Do you want to save your property from electric accidents that are not only harmful to the property but can risk your life as well? Sure, you do. No one wants to end up in a situation where they invest their hard-earned bucks in a property that does follow the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector. EICR is what you need to be a law-abiding citizen and keep your property electrically safe. It is a formal report that verifies that all the electrical systems put into place are safe and follow the laws and regulations.
The landlords, tenants or businesses renting a property should get this assessment done by an approved contractor and skilled staff so that if there are any hazards regarding wiring or other electric systems, they can be solved without any consequences. Now that is the basic knowledge about EICR, let’s dive into details and understand all about EICR, why it matters, how it works and everything you need to know to keep your property safe and secure.
What is an EICR?
EICR refers to the Electrical Installation Condition Report which is a formal document that is prepared after conducting a detailed assessment of the electric systems and installations in a property. This report evaluates the condition of all kinds of electrical installations which includes wiring, circuits, and any associated equipment to ensure the electrical safety and law regulations.
If there are any issues that might result in some severe consequences, they will be highlighted in the report categorized by their level of severity. The report will also mention some recommendations to solve those issues. By following this process, property owners and tenants can save themselves from many commonplace electrical accidents like shocks or fires.
It is important to get regular EICRs done to ensure that the electric installations are maintained in safe conditions. It is recommended to get it done by experienced professionals after every five years to comply with legal standards. Regular inspections show you’re committed to safety and help reduce the risk of legal issues.
Why Do You Need an EICR?
As per the stats given by Electrical Safety First, more than 19,300 electric accidents happen each year in the UK region. Do you want to be a part of these stats? Sure, you don’t. That is why you need an EICR to stay safe from these electrical accidents.
An EICR checks that tenants are protected from possible dangers like old wiring, bad connections, or poor grounding. These issues could lead to electric shocks or even fires. Regular EICRs help landlords spot and fix these problems before they get worse making the place safer for everyone.
With regular inspections, it will be easy to
- Identify and solve the electrical problem to stay safe from accidents.
- Follow the legal standards and regulations to avoid legal penalties.
- Maintaining the electrical system to reduce the chances of damage to the property.
Legal Obligations
In many regions of the world, getting an EICR after a specific period of time is a legal requirement that is mandatory for landlords to follow. As per the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, all landlords must conduct electrical inspections in their properties by qualified individuals once every five years otherwise, they may have to face legal consequences or pay hefty fines.
How an EICR is Conducted
Here is the step-by-step process of an EICR inspection:
- First of all, our electrician will examine the electrical installations to check if there are any obvious signs of damage or wear.
- Then we conduct tests to check if the circuits and components are functioning properly or not.
- Findings are recorded, and any issues are categorised based on their severity.
- We prepare a formal report, detailing the condition of the installations and any recommended actions.
During an EICR, the electrician:
- Ensures wires are intact and properly insulated.
- Assess fuse boxes and circuit breakers for safety.
- Verifies that the system is correctly earthed and devices are operating correctly.
Preparation for an EICR Inspection
On average an EICR is expected to take 1 to 4 hours – it entirely depends on the size of the property and the complexity of electrical systems that are put into place. So, we have to overview the whole area to inspect all the details.
To facilitate the inspection:
- Provide Clear Access: Ensure that all electrical installations are accessible.
- Inform Occupants: Notify tenants or other occupants about the inspection to minimise disruptions.
- Prepare Documentation: Have previous reports or records of electrical work available for review.
Common Issues Found During EICR Inspections
During Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) inspections, several common electrical faults are often identified. One common issue found during inspections is faulty wiring. As the time goes by, wiring can wear out or become damaged. These faulty wires lead to loose connections or exposed wires which raise the risk of electric shocks – this is dangerous, not only for the property but for your safety as well. Another major concern is those outdated consumer units which are also known as fuse boxes. When these units become old, they do not have modern safety features and hence, their effectiveness in preventing electric hazards is reduced.
These faults can have a serious impact on safety and the structural integrity of a property. Besides the increased risk of fire and electric shock, the appliances and electric equipment at your home will also run the risk of damage and you may have to pay for costly repairs.
Electrical Safety Risks
The risks posed by electrical faults are significant. Electric shocks are one of the most immediate dangers, which can lead to severe injuries or even fatalities. Faulty systems are also a common cause of electrical fires, which can quickly spread, endangering lives and causing extensive property damage.
Regular EICR inspections are essential to identify and address these issues early. Upgrading old systems and fixing wiring faults helps reduce risks, ensuring the safety of occupants and the long-term integrity of the property.
Understanding the Results of Your EICR
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) assesses the safety and condition of your property’s electrical system. The report categorises any issues found using specific codes:
C1 (Danger Present):
This indicates an immediate risk that requires urgent attention to prevent harm.
C2 (Potential Danger):
This signifies a less immediate but significant issue that should be addressed promptly to avoid future hazards.
C3 (Improvement Recommended):
This suggests areas where enhancements could improve safety, though they are not mandatory.
FI (Further Investigation):
This means that additional examination is needed to fully understand a potential problem.
Understanding these codes helps you prioritise necessary repairs and improvements to maintain electrical safety in your property.
