Understanding the Importance of an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)

Electricity, while a common part of our daily lives, can be dangerous and even fatal if installations are not properly maintained by a qualified engineer. It is crucial to conduct rigorous and regular electrical installation testing to ensure the safety of your building and the people inside, including employees, contractors and visitors.

What is an EICR?

An EICR, short for Electrical Installation Condition Report, involves a comprehensive inspection and testing of an electrical installation to definitively determine its safety for tenants, building owners, and occupiers.

A test will include the physical inspection and testing of the electrical wiring installations including incoming supply equipment, main panels, distribution boards, final circuits, lighting and socket outlets, along with specialist testing of RCDs and Arc Fault Detection Devices which form a crucial part of the safe operation of any electrical installation.

How often is an electrical installation inspection required?

Most electrical installations must be tested every five years, but some exceptions exist:  

• Every five years – residential accommodation, i.e. rental properties and multiple occupancy (or on change of occupancy); educational properties; churches; restaurants, hotels, pubs and village halls.
• Every three years – industrial premises; caravans; leisure parks; agricultural and horticultural premises.
• Annually – swimming pools; caravan parks; marinas and fish farms; laundrettes

Is an EICR mandatory?

In the context of rental properties, if an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) finds that the property does not meet the required standards for electrical safety, the landlord may be subject to a fine of up to £30,000.

For homeowners, obtaining an EICR certificate is not mandated by law. However, it is highly recommended to conduct an electrical inspection at least once every ten years for privately-owned properties to ensure the safety and compliance of the electrical installations.

Who can carry out an EICR?

When it comes to testing and inspecting electrical work, it's crucial to entrust the task to a "competent person." This individual should be a fully-qualified electrician, ideally accredited by one of the industry bodies. Their role is to conduct the necessary work and then deliver a detailed report covering all aspects of the inspection.

What will it mean for my premises?

Many people worry that an EICR will result in being informed that their property requires a complete rewiring – a costly process that can cause a lot of disruption. However, this is not always the case. By conducting regular checks and EICRs at the recommended intervals the need to rewire a portion (or all) of your property should never catch you off guard.

How to stay on the right side of the law

If anything dangerous is found during your EICR inspection the overall condition of the electrical installation will be declared 'unsatisfactory', which means that corrective action is required immediately to eliminate the risks for those on the premises.

We will provide a quote to address any identified remedial options for every unsatisfactory report. This will leave you with a 'satisfactory' report and the confidence that your electrical installation is safe and compliant.

Don't wait until it's too late. Schedule an EICR test today to ensure your building's electrical systems are safe and compliant. Reach out to risksolutions@skaltd.co.uk to speak with a member of the team.