Electrical safety is important for all buildings, but homeowners and private landlords are required by law to perform regular checks to obtain an EICR certificate. In this article, we explain the role of EICRs including what tests are required to conform to the legislation.
What is an EICR certificate?
Officially known as an Electrical Installation Condition Report, an EICR is also known as a Landlord Safety Test or Homebuyer’s Test. The list of checks is designed to spot defects, deterioration, damages and/or conditions that may be potentially dangerous. The final report provides recommendations for improvements to the property.
From July 2020, all new privately rented properties in England need to undergo a thorough inspection by a qualified electrician. The checks must be arranged by the landlord before a new tenancy starts, otherwise they could face a hefty penalty of up to £30,000.
National standards for the design, installation and maintenance of electric wiring are set out in the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) wiring regulations (BS 7671).
What does an EICR contain?
There are five areas that an electrician will cover when performing an EICR:
- Find and report damage or wear and tear that makes the electrics unsafe
- Check anything that doesn’t meet the IET wiring regulations
- Find points that may cause electric shocks and high temperatures
- Provide a record of the installation at the time of inspection
- Results of the inspection will be recorded to ensure electrics are safe to be used until the next inspection.
According to the Government website https://www.gov.uk/, electricians carrying out the check will use the following classifications to show areas where a landlord must make improvements:
- Code 1 (C1): Danger present. Risk of injury. The electrical inspector may make any C1 hazards safe before leaving the property.
- Code 2 (C2): Potentially dangerous. Further Investigation (FI) is required without delay.
- Code 3 (C3): Improvement recommended. Further remedial work is not required for the report to be deemed satisfactory.
When should you arrange an EICR?
Over time, electrical cables and fittings will degrade potentially putting people in the property at risk. That is why properties must be assessed by a professional electrician who will test items such as smoke alarms, circuit protection, earthing and bonding to appliances and fittings and light fittings in bathrooms and kitchens.
With regard to timescales, the IET wiring regulations state that:
- Landlords need a new EICR certificate every five years, or when there is a change of tenancy, or a new property is purchased to let.
- Homeowners require an EICR every 10 years, unless the property has a swimming pool, when tests should be done every year.
- Business owners should arrange an EICR test every five years.
Does your property require an EICR certificate?
It is important to remember that only a qualified electrician has the authority to conduct and issue an EICR certificate. The cost of a check will depend upon several factors including the property’s location, age, size and condition.
For example, older properties might contain more faults, requiring longer and more extensive testing. Alternatively, larger commercial properties will take longer to investigate.
Here at Evolution Electrical and Property Development Ltd we are friendly and professional Hitchin electricians who deliver the highest standard of work. From EICR certificates to rewiring a whole building, we offer a reliable and cost-effective service.
We cover all areas in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and North London. Get in touch today by calling 07306 244 886 or email info@evoepd.co.uk