Filling out an EIC

This is a topic that often causes confusion, particularly for apprentices completing EICs for the first time.

My approach has always been that the certificate should clearly represent the actual installation and allow someone unfamiliar with the site to understand the distribution hierarchy. The supply characteristics relate to the origin of the installation, so these remain the same regardless of how many sub-main boards are fed downstream.

Where you have a configuration such as:

Origin → Main LV Board → Switchroom Distribution Board → Final Sub-DB

I would typically record the characteristics at the origin in the supply section and then identify the board being certified within the schedule details. If the certificate relates to a new sub-main and DB installation, I would include the protective device and conductor details for the upstream circuit feeding that board, as these form part of the circuit being certified.

The key thing for me is consistency. I've seen certificates completed in several different ways, all technically acceptable, but the best certificates are the ones that clearly show:

• Where the supply originates.
• Which board is being certified.
• What upstream protective device provides fault protection.
• The extent and limitations of the work.

For apprentices, I think it helps to explain that they should always be able to trace the path back to the origin and understand which parts of the system fall within the scope of the certificate. If they can draw the single-line diagram correctly, completing the EIC becomes much easier.

Personally, I favour the model forms in BS 7671 rather than bespoke certificates, as they promote consistency and are what trainees will encounter most often in practice.

Interested to hear whether others certify each distribution board separately or prefer to treat multiple boards and sub-mains as a single installation certificate where the scope of works permits.

This is a topic that often causes confusion, particularly for apprentices completing EICs for the first time.

My approach has always been that the certificate should clearly represent the actual installation and allow someone unfamiliar with the site to understand the distribution hierarchy. The supply characteristics relate to the origin of the installation, so these remain the same regardless of how many sub-main boards are fed downstream.

Where you have a configuration such as:

Origin → Main LV Board → Switchroom Distribution Board → Final Sub-DB

I would typically record the characteristics at the origin in the supply section and then identify the board being certified within the schedule details. If the certificate relates to a new sub-main and DB installation, I would include the protective device and conductor details for the upstream circuit feeding that board, as these form part of the circuit being certified.

The key thing for me is consistency. I've seen certificates completed in several different ways, all technically acceptable, but the best certificates are the ones that clearly show:

• Where the supply originates.
• Which board is being certified.
• What upstream protective device provides fault protection.
• The extent and limitations of the work.

For apprentices, I think it helps to explain that they should always be able to trace the path back to the origin and understand which parts of the system fall within the scope of the certificate. If they can draw the single-line diagram correctly, completing the EIC becomes much easier.

Personally, I favour the model forms in BS 7671 rather than bespoke certificates, as they promote consistency and are what trainees will encounter most often in practice.

Interested to hear whether others certify each distribution board separately or prefer to treat multiple boards and sub-mains as a single installation certificate where the scope of works permits.