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What is an EICR and is it a legal requirement?
The objective of an Electrical Installation Condition Report (also referred to as periodic inspection and testing of an electrical installation), is to ascertain, whether the installation in a property is safe and void of any hazards or risks to the occupants and the users. As well ensuring product safety and meeting safety standards an EICR’s purpose is also ensure the safety of the property by minimising risk of fires and accidents.
The detailed inspection and testing performed during an EICR carried out by a qualified and experienced electrician (competent person) will ensure any dangers are highlighted or recommendations are made to avoid the possibilities of harm. Any remedial work highlighted during an EICR inspection should be completed to ensure compliance. Whilst an EICR is recommended for all properties it is now a Legal Requirement for landlords.
As a company we have 10+ years experience of carrying out electrical installation condition reports (EICRs) for our residential and commercial customers in London. . Our paperless approach to certification and the use of technology ensures that landlords receive the instructed reports in a timely and efficient manner.
The Importance of Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs) in Meeting Safety Standards
Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs) are a critical tool for ensuring that a building’s electrical systems are safe and meet the necessary safety standards in the UK. These electrical certificates are completed by a qualified electrician and provide a detailed assessment of the condition of a property’s electrical installation, including any potential hazards and any repairs or upgrades that are required.
The electrical certificate will also indicate whether or not the installation complies with the current edition of the Wiring Regulations (18th Edition Wiring Regulations), which establishes electrical safety standards in the United Kingdom. Building owners and managers can ensure that their electrical systems are safe for use and protect against the risk of electrical fires and other hazards by having regular EICRs carried out by a competent person. Furthermore, it is a legal requirement in the UK to have an EICR carried out at least every 5 years for rental properties and any remedial work completed.
What happens after the EICR inspection is completed?
Depending on the condition of the installation, satisfactory certificates can obtain a validity of between 6 months – 5 years. On completion you will be issued an electronic certificate by email.
Our dedicated customer management software will prompt a timely reminder to ensure these can be revisited prior to expiry and provide the landlord with a peace of mind.
In the event of non conformities or faults within the installation our team of experienced electrical engineers can quickly carry out the necessary repairs or upgrades to ensure the continuity of compliance. Contact us today for further information or to book an inspection.
How much does a landlord’s electrical safety certificate cost?
With EICR certificates in London starting from c just £110 plus VAT we have established ourselves as a valuable partner in compliance checks and certification for Landlords, Homeowners, property managers and letting agents.
Is an electrician a competent person to have an EICR carried out?
All our inspectors carrying out EICRs are competent to do so, i.e. have the necessary training and have completed the relevant Electrical Inspection and Testing courses to carry out an EICR.
In addition all our inspectors have many years of onsite experience and are familiar with a variety of installation methods this is particularly beneficial when investigating FI Codes mentioned earlier to ensure the investigation cost is kept to a minimum. Contact us today to discuss any required remedial works or to instruct a new EICR.
What other landlord related services do you provide?
Gas Safety Certificate:
A certificate issued after inspection and testing of the complete gas installation within a property, including the gas appliances. The installation is checked for both correct operation and safety. In the UK a Gas Safety Certificate is a legal requirement to rent a property and needs to be renewed every 12 months.
Boiler Servicing:
An annual boiler service is carrying out a series of checks and cleaning to the boiler in order to maintain and increase the life of a boiler. It is also a requirement by the manufacturer to honour any boiler guarantees.
PAT Testing:
Portable appliance testing (PAT) is the label used for inspection and testing of electrical appliances and equipment to ensure they are safe to use and clear of any hazards. Majority of electrical safety issues can be found by visual inspection but some types of defect can only be found by testing. Using the correct calibrated PAT testing equipment.
EPC:
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a document collated from an energy assessment of a property to outline how efficiently the property performs in energy consumption and heat retention. Similar to the multi-coloured labels now seen on new appliances, EPCs advise how energy efficient a building is and give it a rating from A (very efficient) to G (inefficient). In the UK an EPC is a legal document required to rent or sell your property.
Legionella Risk Assessment:
To help identify potential risk factors in buildings, premises, and facilities, a legionella risk assessment is used. In order to establish effective Legionella risk controls, the findings are then used to identify the interventions that are necessary as well as the procedures and policies that need to be put in place in order to avoid exitance and spread of Legionella.
Asbestos Surveys:
Asbestos surveys are inspections undertaken within a building, a property or home for the purpose of identifying existence of asbestos containing material (ACM).
Fire Risk Assessments:
Fire Risk Assessment is a thorough inspection of a place of business or residence to gather visual information if any fire hazards exist, if they could cause harm, quantify the level of risk and how best they can be removed.
Commercial EPC:
Energy Performance Certificate for office buildings, mixed used, commercial and industrial properties. A certificate required for rental or sale of any commercial property.
Property Inventories:
Rental property inventory services, including one off inventories, check ins, check outs, interim reports and mid term reports.
Rewiring:
Electrical wiring, like any other material, wears and deteriorates over time. This creates faults, tripping and possible risk of fire. This deterioration or the new requirements of a modern property may mean the entire installation may require upgrading or rewiring.
Fusebox Consumer Units:
Replacing a faulty consumer unit or upgrading an existing fusebox to the latest 18th edition consumer units.
Carbon Monoxide Detector:
Installation of mains powered Carbon Monoxide Detectors. A device that monitors and detects Carbon Monoxide leakage from a gas appliance or gas boiler. Whilst not a legal requirement for a modern gas boiler installation, it is an advisable and low cost precautionary measure. Installation of wireless and wired carbon monoxide detectors
Smoke Alarm:
Installation of mains wired and interlinked smoke alarms, for homes, apartments, HMOs and businesses. Smoke alarms are a legal requirement for rental properties but a must have for all homes and businesses to protect lives
Frequently Asked Questions
When does an EICR become necessary?
