Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR)
As a landlord or employer it is vitally important that, not only do you take reasonable steps to keep your electrical installation safe and prevent harm to tenants, employees and customers, but that you are able to prove you took those steps.
To ensure an electrical installation is as safe as possible, you should have an inspection and test carried out regularly, along with any recommended remedial work. The accompanying Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) provides the proof that you're taking your electrical safety responsibilities seriously.
What is an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)?
An electrical installation consists of the fixed electrical components that supply electricity from the meter. This includes cables, sockets, switches, fuse box and anything else that helps to supply electricity to appliances that you plug in to this system.
Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is the name given to the report produced as a result of testing and inspecting an electrical installation.
The inspection and test provides an assessment of the condition of the electrical
installation.
The condition report contains the results of the inspection and testing,
and identifies
potential dangers and any remedial work that might be required.
Why do you need an EICR?
The main aims and benefits of a condition report are:
- Find any damage or deterioration that might cause electric shocks, fires or otherwise be a safety risk;
- Test for compliance with the BS 7671 "Requirements for Electrical Installations. IET Wiring Regulations";
- Demonstrate your efforts to comply with safety regulations and provide you with documented proof;
- Reduce the risk of fire and potential damage to expensive business equipment;
- Improve or maintain your good reputation by demonstrating your commitment to the health and safety of others.
Who needs an EICR?
Anybody who owns or is responsible for a property. Typically that means landlords, business owners and home owners.
When should an inspection and test should be conducted, and an EICR produced? The general consensus, from bodies such as Electrical Safety First and NAPIT is:
- When an electrical installation is first put into service;
- At least every five years for a rented home and for business premises;
- Just before a property is let out to a new tenant;
- Before buying a property (find out how this could save you money);
- At least every ten years for an owner-occupied property.
The period between inspections is the maximum recommended time. Sometimes the installation might require a shorter period between tests depending on the condition of the installation when tested.
What does the law say?
For landlords of houses in multiple occupation (HMO - e.g. bedsits, shared house or a shared flat), there is a legal requirement to have your electrical
installation inspected and tested every five years.
For businesses and non-HMO landlords, the regulations do not specifically state that an inspection and testing must be conducted. However, if you look closely at the regulations, they do state that an electrical installation must be designed, installed, operated and maintained in a safe manner at all times. And you have to be able to provide sufficient evidence of this.
The best and easiest way to provide that evidence is to have an electrical installation inspection and test, with the accompanying Electrical Installation Condition Report.
How we can help
To book an electrical installation inspection and test...
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