What is the EICR?
The Electrical Inspection Condition Report (EICR) is a legal requirement for all new tenancies from July 1st 2020.
For any existing tenancies, the EICR must be carried out by April 21st 2021.
This certificate is an official document that confirms that the electrical installation is in a safe condition and the check can only be carried out by a qualified electrician.
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Similar to the concept of the MOT, the EICR is a check on the condition of the electrical installation in the building.
During the EICR, the consumer unit, wiring and electrical accessories are thoroughly tested and inspected for faults or non-compliance with wiring standards. Throughout the test, the following will be inspected:
- The adequacy of the earthing and bonding.
- Devices for protection against fire and electric shock.
- Any damage or wear and tear that might affect the safety of the properties’ inhabitants.
- Identification of any damaged electrical fittings and accessories.
- Identification of any exposed live wires that could cause a fire or injury.
An EICR should only be carried out by a skilled and competent Registered Electrician with the knowledge to know what they are looking for.
An inspection requires a high level of skill and these skills are only gained after considerable training and years of experience.
Not only do we have this skill and experience, but we are also authorised to issue the certificate. Call us now on 0117 4034 023.
An EICR can also be useful when purchasing or selling a property. As cables are hidden in the fabric of the building, it is impossible without proper testing to know what condition they are in. Better to know the state of the electrical system before making such an investment.
How long does it take?
On average, for a Buy-to-Let or HMO Electrical Condition Report for a typical three-bedroom property, we will take around four hours to complete. Obviously, the bigger the property, the longer it takes.
The power must be turned off to allow our electricians to work safely whilst completing the inspection, so no electrical appliances can be used and consideration should be taken for the lack of internet access whilst the router is off.
There is now way of avoiding this disruption, so your tenants must be made aware when this is taking place.
What is the EICR report?
Like the MOT, after the tests and observations are all completed, the electrician will send you with a report and a number of recommendations, based on any defects or omissions found, if any.
These fall into three categories:
- C1 = Danger Present, Immediate Remedial Action Required.
There is a risk of injury and that immediate remedial action is required to remove the dangerous condition.
- C2 = Potential Danger Urgent Remedial Action Required.
Potentially dangerous condition. Urgent remedial action is required to fix the problem specified.
- C3 = Improvement Recommended.
This code more often than not implies that while the installation may not comply with the current set of regulations, it complies with a previous set and so is deemed to be safe for the moment.
There is a further category of FI, Further Investigation required. This covers areas where either access is unavailable or testing was inconclusive.
Examples of this are:
- no access to a socket behind an integrated kitchen appliance with no means of isolation;
- no access to earth bonding points for water and gas, which may be hidden under floorboards.
How long does the EICR last?
The EICR certificate is valid for five years. A visual inspection is recommended at change of tenancy, which helps to stay on top of any malfunctioning accessories; (e.g. extractor fans or damage to sockets and switches).
Who can provide the EICR?
At Vector Electric, we are qualified to carry every aspect of the EICR inspection.
We have invested in that additional training and have a long experience behind us. We are qualified to a level where we can sign off compliance work.
I need the EICR now!
There can be heavy fines imposed for negligence with electrical certification and, if the worst was to happen to one of your tenants, which resulted electrocution, you could face a prison sentence.
Not only is not worth running the risk of not having the EICR, but you also want to ensure that your tenants are safe in your property.
So call us now to discuss how we can help.
The number you need is 0117 4034 023.