Electrician’s Recommendations
Based on the EICR findings, the electrician will recommend actions to rectify any identified issues. For C1 and C2 codes, remedial work is essential to ensure safety and compliance with current standards. Addressing C3 recommendations can further enhance your property’s electrical safety, even though they are not compulsory. FI codes require additional investigation to determine the exact nature of the problem.
What to Do After Receiving Your EICR
Step 1: Review the Report Thoroughly:
Carefully read through the EICR to understand the identified issues and their severity. This will help you prioritise the necessary actions.
Step 2: Arrange Remedial Work Promptly:
For any C1 or C2 issues, it’s crucial to get in touch with a team of qualified electricians like EICR CERT to carry out the recommended remedial work without delay. This ensures that your property meets safety standards and reduces potential hazards.
Step 3: Obtain Certification
After the remedial work is completed, you will get a certificate of completion from us. This document serves as proof that the necessary repairs have been made and that your electrical installation is now safe.
Step 4: Address Non-Compliance
If the EICR indicates non-compliance with safety standards, it’s your responsibility to ensure that all required remedial work is completed within 28 days or sooner if specified. Failure to comply can lead to legal consequences and increased safety risks.
Step 5: Keep Records
Maintain detailed records of the EICR, any remedial work carried out, and corresponding certificates. This documentation is important for future inspections and can be required for legal or insurance purposes.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your property’s electrical system remains safe, compliant, and reliable.
EICR Cost and Pricing
The cost of the Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) depends on various factors. We at EICR CERT make sure to assess the property to quote the most accurate pricing.
Here are our charges for a domestic EICR certificate. The rates are determined by the number of bedrooms:
- Studio Flat: £79.00
- 1 – 2 Bedrooms: £79.00
- 3 – 4 Bedrooms: £119.00
- 5 – 6 Bedrooms: £149.00
We charge the following rates for commercial EICR certificates. Prices are based on a single fuse box. If there is an additional fuse box, it is charged between £65 and £85:
- 1 – 5 Circuits: £149.00
- 6 – 10 Circuits: £199.00
- 11 – 20 Circuits: £249.00
It is important to keep one thing in mind these costs can vary depending on a number of factors such as:
Property Size and Type: Larger properties with more rooms and circuits require more time to inspect, increasing costs.
Number of Circuits: Properties with numerous electrical circuits take longer to assess, affecting the price.
Location: Urban areas, especially cities like London, may have higher service rates compared to rural regions.
Condition of Electrical Installations: Older or poorly maintained systems might need more thorough inspections, potentially raising costs.
Electrician’s Rates: Fees can vary based on the electrician’s experience, qualifications, and regional market rates.
How to Save on EICR Inspections
Here are some tips following which you can save a lot on EICR inspection and get the process down without breaking the bank.
- Schedule Regular Maintenance: Keeping your electrical systems in good condition can reduce the time needed for inspections, potentially lowering costs.
- Combine Services: If possible, schedule the EICR alongside other necessary electrical work to benefit from bundled service discounts.
- Plan Ahead: Avoid urgent or last-minute inspections, as they may incur additional fees.
- Ensure Easy Access: Make sure the electrician can easily access all areas of the property to facilitate a quicker and more efficient inspection.
How Often Should You Have an EICR?
EICR should be conducted regularly to ensure the safety of a property’s electrical systems and compliance with UK regulations. How often you should have an EICR usually depends on the type or property and specific conditions.
For most domestic properties, it’s recommended to conduct an EICR every ten years or upon a change of occupancy. Commercial properties typically require inspections every five years, while industrial installations should be inspected every three years. Certain situations necessitate more frequent testing. For example, swimming pools should be inspected annually due to the increased risk associated with water and electricity. Moreover, properties with older electrical installations or those exposed to harsh environmental conditions may require more regular inspections to ensure safety.
Who Should Carry Out Your EICR?
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) should be conducted by a qualified and competent electrician to ensure the safety and compliance of your property’s electrical systems. Look for professionals with certifications such as City & Guilds 2391, indicating proficiency in inspection and testing. Membership in recognised organizations like NICEIC or NAPIT further demonstrates adherence to industry standards.
To find a certified electrician, consider recommendations from trusted sources or consult directories of accredited professionals. For commercial and domestic EICR services in London, EICR CERT is your way to go. We have skilled electricians to offer comprehensive services.
We understand how important it is to keep your property safe and therefore we provide commercial EICR certificates that can meet your needs. Whether you’re managing a small office a large commercial property, or a homeowner, we have the experience and knowledge to carry out thorough and accurate inspections.
When you choose EICR CERT, you’re choosing a team dedicated to delivering exceptional service. Contact us today to schedule your EICR inspection and let us help you stay compliant with confidence.
Conclusion
Keeping your property’s electrical systems safe isn’t just a legal requirement—it’s about protecting the people who live or work there. Now that you know the importance of Regular Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs) for the safety and integrity of your property’s electrical systems, it is time to get it as soon as possible to identify potential hazards, ensure the well-being of occupants and comply with legal standards. Neglecting these inspections is never a good idea because it increases the risks of electrical accidents and legal penalties.
So, if it’s been a while since your last EICR, or you’re not sure if one’s been done, now’s the time to act. Don’t leave safety to chance—schedule your EICR with EICR CERT today and take the first step towards a safer, more secure property. Our team of professionals will make sure to make the process hassle-free for you.
