What is an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) and how do you fill one in? An EICR, is an inspection report on a property’s safety relating to its fixed wiring.
This report has also been labelled as the Landlord Safety Test or Homebuyers Test.
The tests are conducted by qualified electricians. It is highly recommended you have an EICR inspection carried out every ten years for your home.
For rental properties, one should be carried out every five years or if there is a change of tenancy.
Why do I need an EICR?
The main purpose of an EICR is to guarantee the safety of the residents and to ensure they are not susceptible to electrical shocks and/or fires.
It is essential to conduct regular EICR testing to ensure electrical safety and comply with regulations. Property owners should be aware of their responsibilities, including obtaining proper certification and adhering to safety standards to mee these legal requirements.
Landlords have important responsibilities when it comes to EICR testing and ensuring electrical safety in their rental properties.
- