EICR Certificate, If you manage a building or rental property, you may have heard “EICR” and wondered what it implies. This guide explains EICR and why it’s important to your safety. “Electrical Installation Condition Report” is EICR. Previously called “Fixed Wire Testing,” An EICR is when a “skilled” individual checks your electrical installations for fire and shock hazards, EICR Certificate.
What are EICR inspections called?
EICR examinations are called “hard wire testing” because installation components like light fittings, fuse boxes, and plug sockets are “hard wired” into the building and cannot be changed. The power meter supplies all stationary electrical equipment. Consumer unit (fusebox or distribution boards) with all fuses, circuit-breakers, and RCDs
To protect tenants and their belongings, England, Scotland, and Wales need EICR inspections for rental houses and HMOs. Our detailed overview covers EICR laws for landlords and rental homes.
Why is an EICR needed?
Business, office, and rental property owners must protect employees, customers, and renters. Old, poor electrical installations can cause fires and electric shocks. Faulty wiring and cabling cause 18% of English household fires, thus all electrical installations must be safe. EICRs provide the best installation security.
EICR duration?
Depends. EICR time depends on building size and circuit count. Fixing major electrical engineer difficulties can take time. EICRs—how often? Buildings determine testing intervals. Riskier buildings may need EICRs more often. Swimming pools need an EICR annually, whereas offices and schools need one every five years. Depending on the environment and electrical installation condition, the electrical engineer will choose testing intervals.
How long does an EICR last?
Find out why I’ve been advised I need an EICR as a residential landlord and how often. Why?
EICR certificates must be renewed every five years for English tenancies.
Our landlord EICR guide explains the law and how to comply in 2021.
Does a domestic property require an EICR?
EICRs are not required like rental properties. You must secure your property as a homeowner.
If your home’s faulty electrical fitting caught fire and damaged a neighbor’s house, you would be liable.
If your electrical systems are neglected, your house insurance may deny your claim.
Domestic properties should have an EICR every ten years. Homeowners are expected to maintain their electrical systems better than renters. EICRs should be done every ten years instead of five.
When moving into a non-new home, we recommend an EICR. This will ensure your new home’s electrical system is safe.
An Electrical Installation Certificate is issued when you move into a new constructed or rewired property. (EIC). This proves your electrical installation meets BS 7671. (IEE Wiring Regulations).
My building has how many electrical circuits?
When booking an EICR inspection, the provider will ask how many circuits you have. This helps them price and time your testing.
Two options if you don’t know this number:
Send the company your prior EICR report.
Inspections—what happens?
An EICR inspection is performed by a licensed electrician or electrical engineer. The electrical engineer will look for cracks, fractures, and overheating. Next, voltages and currents will test circuit safety. The report will document issues.
Do EICRs require power off?
EICR testing includes power-on and power-off tests. Most electrical system testing is done live. Some tests require power off. Circuits can be switched down individually if labeled, reducing building disruption.
If the power isn’t off, you have two options. Preparation improves EICR results. Our electrical engineers can test most circuits even without electricity or access. Plan ahead to test as much of the installation as feasible on the day. This may include allowing access to the loft and basement and notifying workers and renters that electrical equipment may need to be turned off. This will guarantee that your EICR examination is complete. We may test your business at night or on weekends, EICR Certificate.
An EICR report contains what?
EICR reports are given after inspections. Tested premises and testers. Whether the inspection passed or failed, according to the 18th edition wiring requirements.
An issue list and classification codes. Room-by-room breakdown
A testing schedule with results.
The electrical engineer will explain the EICR assessment and recommend repairs to make installations safe. Then arrange repairs.
Keep the report safe—your local government or insurance provider may want a copy.
Sample EICR report
Remedial works?
Remedial work after an EICR inspection makes your building safe.
Your electrical engineer will recommend repairs after inspection. Your electrical engineer may be able to do any necessary repairs immediately, depending on the job’s complexity and availability.
Otherwise, you must schedule the job following the inspection. If you have the EICR report, a different electrical engineer can assess the damage. Repairs will determine the cost. Replacing a socket is cheaper than rewiring.
What are EICR codes?
EICR inspections use four codes.
C1, C2, and F1 codes will make an EICR examination unacceptable.
EICRS explained
Inspections—what happens?
If your report is good, you’re done. (unless you want to resolve any C3 issues).
Remediation will be needed if your report is poor.
Commercial and residential landlords have different processes and timelines.
Commercial property EICR
EICR inspections for commercial properties like offices, factories, and schools require immediate repairs. You don’t have to fix things within 28 days like rental properties do, but you should.
In a claim, your insurance company may seek the EICR report and written confirmation of work.
No EICR inspection is needed in any case.
Discover commercial EICR.
EICRs for rental properties need repairs within 28 days of the initial inspection. (or sooner if the report specifies it). The electrician or electrical engineer will confirm completion in writing. After repairs, you must notify tenants and the local authority within 28 days.
What if my EICR inspection fails?
Two elements determine EICR cost. Building type and circuit count. Sockets, light fittings, and circuit breakers are checked as distinct circuits in an EICR inspection. Pricing depends on building type. A rental property has fewer circuits and is easier to verify than a factory. We will provide you a customized estimate if you request one.