Confusing EICR, 'Satisfactory' assessment but C1 present

[Ruby B]

As a newbie to this forum, I'm hoping that someone can help me understand a particular aspect of the EICR that was done on behalf of the previous owners of my current house. At the time (which I admit was some while ago) I was slightly confused by it but in all the chaos of buying the house, I put it to the back of my mind.
The summary (section E) states that the condition is 'Good' and that the overall assessment is 'Satisfactory'; however, there is a code C1 in section K Observations on the kitchen sockets circuit which says 'Excessive loop impedance' (further investigation required = No). This seems to contradict the 'satisfactory' assessment?
Also, looking at that particular circuit's details, it says Max permitted Zs of 1.09 and Maximum measured earth fault loop impedance of 0.82. I don't claim to understand what this is so in my simplistic way, 0.82 is less than the maximum so isn't that OK? There is an entry for the other sockets which also has a Max permitted of 1.09 and a measure of 0.76 so not too dissimilar.
I would be grateful if anyone could tell me if the installation should have been marked as 'unsatisfactory'. Thanks

 

[SparkyChick]

Welcome to the forums.

If it was truly a C1, the report cannot be satisfactory period.

However, based on the figures you have quoted, I would say there is nothing wrong.

 

[SparkyChick]

But, I'll add to that... without seeing the rest of the figures on the schedule of results, it is possible the measured value is higher than what one would expect based on other test results.

This could be an indication of an issue that might need addressing.

 

[The Ghost]

I guess an EICR was done and there was a C1 for something that was subsequently remedied and when the certificate was re-issued there was a glitch and they forgot to take out the C1. Just a guess mind but it can happen.

 

[SparkyChick]

I guess an EICR was done and there was a C1 for something that was subsequently remedied and when the certificate was re-issued there was a glitch and they forgot to take out the C1. Just a guess mind but it can happen.

Good shout, I didn't even think of that.

 

[Strima]

It’ll be a typo.

 

[Ruby B]

Thanks to you both for your speedy responses. I am going to contact the electrician that did the report and see if it was the case that the C1 was rectified, though as I said, it was some time ago (2014). Do electricians have to keep all these reports or register them somewhere, i.e. would they know if they'd reissued a certificate from that long ago?

 

[Andy78]

My software can do that. If I enter a C1 by mistake on the inspection schedule for example, it will insert a generic entry in the observation section. Even if I correct the code on the inspection schedule I would have to manually delete the entry in the observation section.

 

[Risteard]

Could you clarify first why you are concerned with a Report from five years ago?

 

[Ruby B]

You're right Risteard, it's from 4 and a half years ago and at the time, I looked at the 'satisfactory' and at the figures which seemed to contradict the C1 (not that I'm electrically qualified in any way, shape or form) and put it to the back of my mind. It's just that today I was looking for some other documentation relating to the purchase of my house and came across the EICR which prompted this post. I will probably be selling the house in maybe the next 5 years but was wondering whether I should have another EICR done now or wait until closer to the time I sell.

 

[Ruby B]

Andy78, you may have hit the nail on the head. The entry in section K looks like it may have been auto generated as it says DB 1_7/L1_Sockets kitchen_Excessive Earth Loop Impedance where DB 1 is the distribution board designation, 7/L1 is the circuit number and phase and Sockets kitchen is the circuit designation. The software is FastTest Pro 17th edition (printed at the bottom of the page). If you entered a measured value greater than the max permitted but then changed it, would it generate such an entry?

 

[Risteard]

You're right Risteard, it's from 4 and a half years ago and at the time, I looked at the 'satisfactory' and at the figures which seemed to contradict the C1 (not that I'm electrically qualified in any way, shape or form) and put it to the back of my mind. It's just that today I was looking for some other documentation relating to the purchase of my house and came across the EICR which prompted this post. I will probably be selling the house in maybe the next 5 years but was wondering whether I should have another EICR done now or wait until closer to the time I sell.

There should be a recommended interval for the next inspection written within that Report.

 

[The Ghost]

In any event when you do sell and if you pass on that certificate it may be picked up and cause a major head ache. So at some point it needs to be superseded by a new certificate to avoid that headache. At the same time as @SparkyChick has opined there may be a need for investigation to be sure the circuit is not defective and that new EICR would put paid to that as well, hitting two birds with one stone.

 

[GeorgeCooke]

You're right Risteard, it's from 4 and a half years ago and at the time, I looked at the 'satisfactory' and at the figures which seemed to contradict the C1 (not that I'm electrically qualified in any way, shape or form) and put it to the back of my mind. It's just that today I was looking for some other documentation relating to the purchase of my house and came across the EICR which prompted this post. I will probably be selling the house in maybe the next 5 years but was wondering whether I should have another EICR done now or wait until closer to the time I sell.

You don't need an EICR to sell a house. If the buyer wants one it is up to him/her to commission it just like any other surveys required.

 

[telectrix]

You don't need an EICR to sell a house. If the buyer wants one it is up to him/her to commission it just like any other surveys required.

but having an up to date EICR will make the deal sweeter to the prospective buyer.