Electrical Installation Condition Report – what is it?
An Electrical Installation Condition Report is more popular by its abbreviation, EICR. What exactly is it? Let us explore.
An EICR is a detailed breakdown of the existing electrical system in a property – both residential and commercial. A technically sound professional will carry out the inspection inside your property. A series of tests and checks will be carried out to uncover any damage or defect that may compromise your electrical safety. After the completion of these checks, the expert will hand you over the electrical installation report which you have to preserve carefully for future references.
As per the legal provision, you must have an electrical installation condition report for every residential rental property and commercial premises. It is the landlord’s responsibility to get the test done at regular intervals and safely keep the test results.
Electrical Installation Condition Report – its aim
The electrical installation condition report does not have just a single aim; rather there are several key aims for it. But if there is a principal objective, it is ascertaining whether the electrical installations in a premise are safe and comply with the BS 7671.
BS 7671 is also popularly known as the IET Wiring Regulations. It is the national standard across the UK for all electrical installations.
Electrical Installation Condition Report – its benefits
electrical Installation Condition Report brings forth any wear and tear issues of an electrical installation that may snowball into an issue in course of time. This includes any defect that may lead to electrical shocks or even a fire. Moreover, the test report is vital documentation of the inspection procedure and you must preserve it carefully for future reference. You may need to produce the report to relevant authorities for a renewal of your home insurance as evidence related to the health and safety of your property.
Electrical Installation Condition Report – why important?
There is more than one factor that makes an EICR an important piece of document. As already mentioned earlier, the report or test result brings forth any potential electrical problem that may snowball into damage or an injury. The test or the inspection that goes behind generating the report covers everything – starting from distribution boards to light fixtures and ensures your property is electrically safe.
Timely inspections of the condition of electrical installations not only keep your tenants (and staff for commercial building owners) safe from electrical shocks but also ensure your property is safe from any serious electrical damage.
Electrical Installation Condition Report –what is it meant for?
If you are a landlord or a café owner, you have to arrange an inspection of the electrical installations inside your property. EICR can broadly be divided into two types – Domestic EICR (for residential properties) and Commercial EICR (for business premises).
Domestic EICR
As you must have guessed, Domestic Electrical Installation Condition Reports are meant for landlords and homeowners. As per Government regulations that came into effect from 1st June 2020, landlords under the private rented sector have to have their electrical installations tested mandatorily every 5 years. If an electrical installation is older, more frequent tests may be required.
EICR for homeowners
Making arrangements for an EICR is also advised to homeowners especially when one is about to purchase a new home. This crucial safety check is also relevant to builders, developers, housing councils and associations, property managers, and relevant others.
EICR for commercial properties
If you are a business owner, it is crucial to have an updated commercial Electrical Installation Condition Report. Only an updated EICR keeps you compliant with the regulations while keeping your employees and customers safe.
Ascertaining the age of an electrical installation
An electrical installation report can also correctly ascertain the age of an electrical installation. It is very natural for electrical installation to evolve as well as get modified with time. Thus, those may consist of components from different ages. Even electrical installations are prone to deterioration in course of time. Considering all these facts inspection of electrical installations is designed in such a way that it is effective in determining how safe the installations are.
Where can I book my EICR?
Electric Works London is a reliable place for EICR tests in London. We cater to a steadily increasing number of clients all over London as well as the neighboring areas. We have technically sound and experienced electricians to carry out these tests. Electric Works London offers a nominal price for this service and extends the service to both residential and commercial properties.
