Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
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What is an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR Report)?
An electrical installation condition report (EICR), or periodic inspection report as they used to be called, are often referred to by customers as a Landlord Safety Test or Homebuyers Test.
Do I need an Electrical Installation Condition Report? The simple answer is yes. Whether it’s your home, a business or a property you rent out, your electrical installation should always be covered by an in date Electrical Condition Report. Although it’s not a legal requirement to have an Electrical Condition Report, many legal documents refer to an Electrical Condition Report as a way of satisfying requirements. The Electricity at Work Act as one example.
Do you know that if you rent out a property and your tenant is electrocuted due to unsafe electrics then you can be prosecuted? Claiming that you were unaware of the condition of the electrical installation is not a suitable defence by the way. In many areas, the local council will insist on a Condition Report for licencing rental properties.
What about the subject of insurance? Many insurers require an Electrical Condition Report Cerificate (ECRC) before providing cover. How would you feel about being taken to court for electrocuting a customer or employee? Only for your insurer to tell you that you’re not covered and you’ll have to cover the costs?
How often should i have an EICR carried out?
As previously noted the regularity of Electrical testing is dependent on differing factors. The recommended frequencies can be found below:
Homeowners –BS7671 (18th Edition Wiring Regulations) recommend an EICR should be completed at least every 10 years. If you are moving into a new home, this is also recommended particularly if your insurance requires one – or if you suspect your current electrics are old, faulty or have been subject to poor quality additions.
Should you be lucky enough to have a swimming pool this should then be tested once every year.
Tenanted Properties - The ‘Landlord and Tenants Act’ (1985) states landlords must ensure that the electrical installation in a rented property is maintained safely throughout a tenancy. As a result BS7671 recommend an EICR test at change of tenancy or at least every 5 years. An annual PAT test is also recommended.
Businesses – Although as an employer it is not a legal requirement to have an EICR, you are responsible for the welfare of your employees. The 1974 Health and Safety at Work Act states that employers are responsible for the health and safety of their employees. The ‘Electricity at work regulations’ which requires that precautions must be taken against the risk of injury from electricity used as part of work activities. BS7671 recommend having an EICR undertaken at least every 5 years.
How much does an EICR cost?
BS7671 (the 18th Edition of The Wiring Regulations) give guidance on testing and sample testing in particular. With larger installations, it is acceptable to just test a sample of the final circuits (lighting and socket circuits, for example, are final circuits). This sample can go be as low as 10%, obviously, this can give a misleading view of an installation and is not recommended.
This can lead to one contractor pricing to test 10% of the circuits whilst another more thorough contractor may test 75-100% of the circuits. It is therefore important to check what percentage your chosen contractor will be testing when comparing prices. Another issue that can occur is an electrical contractor who will price an EICR certificate at a loss on the basis that they will inflate the costs of the remedial works to make up for the initial low cost of the test. Unfortunately, it can be very difficult to quote for remedial works from another contractors electrical test certificate. The remedial work can be carried out however we would test again and further issues could be flagged.
So, back to the costs:
Our prices for a Domestic Electrical Condition Report from £180 plus vat for up to five circuits. Additional circuits charged at £20 plus vat per circuit. A typical three bedroom property will take us around four hours to complete. Call us now on 07778317813 .You can also contact us using the contact form above.
What is inspected in an EICR Report?
During the EICR report, we thoroughly test and inspect the consumer unit, wiring and electrical accessories. This includes:
- The competence of the earthing and bonding.
- Devices that safeguard against fire and electric shock.
- Any damage or wear and tear that could impact the safety of the properties occupants.
- Identify any damaged electrical fittings and accessories.
- Identify any exposed live wires that could result in fire or injury.
Registered, experienced & skilled electricians should only carry out an EICR. The qualification required to be able to carry out the report, requires a considerable volume of additional training & experience compared to your average electrician. This then allows our electricians to issue a your electrical installation certificate (electrical safety certificate)
Stay compliant and safe with Electec Electrical Contractors.
Finally, a lot of properties in London are over 100 years old and may still have black rubber VIR cables (Vulcanised Indian Rubber). If you come across these then do not disturb them and call Electec Electrical Contractors for immediate advice. If you’re concerned about the safety of the electrics in your home, rental premises or business, get in touch with Electec Electrical Contractors today. Stay safe and ensure you get an electrical certificate for your property.
Electec Electrical Contractors are NAPIT approved, Trust Mark endorsed and Which? Trusted Traders operating in London and the South of England for over 10 years.