An EICR certificate is confirmation that an Electrical Installation Condition Report has been carried out on a property by a qualified electrician.
The purpose of the report is to document the safety and overall condition of electrical installations & components in commercial and domestic properties. The certificate confirms the building adheres to electrical safety standards in accordance with British Standards.
EICR certificates confirm that electrical circuits have been tested, evaluated, and deemed to be safe & well maintained.
To perform an EICR assessment, individuals must be qualified electrical engineers and be signed off by approved contractors that are NICEIC certified by the UK government.
What does an electrical installation condition report involve?
To complete an EICR report, a qualified electrician will perform a series of electrical tests and visual inspections on electrical installations throughout a property.
An NICEIC approved contractor will issue an EICR certificate providing the minimum regulatory standards are met and electrical installations are deemed fit for purpose and will continue to function safely.
EIC certificates will not be issued if:
• There is a risk that electrical circuits or equipment might overload or overheat the system
• Electric installations could cause an electric shock
• An electrical installation or equipment is a potential fire hazard
• There are any safety issues with bonding or earthing
• Faulty electrical circuits are identified
Potentially hazardous defects are recorded in the report with an appropriate recommendation. Property owners are responsible for ensuring that any remedial work is carried out.
EICR Certificates for Landlords
Landlords of commercial and domestic property have a legal responsibility to ensure the building is safe to rent during the period of a tenancy.
To ensure safety standards meet the latest regulations, landlords letting private rented accommodation in England are obligated to obtain an EICR certificate every five years.
New laws that came into effect in July 2020 also state that tenants must also be handed a copy of the EICR certificate within 28 days of the inspection.
Landlords are also permitted to submit a copy of the EICR certificate to the local authority within 7 days if requested. Failing to file the certificate within 7 days will result in a penalty.
Why Request an EICR?
Other than landlords, there is no legal requirement to have an EICR carried out. However, there are several reasons why homeowners should request an assessment.
Common reasons for carrying out an EICR are:
• You are a landlord and letting commercial office space or rented accommodation in domestic buildings. An EICR is the easiest way to prove electrical installations are safe
• You are a homeowner and require an EICR to insure your property against fire
• You own property and the electric wiring has not been checked in for over a decade. It is highly recommended that electrical installations are checked in domestic homes at least every 10 years to ensure the circuit has no deteriorated
• Your property has a swimming pool. Experts recommend electric installations relating to swimming pools should be assessed every year
• Vandalism. If your property or an electrical installation has been attacked by vandals, it is in your best interests to assess the damage and make appropriate repairs to ensure the building and its applications are safe to use
• If you have any concerns whatsoever about the condition of electrical installations in a property that you own or manage.
Without an EICR certificate, property owners will have difficulty proving the relevant measures were taken to protect residents, employees and customers.
Some insurance companies will also refuse to pay out on a policy without an EICR certificate.
Don’t take the risk of electrical installations becoming a danger hazard. Call us to book an EICR test today.
