Frequently asked questions

What is an EICR?

Get direct answers about electrical reports, faults, certificates and booking an electrician.

EICR questions

The most useful answers about Electrical Installation Condition Reports.

What is an EICR?

An Electrical Installation Condition Report is an inspection and test of the fixed electrical installation in a property. It checks the wiring, sockets, light fittings, consumer unit and other fixed electrical parts. The report records their condition and identifies any work or further investigation that is needed.

Who needs an EICR?

Landlords need electrical inspections to meet their duties for rented homes in England. Homeowners often request an EICR before buying a property, before major work or when the installation is old or has known problems. Businesses can use an EICR to help manage the safety of their premises.

How often does a rental property need an EICR?

For most rented homes in England, the fixed electrical installation must be inspected and tested at least every five years. The previous report can require the next inspection sooner. A valid report does not normally need to be repeated for each new tenancy.

What do the EICR codes C1, C2, C3 and FI mean?

C1 means danger is present. C2 means an item is potentially dangerous. C3 means an improvement is recommended, but it does not make the report unsatisfactory on its own. FI means further investigation is needed without delay.

What happens if an EICR is unsatisfactory?

The report identifies the items that need attention. C1, C2 and FI items require action or investigation. SOKKIT also provides a simple traffic-light summary to make the priorities easier to understand and can quote separately for remedial work.

How long does an EICR take and what does it cost?

Time and price depend on the property type, number of circuits, access and condition of the installation. Power must be switched off for parts of the inspection. Send the postcode, reason for the report and a clear photograph of the consumer unit for an accurate quote.

Landlords can also read the official electrical safety guidance for England.

Electrical work and safety

Plain answers about equipment, faults, testing and certificates.

What is a consumer unit?

A consumer unit, sometimes called a fuse box, contains the protective devices for the electrical circuits in a property. It switches circuits off when certain faults occur.

Why does my RCD or circuit breaker keep tripping?

Repeated tripping can be caused by faulty equipment, damaged wiring, moisture or a problem on the circuit. Unplug affected equipment when it is safe, avoid repeated resets and ask SOKKIT to investigate the cause.

When should an old fuse box be replaced?

Age alone does not decide whether a fuse box must be replaced. An inspection can identify damage, missing protection, limited capacity or other concerns. SOKKIT can explain the benefits and any work needed before you decide.

What electrical certificate should I receive?

The document depends on the work. New circuits and larger installations normally need an Electrical Installation Certificate. Some small alterations use a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate. An EICR records the condition of an existing installation.

What is the difference between an EICR and PAT testing?

An EICR checks the fixed electrical installation in a property. PAT testing inspects and tests portable electrical equipment. SOKKIT provides PAT testing for landlords, offices, charities and businesses, not as a domestic service for household appliances.

Can SOKKIT certify electrical work completed by someone else?

SOKKIT can inspect, test and certify eligible third-party work when it meets the relevant scheme requirements and enough of the installation can be verified. Contact SOKKIT before the work is covered so the required inspections can be agreed.

Do I need a survey before an EV charger is installed?

Yes. The site survey checks the electrical supply, consumer unit, parking position, charger location and cable route. SOKKIT is an OZEV-approved installer, and clear photographs can often begin the survey.

Can an electrician connect a new oven or electric hob?

Yes. The appliance rating and manufacturer information must match the circuit and connection. SOKKIT uses a cable type and connection equipment appropriate for the appliance because ovens and hobs are not all the same.

What does a plug-in solar safety check cover?

SOKKIT tests the socket and circuit that will receive the plug-in solar equipment, including the relevant protective devices and consumer unit arrangements. It is similar to a small EICR focused on that part of the installation.

What should I do if I smell burning or see electrical damage?

Keep away from damaged equipment. Switch off the supply only when it is safe to do so and contact an electrician promptly. Call 999 if there is a fire or immediate danger.

Booking SOKKIT

Answers about SOKKIT, quotes, appointments and service coverage.

Is SOKKIT a qualified and registered electrician?

Yes. SOKKIT is a member of the NAPIT Competent Person Scheme, membership number 83814. The electrician behind SOKKIT holds an ECS Gold Card, Level 3 Electrotechnical qualification, AM2 and specialist inspection, testing and EV charging qualifications.

Is SOKKIT an OZEV-approved EV charger installer?

Yes. SOKKIT is an OZEV-approved installer for eligible home and workplace EV charger installations and can explain the survey, installation, certification and notification process.

What areas does SOKKIT cover?

SOKKIT is based in Huddersfield and works across West Yorkshire. Regular service areas include Halifax, Brighouse, Elland, Leeds and nearby towns.

Does SOKKIT complete small electrical jobs?

Yes. SOKKIT completes small repairs and alterations as well as larger projects. This includes replacement sockets, light fittings, cooker connections and fault finding.

Does SOKKIT work in homes, rental properties and businesses?

Yes. SOKKIT provides domestic, landlord and commercial electrical services across Huddersfield and West Yorkshire. Use the Services menu to see the work listed for each customer type.

How do I request a quote?

Use the contact form, WhatsApp, email or phone. Include your postcode, a short description and clear photographs. This information helps SOKKIT confirm the correct next step.

Can I send photographs through WhatsApp?

Yes. Photographs of the work area, consumer unit and relevant equipment are useful. Send them to 07823 592 008.

Can SOKKIT work in an occupied rental property?

Yes. SOKKIT can arrange access with the landlord, tenant or agent when the correct contact details and permission are provided.

Can SOKKIT support a landlord with one property or a portfolio?

Yes. SOKKIT works with landlords and agents managing a single property or a portfolio, including EICRs, remedial work, tenant access, PAT testing and organised electrical records.

Can SOKKIT work outside normal business hours?

Yes, when arranged in advance. SOKKIT understands the cost of disruption and can plan commercial work around access, customers and operating hours where practical.

Will the electricity need to be switched off?

Some electrical work and testing requires a temporary isolation. SOKKIT explains this before work starts and discusses equipment that must remain on.

Does SOKKIT provide emergency electrical callouts?

Yes. Call or message SOKKIT with the fault, location and any immediate safety concerns, and we will confirm the earliest available help. Call 999 when there is a fire or immediate danger to life.

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