CareHomeDeskCareHomeDeskHow the EICR is structured and what the electrician is checking in each area of a care home.
The inspection starts at the distribution boards (consumer units / fuse boards). The electrician checks the condition of the enclosure, that all circuits are correctly labelled, that the correct breaker ratings are used, that RCDs are present where required, and that earth bonding is in place. Many care homes have old distribution boards with rewirable fuses or obsolete MCBs that no longer meet current standards -- this is a common C2 finding.
Sample sections of wiring are inspected visually (and by test) to check insulation condition, correct sizing, adequate support and protection, and correct cable routing. Older care homes with PVC-insulated wiring from the 1970s and 1980s may show deterioration, particularly in areas of heat or moisture. Where significant deterioration is found, a rewire of the affected circuits is typically required.
Kitchen and laundry areas receive particular attention as high-risk environments. All circuits must have appropriate RCD protection, the correct cable ratings for the appliances they serve, adequate earthing on all appliances and sinks, and no signs of water ingress to electrical accessories.
In resident bedrooms, the EICR checks that all socket outlets are protected by a 30mA RCD (mandatory since the 18th Edition), that there are no damaged accessories, that the lighting circuit is RCD-protected, and that any nurse-call or assistive technology wiring is in good condition.
CareHomeDesk gives you compliance checklists, maintenance logs, and contractor management tools built around exactly this kind of knowledge.