Electrical Installation Condition Report
The keys facts you need to know
What is an EICR?
The Electrical Installation Condition Report, or EICR, is an inspection of the electrical installation in a building or property. The report has been designed to check for any issues or defaults present in the system, as well as to identify any potential faults that could lead to future faults. The report ensures that the system is safe to use for tenants, customers, or family members.
What are the legal requirements?
The legislation surrounding electrical reports has recently changed so it is important that you are aware of the changes and are fully compliant. For landlords who are looking to rent their property out privately, the Electrical Installation Condition Report is now a legal requirement with the most recent changes coming into force on 1st June 2020.
All landlords looking to start a new tenancy, or renew an existing tenancy, must now produce a satisfactory electrical report before the tenants can move in. If you have a property with tenants already in place, then you have until 1 April 2021 in order to provide a valid report. Private homeowners are currently not legally obliged to have one, although it is recommended for both your safety and peace of mind.
Why should I get an electrical report?
As previously discussed, the Electrical Installation Condition Report is a legal obligation for rental purposes. However, even if you do not plan to rent out your property then you can still benefit from having an electrical inspection. Approximately half of all domestic fires in the United Kingdom are caused by electrical faults.
Many people think that as long as their electrics are working fine then there is no cause for concern. However, there may be some potential issues within the system that could lead to a more serious problem. Furthermore, your insurance company will be more likely to settle a claim for an electrical fire if you are able to produce a valid EICR.
How long is the report valid for?
Private homeowners are advised to have a new report commissioned every ten years. For landlords, the current legislation states that the electrical certificate should be renewed every five years. Many industry experts advise that it is worthwhile to have the report renewed each time there is a change in tenancy although this is currently not a legal obligation.
What does the report check?
The Electrical Installation Condition Report is a full and thorough check of the system which starts with a visual inspection for obvious faults or issues. The electrical engineer will then perform an in-depth inspection of the entire electrical installation. The key focus areas of the inspection are;
- Check for RCDs (Residual Current Devices)
- Check for appropriate earthing and bonding
- Inspection of consumer unit/fuse box
- Check for appropriate switches/sockets/light fittings
- Inspection of the type/coating/age/condition of the wiring
- Inspection for general wear and tear, damage and deterioration
Can you fail the inspection?
Yes. The Health and Safety Executive is constantly seeking to improve requirements in order to keep us all safe. For properties with slightly older systems, there may be some elements that do not meet the current regulations.
For landlords looking to rent out a property then you are required to produce a Satisfactory report before you can move new tenants in. If the property fails the inspection, the electrician will give you electrical installation condition report guidance which will advise which part of the installation does not meet the regulations and why.
The following coding is used to indicate any issues with the report;
- C1 danger is present, risk of injury is likely and immediate action is required.
- C2 potentially dangerous and remedial action is needed urgently.
- C3 improvement of your electrical system is recommended. C3 is the only classification code that can appear on a report and still pass the electrical certificate UK test.
If you are a private homeowner, then you are not legally obliged to make the suggested changes, although obviously, it is recommended.
How long does the report take?
This largely depends on the size of the property and the number of circuits. Smaller properties can take around 60-90 minutes. Larger homes can take approximately 3-4 hours.
What does an EICR cost?
The price is dependent on the size of your property. If you need an electrical installation condition report then look no further than MyConstructor. Simply enter your postcode, select the number of bedrooms in the property and then browse through a selection of fully qualified local electricians. You can also read reviews from other customers and check availability. Once you are ready, you can select and time and date that suits you and book online with fixed prices, 24/7!
