An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), also formerly known as a Periodic Inspection Report. The inspection, testing and certification of electrical installations and equipment underpin electrical safety in all situations, at home and in the workplace.
An EICR is produced following an assessment of the electrical installation within a property. It must be carried out by an experienced, qualified electrician or approved contractor. Usually, this means they are a qualified electrician who has taken additional training and certification covering inspection and testing and also registered with a scheme provider such as the Napit. Plus, have excellent working knowledge and experience of electrical installations.
What is the aim of an electrical installation condition report?
- Undertake and complete a comprehensive visual inspection and electrical test record of results.
- Review the findings and check for compliance to IET Wiring Regulations
- Find any damage, wear and tear that might affect safety and anything that may cause electric shocks and high temperatures. Record and report
- Provide a record of the installation at the time of the inspection, and for inspection testing in the future.
During an EICR, an electrician may make several electrical observations and will give each one a recommendation code. The observations describe a defect or omission within the electrical installation. The electricians will code each observation according to the level of severity.
The observations will be clearly written and not in any way, a sales tool. The customer would then be able to source competitive quotes for the works recommended should they wish to do so.
What about insurance?
Many insurers require an EICR before providing cover, especially where workers or the public are concerned. How would you feel about being taken to court for electrocuting a customer or employee only for your insurer to tell you that you’re not covered, and you’ll have to cover the costs?
The recommended frequencies for having electrical testing carried out will vary depending on the type of premises; the recommended frequencies are as follows:
Homeowners
BS7671 (18th Edition Wiring Regulations) recommend having an EICR carried out at least every 10 years. It is also important to have one done if you are moving out or into a new home, if your insurance requires one – or if you suspect your current electrics are old, faulty or have been subject to poor quality additions.
The only exception to this is if the property has a swimming pool – this should ideally be tested once every year.
Landlords
Under the ‘Landlord and Tenants Act (1985) landlords must ensure that the electrical installation in a rented property is maintained safely throughout a tenancy. To ensure this, BS7671 recommend an EICR test at the change of tenancy or at least every 5 years. The Government has finally released the results of a consultation on Electrical Safety Standards in the private rented sector. Despite this, there has yet to be a date outlined for the implementation of mandatory five-year checks, with the consultation response outlining that ‘they will be introduced as soon as parliamentary time allows’. https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/media-centre/press-releases/2020/1/announcement-for-mandatory-electrical-safety-checks-in-the-private-rented-sector/
Business Owners
While it is not a legal requirement to have an EICR, as an employer, you are responsible for the welfare of your employees. Under the 1974 Health and Safety at Work Act states that employers are ‘responsible for the health and safety of their employees’ and the ‘Electricity at work regulations’ requires precaution must be in place against the risk of injury from electricity used as part of work activities.
BS7671 recommend having an EICR undertaken at least every 5 years.
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If you require an EICR for your business and/or property, whether this is one site, many or a portfolio, we can provide a competent and qualified service. Contact us today!