An EICR is typically required when a property is purchased or sold, or when there is a change in occupancy. It may also be required if the electrical installation has undergone significant changes or additions, or if the installation has not been tested in a long time.
How frequently should an EICR be performed?
It is generally recommended that an EICR be performed every 5 years, or sooner if there are any concerns about the electrical installation’s safety. The frequency of testing, however, will be determined by the specific circumstances of the property and the electrical installation.
What exactly is an EICR?
A thorough inspection of the electrical installation, including the wiring, consumer unit, switchgear, and any electrical appliances, is typically performed as part of an EICR. Various tests will also be performed by the electrician to ensure that the installation is safe and in accordance with current regulations.
Can I perform an EICR myself?
No, only a qualified electrician should perform an EICR. It is critical to hire a qualified and experienced electrician to ensure that the inspection and testing are done correctly and that any potential problems are identified and addressed.
How long does it take to complete an EICR?
The size and complexity of the electrical installation will determine the length of an EICR. A small residential property may be completed in a few hours, whereas a larger commercial property may take several days.
Will an EICR highlight any repairs or upgrades on myproperty?
The electrician performing the EICR may identify defects or areas of non-compliance that need to be repaired or upgraded in order to ensure the electrical installation’s safety. If this is the case, the electrician will provide a report outlining the necessary repairs or upgrades as well as the costs associated with them.
Can I use the EICR to negotiate the purchase price of a home?
An EICR can provide useful information about the condition of a property’s electrical installation, which can be useful when negotiating the price. However, it is important to remember that an EICR is not a guarantee of the installation’s future performance and that defects or areas of non-compliance may still occur in the future, but if major issues are highlighted such as the need to rewire the entire property the costs can be factored in.
Is an EICR the same thing as a homebuyer’s report or a construction survey?
No, an EICR focuses solely on the electrical installation, whereas a homebuyer’s report or building survey covers a broader range of property-related issues. An EICR should be considered in addition to, rather than as a substitute for, a homebuyer’s report or a building survey.
Do I need an EICR when applying for a mortgage?
An EICR is not usually required as part of the mortgage application process, but the lender may request one as part of their due diligence.
Can an EICR detect hidden electrical issues?
An EICR is intended to detect any visible or hidden flaws or areas of noncompliance in an electrical installation. However, some issues may go undetected, especially if they are hidden behind walls or in inaccessible areas.
Is an EICR going to test every electrical outlet and appliance in the house?
In most cases, an EICR will include a visual inspection of all electrical outlets and appliances, as well as testing of a representative sample. This is done to ensure that the inspection is thorough and comprehensive, as well as practical and cost-effective.
Can an EICR be performed on a home that has a live electrical installation?
Yes, an EICR can be performed on a live electrical installation, though certain circuits or appliances may need to be isolated in order to perform certain tests safely.
Can an EICR be performed on a property that does not have electricity?
An EICR can be performed on a property that does not have electricity, but it may be more difficult and require additional testing equipment. In some cases, restoring power to the property may be necessary in order to carry out the EICR.
Will my home insurance be affected by an EICR?
An EICR may be required as a condition of your home insurance policy, especially if the property is older or if significant alterations or additions to the electrical installation have occurred. An EICR can also reassure your insurer that the electrical installation is safe and compliant, potentially resulting in a lower insurance premium.
Is an EICR required when selling a property?
An EICR can provide valuable information about the condition of a property’s electrical installation, which may be of interest to potential buyers; however, an EICR is not a legal requirement for selling a property and does not replace other necessary inspections or reports.
Can an EICR be used to obtain approval for building regulations?
An EICR is not typically required as part of the building regulations approval process, but it may be requested if the electrical installation has undergone significant alterations or additions. In this case, the EICR must demonstrate that the electrical installation is both safe and in accordance with current regulations.
Can an EICR be carried out on a new electrical installation?
Yes, an EICR can be carried out on a new electrical installation, although it may be more limited in scope than an EICR on an older installation. The purpose of an EICR on a new installation is to ensure that it has been installed correctly and that it meets all relevant regulations and standards. All new installations should be accompanied with a valid EIC with 5 or 10 years expiry from date of completion.
Can an EICR be carried out on an outdoor electrical installation?
Yes, an EICR can be carried out on an outdoor electrical installation, including garden lighting, outdoor power outlets, and any other electrical equipment or appliances. The electrician will carry out the same inspections and tests as they would for an indoor installation, with the added consideration of weather-related issues such as moisture or corrosion.
Can an EICR be carried out on an electrical installation that has been modified or upgraded?
Yes, an EICR can be carried out on an electrical installation that has been modified or upgraded. The electrician will assess the safety and compliance of the modified or upgraded installation in the same way as they would for any other electrical installation.
Can an EICR be carried out on a property with a fuse box rather than a consumer unit?
Yes, an EICR can be carried out on a property with a fuse box. The electrician will assess the safety and condition of the fuse box and any other components of the electrical installation in the same way as they would for a property with a consumer unit. The EICR however is likely to recommend the fusebox is upgraded.
Can an EICR be carried out on a property with a combination of modern and older electrical installations?
Yes, an EICR can be carried out on a property with a combination of modern and older electrical installations. The electrician will assess the safety and compliance of each installation separately, taking into account any differences in age or technology.