Whether you are a homeowner, landlord, entrepreneur, or estate manager, you need to fix any damages or issues that might pose a danger and urgently require improvements for the property. To ensure your property adheres to safety standards, obtain an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) to find faults in power systems that may endanger you and your loved ones.
A qualified electrician or approved contractor will inspect your property and test all electrical systems for safety. If any hazardous defects are found, the electrician will document them in a report, including a recommendation code, and notify the property owner of the necessary repairs. The certificate will additionally indicate the date of the next assessment. In this blog, we will explain EICR, its benefits, and the EICR test process, helping you obtain an electrical safety certificate after a successful inspection.
EICR stands for Electrical Installation Condition Report. It is a document that assesses the safety and condition of an electrical installation. NICEIC-approved contractors or electricians registered with the JIB have undergone a complete training program to perform electrical inspections and testing.
An EICR certificate offers numerous benefits, predominantly ensuring electrical safety and compliance, particularly for landlords and businesses. It also provides composure for homeowners, which potentially lowers insurance premiums, and demonstrates a property’s safe and uncluttered condition, potentially increasing its value.
The Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is designed for the safe use of electrical installations. It provides a detailed assessment of the electrical system’s condition, identifying potential hazards or non-compliance with regulations.
It identifies issues or faults in the electrical system that may cause accidents or safety risks, including electric shocks or fires.
The report confirms that the condition of electrical installation is fully maintained in accordance with the IET Wiring Regulations, ensuring safety and adherence to industry standards.
It provides recommendations for necessary repairs, replacements, or upgrades to ensure the electrical system’s safety and reliability.
The EICR documents the condition of the electrical installation at the time of inspection. This can be advantageous for future inspections and maintenance.
During the EICR, a qualified electrician will visually inspect components, conduct electrical tests, and evaluate the system against British Standards.
The electricians will inspect the consumer unit (fuse board), wiring, switches, sockets, and other electrical fixtures for any indications of damage or deterioration. They will check for any exposed wires, loose connections, or other problems that could present a safety hazard.
Live and Dead Tests: The EICR includes testing electrical circuits in both live (powered on) and dead (powered off) states.
Insulation Resistance Tests: These tests measure the resistance of the wiring insulation to ensure it is not failing and to avoid electrical faults.
Earth Loop Impedance Tests: These tests check the impedance of the earth connection to ensure it is safe and efficient, which prevents shocks and fires.
Polarity and Earth Continuity Tests: These tests double-check that the wiring is connected appropriately and that the earth wire is continuous and properly bonded.
RCD (Residual Current Device) Testing: RCDs are safety devices that protect against electric shocks. These devices are tested during EICR to ensure they are working correctly and will trip if they fail.
Earth Leakage Tests: These tests measure the amount of electrical current flowing through the earth wire to detect faults or leaks.
The electrician will evaluate the inspection results against current British Standards (BS 7671). This will identify any defects, non-compliance issues, or possible risks that may be present in the electrical system.
The EICR report will document the findings, including a summary of the tests performed, any defects found, and suggestions for remedial action. It will specify if the installation is satisfactory.
An EICR evaluates the safety and condition of a building’s electrical installation, including wiring, circuits, and connections. It involves:
Wiring: Inspecting the condition of cables, looking for signs of damage, wear, or frayed insulation, including exposed conductors.
Sockets and Switches: Examination for damage, deterioration, and proper operations.
Distribution Boards: Evaluating the condition of the consumer unit, including fuses, circuit breakers, and their proper functioning.
Light Fittings: Inspecting the condition of light fixtures and ensuring proper installation.
Earthing and Bonding: Checking the adequacy of earthing and bonding arrangements to prevent electric shocks.
Dead Tests: These tests are performed with the power switched off to check circuit insulation resistance and loop impedance.
Live Tests: These tests are performed with the power switched on to validate electrical connections and other parameters.
Loop Impedance Tests: These tests measure the circuit’s impedance to ensure that protective devices like fuses and circuit breakers will function correctly in the event of a fault.
Insulation Resistance Tests: These tests measure the resistance between conductors and the earth, ensuring proper insulation.
Earth Continuity Tests: These tests assess resistance between a conductor and the earth, verifying earthing and bonding effectiveness.
An EICR is a detailed summary of your electrical systems to ensure they abide by the latest standards. It determines if the installation meets current electrical safety standards (BS 7671) and provides references for remedial work if required. The report uses a coding system (C1, C2, C3) to classify the severity of issues, with C1 and C2 indicating that urgent remedial action is required.
Indicates a hazardous situation requiring immediate action, such as a risk of injury.
Suggests a situation that could become dangerous under particular circumstances, which requires rapid attention.
Highlights areas where improvements could enhance safety and compliance, though they don’t pose an immediate or potential danger.
Specifies a situation that requires further investigation before a proper classification can be assigned.
For an EICR to be considered satisfactory, observations marked as C1, C2, or FI must be rectified. Only C3 observations are permissible in a satisfactory report.
There are multiple benefits of hiring experts for EICR tests, including:
Legal Compliance: EICRs are a legal requirement, especially for leased properties, to ensure compliance with safety rules.
Safety: The tests identify possible electrical threats, which make tenants and employees safe by pinpointing issues like faulty wiring or outdated components.
Insurance: Many insurance providers need regular EICRs to validate a property owner’s commitment to electrical safety and may offer lower premiums for properties with updated certificates.
Preventative Maintenance: EICR reports can highlight areas which need attention. This allows proactive maintenance and prevents costly repairs or safety incidents.
Reduced Risk of Accidents: By identifying and addressing electrical issues, EICRs lessen the risk of fire, electrocution, and other accidents.
Peace of Mind: Knowing your home’s electrical system is secure and compliant provides peace of mind to homeowners and their families, particularly in old houses.
Potential Lower Insurance Premiums: Homeowners with EICRs may qualify for lower insurance premiums because they have demonstrated proactive safety measures.
Increased Property Value: A recent and valid EICR can indicate a well-maintained property, potentially increasing its value when selling.
Reduced Risk of Accidents: Just like for landlords, EICRs help prevent electrical accidents and damage within the home.
In England, electrical inspections and tests for private rental properties must be done by a qualified electrician. Therefore, it is best to hire a registered electrician with the right certificates and experience.
Must have an EICR done at least every five years and upon each change of tenancy.
To ensure electrical safety, it is advisable, though not legally mandatory, to have an EICR conducted every 10 years.
The frequency of EICRs for commercial properties varies depending on the type of building and its usage, but they are often required to be checked every 3 to 5 years.
For out-dated electrical systems, properties with swimming pools, or after fire or flood damage, a more frequent inspection may be required.
Typically, an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) inspection takes 1 – 4 hours. The exact duration varies based on the size of the property, the complexity of the electrical system, and the number of circuits that need testing. For example, big commercial or industrial properties might take longer to complete, which can be a full day or more. Multiple factors affect the duration:
