
- Visual inspection of the accessible installation
- Testing of the circuits within the consumer unit
- Recording the electrical test results
- Assessment of earthing and bonding
- Testing of RCDs where installed
- Classification of any observations
- Preparation of the EICR documentation
- Explanation of the findings
- For PAT testing, the price includes:
- Visual inspection of each agreed appliance
- Electrical testing appropriate to the appliance
- Recording the results
- Applying pass or fail labels
- Preparation of the PAT testing record
Before quoting, we normally need a photograph of the consumer unit and a list of the appliances requiring testing. This ensures the fixed price reflects the actual amount of work involved.
If defects are identified, any remedial work is quoted separately. We will always explain the issue and obtain permission before carrying out additional work.
Back to top8) Test Equipment and Materials
EICRs and PAT testing generally do not involve supplying installation materials because the purpose is to assess existing wiring and equipment.
Instead, we use professional electrical test instruments to obtain accurate readings and confirm the condition of the installation.
The equipment allows us to carry out tests such as:
- Continuity testing
- Insulation resistance testing
- Polarity testing
- Earth fault loop impedance testing
- Prospective fault current measurements
- RCD operating-time testing
- Earth continuity testing on appliances
- Insulation or leakage testing on appliances
For PAT testing, pass or fail labels are applied where appropriate and the results are recorded.
If testing identifies a fault requiring a replacement socket, switch or other accessory, this is not automatically changed during the inspection. We explain the finding and provide a separate quotation where requested.
For later remedial work, we commonly recommend Click sockets and switches and Scolmore Click Elucian consumer unit equipment because they provide a good balance of quality, reliability, availability and appearance.
Back to top9) Common Problems We Find
One of the most common issues is simply that an electrical installation has not been inspected for many years.
Everything may appear to work, but testing can identify deterioration or defects that are not visible during normal use. This may include damaged accessories, poor connections, inadequate protection or issues with earthing and bonding.
During PAT testing, we also come across appliances that have been altered or repaired incorrectly.
9.0.1) Moulded plugs removed unnecessarily
A moulded plug is fitted by the appliance manufacturer as part of the original product. Cutting it off unnecessarily and replacing it can affect the appliance warranty and create a new potential point of failure if the replacement plug is wired poorly.
9.0.2) Flexible cables joined with connector blocks and tape
We have found appliance flexes extended using connector blocks wrapped in insulating tape. This does not provide the same protection as a suitable enclosed connection and can leave the joint vulnerable to strain or accidental contact.
9.0.3) Incorrect cable used for appliance repairs
On one occasion, we found an appliance cable that had been extended using bright orange flexible cable commonly associated with garden or lawnmower equipment.
Although the appliance may have appeared to work, using unsuitable cable and an inappropriate joining method was not a proper long-term repair.
These examples demonstrate why inspection is not limited to checking whether an appliance switches on. The plug, cable, enclosure and protective measures all contribute to whether the equipment is safe to use.
Back to top10) Why Customers Choose MAYTRICS LIMITED
When you contact MAYTRICS LIMITED, you deal directly with me, Darren May.
There are no AI receptionists or call centres. I review the enquiry, confirm the quotation and carry out the inspection and testing.
MAYTRICS LIMITED is:
- Which? Trusted Trader approved
- NICEIC registered
- Part P certified
- City & Guilds Level 3 qualified
- Backed by 20 years of electrical experience
- Supported by over 180 Google reviews
- Supported by more than 240 Checkatrade reviews
We aim to respond to new enquiries on the same day wherever possible.
Our focus is on providing a full, fair and honest assessment. We do not rush inspections to offer the lowest price, and we do not fail installations unnecessarily in the hope of creating additional remedial work.
If the installation is satisfactory, we will say so. If defects are identified, we will explain them clearly and provide the evidence needed for the customer to make an informed decision.
Back to top11) What to Send With Your Enquiry
To receive an accurate quotation, please provide:
- Your name and property address
- A photograph of the consumer unit
- The reason for requiring the EICR
- Any previous report if available
- Details of known electrical problems
- A list or quantity of appliances requiring PAT testing
- Information about access to built-in appliances
- Your preferred appointment dates
This allows us to quote accurately and allocate enough time to complete the inspection properly.
Back to top12) FAQ SECTION
How much does an EICR and PAT testing cost in Chineham?
A combined EICR and PAT testing appointment typically costs between £300 and £500. The final price depends on the number of electrical circuits and the quantity of appliances requiring testing.
How long does the inspection take?
A three-bedroom property with a small number of PAT-tested appliances will often take approximately four hours. Larger consumer units, access difficulties or a longer appliance list may increase the time required.
Why do you need a photograph of my consumer unit?
The photograph helps us estimate how many circuits require inspection and testing. We price EICRs according to the number of circuits rather than simply using the number of bedrooms.
What happens if the EICR is unsatisfactory?
We explain every observation, its classification and why attention is required. Where appropriate, we can provide a separate quotation for remedial work, but nothing additional is completed without your agreement.
Can you PAT test kitchen appliances during the EICR?
Yes. We can usually test agreed appliances during the same appointment, including kettles, toasters, washing machines, dishwashers and air fryers, provided access is available.
Do you apply labels to the appliances?
Yes. Appliances are labelled with the appropriate pass or fail information where required, and the results are recorded within the PAT testing documentation.
Are you NICEIC registered?
Yes. MAYTRICS LIMITED is NICEIC registered, Part P certified, Which? Trusted Trader approved and City & Guilds Level 3 qualified, with 20 years of electrical experience.
If your property in Chineham is due an Electrical Installation Condition Report or you would like selected appliances tested during the same appointment, send me a photograph of the consumer unit and a list of the items requiring PAT testing. I’ll review the details and provide a clear fixed-price quotation with no obligation.
Call me on 01252 266277 or my mobile on 07984 060686. I am also available on WhatsApp.
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