EICRs And Reports

What Is An EICR?

An electrical installation's status is detailed in a report called an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). It comprises any modifications, testing, and inspections performed on the electrical installation to evaluate the system's safety. The report also includes a range of time frames that imply the need for more inspections. Although electrical systems and wiring might age or deteriorate over time, you wouldn't know it until it was too late. EICRs will examine the general state of the property's electrical system and assist identify any problems, electrical damage, and/or wiring that don't adhere to current rules.

Anyone who owns or is in charge of maintaining an electrical installation must do this check. The periodic examination of any electrical equipment should be kept up to date since an outdated system might pose a risk. As a result, it is advised that all buildings with electrical installations that need an EICR be checked at least every five years. The procedure of periodic inspection reporting is crucial to keep in mind, and the final document you obtain is an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR).

What Does A Periodic Inspection And Report Include?

A periodic inspection report is completed case by case and site by site by a qualified electrician. A routine examination of a commercial property, for instance, will differ greatly from one of a residential one. In the case of residential properties, the procedure would begin with a preliminary conversation with the customer to discuss the scope of the testing (such as the number of circuits) and any restrictions (such as not inspecting wires in walls or floors, which would entail cutting away plaster, etc.). Electricians should typically do first verification testing on everything to which they have access.

There could be operating restrictions for commercial premises that the contractor would need to first negotiate with the clients, such as turning down any servers or phone connections that might have an impact on a business. Contractors and clients may agree on a sampling rate that specifies how many sockets will be tested initially. Should any problems arise with the sample size, the contractor may decide to expand the sample size (for example, from 25% to 50%) to look for more problems.

When all testing for the periodic inspection is completed, you will be given an Electrical Installation Condition Report. This is not a certificate; rather, it is a report that outlines the safety of the electrical system. Any legal violations, as well as poor wiring and out-of-date safety equipment, will be highlighted in the report. Images might be included in your report to attract attention to any potential problems.

How Much Does An EICR Cost?

Only a certified, registered electrician with expertise who knows what they're doing should do an EICR. Before accepting the task, it's crucial to make sure they have the necessary expertise and qualifications. Like other services or goods, the quality of the service will suffer if you make the incorrect decision. For a contractor with this level of skill to conduct an EICR on up to six circuits, you'll typically pay roughly £200 plus VAT.

You should expect to spend anything from £10 to £50 per circuit for a report on a commercial property. With no exceptional requirements for working hours or access, a modest 3-phase consumer unit in a workshop would cost between £15 and £20 per circuit. Costs will be higher for a big site with an outdated system. It will take more time to choose which circuits to test, thus having past records might save expenses. The cost per circuit would be cheaper with a more recent installation that has all functional access points, current records, and older EICRs.

Who Needs An EICR And Certificate?

Over time, all electrical installations are vulnerable to wear and strain. Everyone should thus have the electrics in their building regularly inspected. The BS 7671 standard is created by the British Standards Institute, which advises company owners to get an EICR every five years. For landlords, the same interval or each time there is a tenancy change is advised. Last but not least, homeowners ought to schedule EICR testing at least every 10 years.

For landlords, who are now legally required to have an electric installation condition report every five years, this is very significant. This is necessary for all new leases and will continue to be necessary for all current leases. In addition to obtaining the report, landlords are required to give copies to the following parties: current tenants within 28 days of the test; new tenants prior to moving in; prospective tenants upon request, within 28 days; local authorities upon request, within 7 days; and you'll also need to keep copies for future inspections and finish any work that needs to be done on the report within 28 days.

What Are The Consequences Of Not Having An EICR?

Although it is not required by law, company owners and landlords are held accountable for the well-being of their tenants and workers. This implies that you might face legal action if one of these persons suffers harm as a result of hazardous electrics and you are unable to show that you took the essential efforts to ensure a safe workplace. An EICR gives homeowners peace of mind before investing in a new house. It is illegal to buy or sell a house that is unsuitable for human occupancy. With this information, you or the buyer will have greater negotiating power to reduce the purchase price. Imagine purchasing your ideal house only to discover that the electrical system is a shambles that will set you back thousands of dollars to repair. There are extra repercussions for homeowners, tenants, and company owners when it comes to getting and utilising insurance.

Most reputable insurance companies will request an Electrical Condition Report on a property before giving coverage. It just takes one mistake with a renter or employee to prevent an insurer from funding court fees if the EICR expires within the duration of your insurance. Similarly, if the faulty electrics in your new home create a fire, your insurance may not cover the costs. Every day you do not have a valid EICR certificate, you are walking a tightrope. Without an EICR, there are significant hazards that should not be taken lightly. As a result, it's critical for landlords to ensure they're keeping up with their quarterly inspections and acquiring their certificates in a timely manner.