EICR / Inspection & Testing
Electrical installation condition reports are a combination of visual inspections and electrical testing, to ascertain the condition of a property’s wiring system. Making sure it is safe, satisfactory and fit for continued service. This is particularly important for home owners, landlords and tenants alike. Landlords should be aware of the private rental sector legislation (PRS. Introduced July 2020) and their responsibilities.
Electrical installations/wiring can deteriorate over a period of time, giving rise to potentially dangerous situations, which if go undetected can cause significant damage or worse. Inspection & testing will so far as reasonably practicable, detect damage, deterioration and defects, including any latent defects (faults which haven’t fully developed yet) which may be present on existing electrical circuits. Any non-compliances with the current wiring regulations (BS 7671) will also be noted on the report helping the client plan maintenance activities and determine if it would be prudent to upgrade the wiring system. An EICR is recommended prior to any major upgrade including consumer units or the installation of any substantial additional loads. This will help determine if the existing electrical system is fit/adequate to support these additional loads. (Increased current demand).
It is recommended that privately owned homes are tested at least every 10 years. Whilst rental properties at least every 5 years (max.) or on change of tenancy. Rental properties may also benefit from a routine visual operational inspection where the property is subject to frequent short tenancy agreements. This inspection will supplement an EICR but by No means replace the need for an EICR. An EICR is a report only, no certification is issued. The report will return a satisfactory or unsatisfactory result as appropriate. Any observations recorded will be attributed a classification code as follows:
C1 – DANGER present: (unacceptable condition, Immediate Remedial Action Required)
C2 – Potentially dangerous: (unacceptable condition, Urgent Remedial Action Required)
C3 - Improvement Recommended: (Acceptable condition)
F1 – Further investigation required: (unacceptable condition, Remedial Action Required, Without delay)
Any remedial/rectification work can be quoted for separately, upon request. This work can also be completed by third parties (whereby the third party will be responsible for any work/certification required) which will usually be an EIC/MEIWC certificate. These are important documents which should be retained and attached to the original EICR upon satisfactory completion of the remedial work. Dangerous conditions (C1 codes) need immediate remedial action to be taken. Landlords are required to action C2 and F1 codes within 28 days of the date on the report. EICR’s will be subject to extent, agreed prior to commencement of the report. Access to all rooms, consumer unit and usually under sink cupboard (to access protective bonding) required. The electricity will need to be isolated. EICR costs vary depending on the number of circuits/size of property and require payment in advance of booking.
If you require any further information on our electrical services or would like to speak with us please contact us: