WHAT IS AN EICR?
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) stands as a periodic assessment concerning a property’s fixed wiring safety. It is also referred to as the Landlord Safety Test or Homebuyers Test. This examination focuses on the property’s hard-wired systems and fuse boards. Certified electricians perform these tests. It’s advisable to conduct an EICR inspection every 10 years for homes. Rental properties necessitate this inspection every 5 years or upon a change in tenancy. Fixed Wire Testing guarantees the safety of electrical installations and adheres to the IET Wiring Regulations, specifically the 18th Edition, also known as BS 7671. The primary objective of an EICR is to ensure resident safety by avoiding electrical shock risks and potential fires.
WHAT DOES AN ELECTRICAL TEST AND INSPECTION INVOLVE?
Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs), also termed ‘periodic inspections,’ should be conducted by fully qualified, registered engineers. The inspection serves to:
Identify potential fire hazards or electric shock risks.
Pinpoint defective electrical work.
Detect any lack of earthing or bonding.
Highlight overloading of electrical circuits or equipment.
Landlords must ensure that a qualified electrical engineer carried their property’s inspection out. When an EICR is conducted, the contractor will disconnect the property’s installation from the mains electrical power supply. The duration of this process can range from an hour to a whole day depending on the property’s size. Larger installations may take several days or even weeks, particularly in commercial or industrial settings. Although inconvenient, the power disconnection is crucial for safety and accurate testing of the electrical circuits. The engineer issues an EICR detailing any identified damage, defects, or hazardous conditions. If the property is seemed unsafe, the electrical installation receives an “unsatisfactory” classification, necessitating remedial action.
WHO NEEDS TO GET AN EICR?
Is an Electrical Condition Report Necessary?
Yes, whether it’s a personal residence, business, or a rented property, having an up-to-date Electrical Condition Report is recommended. While not a legal requirement, various legal documents reference an Electrical Condition Report as a means of fulfilling their criteria. For instance, the Electricity at Work Act is one such example.
Implications for Landlords:
Private landlords must ensure electrical safety standards during occupied tenancies.
Mandated inspection and testing every five years by a qualified person.
Initial inspection before new tenancies commence.
Reporting requirements to existing tenants, local housing authorities, and retention of inspection reports for future reference.
WHAT HAPPENS IF MY EICR FAILS?
In case the report indicates electrical hazards, landlords must ensure recommended remedial work by a qualified person within 28 days or the specified period in the report.
During the EICR, the inspector assigns recommendation codes — C1, C2, FI, or C3 — to electrical observations. These codes denote the severity of observed defects or omissions within the electrical installation.
C1 signifies immediate danger requiring urgent remedial action.
C2 denotes potentially dangerous conditions requiring urgent attention without specifying the actions needed.
FI indicates a need for further investigation.
C3 suggests improvement recommendations for compliance with safety standards.
Upon completing the required remedial works, the electrician issues a “SATISFACTORY” certificate to the landlord.
FINANCIAL PENALTIES FOR UNSAFE ELECTRICS
Local authorities may issue remedial notices to landlords in breach of regulations. If proven, the authorities can impose financial penalties up to £30,000.
HOW SHOULD LANDLORDS PREPARE FOR MANDATORY ELECTRICAL SAFETY INSPECTIONS?
In anticipation of these regulations, landlords should ensure they possess an up-to-date Electrical Installation Condition Report. The impending regulations are likely to cause a surge in demand for electrical engineers. To avoid risks, schedule your report this month, providing legal compliance and peace of mind for the next five years!
About Us:
At Legacy Electrical, we have extensive experience in all aspects of electrical work. We work on any scale of project from installing a new socket in your kitchen, right up to the design, installation and testing of full scale home rewiring. Our friendly and helpful team are available to advise you and to answer any questions or concerns you may have, and we are happy to provide a free no obligation quote.