EICR
Electrical Installation Condition Report
What is an EICR
An EICR is an Electrical Installation Condition Report, also known as a periodic inspection and test certificate or electrical safety check. This is the formal documentation an electrician or electrical contractor will produce and issue to you, with the inspection and testing results as proof that your electrical installation is safe for continued use.
Overloaded socket found during an EICR in Carlton, Nottingham caused by cables overheating on a faulty ring final circuit
What is done during an EICR
During an EICR report, electrical inspections and fixed wire testing will be carried out to identify any cable deterioration, defective wiring and hazardous conditions within your electrical installation that may pose a risk of potential danger, along with details of recommended improvements to your wiring system.
After an EICR in Nottingham we will if necessary, provide a competitive quote for any remedial works identified, once the inspection and testing has been completed.
Dangerous wiring found on an electrical inspection in Sherwood, Nottingham. Heating flex found with connection directly to mains with no fuses fitted.
Do I need to have an EICR certificate
If you have a property with electricity then the answer is YES whether the building is used as a home, rental property or a business premises, having an EICR certificate is the only way to prove and document that the electrical installation is safe for continued use.
Without a valid EICR, insurance companies may not pay out on claims due to damage caused by electrical fires.
The cost of not having an EICR report carried out by a competent electrician could be high.
A failed connection found at a shower isolator during an EICR in Thorneywood, Nottingham
When do I need to get an EICR
In a rental property it is now a mandatory requirement that an EICR report is completed every five years, and it is recommended but not compulsory after a change of tenancy.
You may be thinking of selling your property, a potential buyer will often request an EICR certificate when purchasing a property.
Or when carrying out renovation work, it is necessary to assess the electrical safety of an installation if any additional electrical circuits or alteration of existing wiring is necessary, an up to date EICR will be recommended.
Thermal damage found inside a fuseboard during an EICR in Mapperley, Nottingham, overheating damage due to loose connection of conductor
Is an EICR required by law
The simple answer is YES, as from July 2020. Landlords have had the responsibility to ensure that any tenanted property has an electrical installation that is safe for continued use.
If an electrical installation condition report is requested by a tenant, managing agent or local authority it should be delivered within 30 days.
Guide for landlords: electrical safety standards in the private rented sector - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
What kind of properties require an EICR?
Electrical installation condition reports are required on all types of properties, whether it be a home or office, retail unit , factory, hotel and holiday lets including caravans will all need the correct documentation and electrical certification to prove electrical safety.
Exposed connections found during an EICR in Sherwood, Nottingham
Damaged conductors found on an EICR in West Bridgford, Nottingham
An EICR would help you fulfil your obligations as a landlord or duty holder by providing you with the official documented proof that your electrical installation has been thoroughly inspected.
This could be crucial in the event of an accident that is investigated by the HSE.
A lack of earth continuity at a class 1 light fitting led to the discovery of a damaged cable during a Nottingham EICR in Sherwood
If you have a business premises, according to the Health and Safety Act 1974, it’s the duty of every employer to make sure their employees are provided, as far as is reasonably practicable, a safe working environment.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) regularly prosecutes businesses which fail to protect employees from electrical injuries at work.
Thermal damage found at a socket during a Nottingham EICR
What does an electrical installation condition report involve?
When the necessary inspection and testing takes place in order to complete your EICR report the electrician will be undertaking an inspection and test of your electrical installation from the main electrical supply intake to your meter, the earthing and bonding, the adequacy of the circuit protection and the condition of all electric wiring and accessories.
This will comprise of visual inspections, and cable tests which will involve deenergising the electrical supply for the duration of the testing.
Access to the consumer unit will be required and the consumer unit cover will need to be removed during the inspection and testing procedure, electrical terminations will be inspected for signs of damage, and that all electrical connections are secure.
The circuit protection will be assessed for adequacy to protect the cables in each circuit.
Electrical sockets, switches and appliance connections will need to be accessed for integrity, suitability and electrical safety and some will be dismantled during the visit to allow for the inspection and testing of each final circuit.
The items inpected during an EICR are as follows:
1. Intake Equipment - The main incoming supply (Visual Inspection only)
Any defects will be noted in the report as an observation and advice will be given to the client where necessary.
Observations are coded C1, C2 or C3.
An explanation of EICR observation codes can be found here
Exposed live terminations to a downlighter found during a Nottingham EICR in Mapperley
The electrician may be at a typical residential property for 3 to 4 hours whilst carrying out the necessary inspection and testing in order to complete the EICR condition report.
What happens if my property fails an EICR?
If faults are found with the electrical installation they will be noted in the EICR report as observations alongside recommended actions to be taken to rectify the reported faults.
It may be possible to correct some simple defects found during the inspection and testing procedures, although in some cases the only course of action that may be taken is the isolation or disconnection of an electrical circuit if a dangerous condition is found or a cable/ accessory is discovered to be unfit for continued use.
Any faults found during the EICR inspection and testing requiring urgent action will be reported and notified to the client immediately.
A loose connection inside a shower found during an EICR in Ruddington, Nottingham resulting in heat damage to connections
How much does an EICR report cost?
The cost of an EICR electrical report varies depending on the property type and size of the installation. An EICR is a relatively low priced expense, to ensure electrical safety.
Here at Niman Electrical we try to keep our Nottingham EICR cost competitively priced.
How can I get an EICR near me in Nottingham?
Contact us at Niman Electrical,
we are always happy to help.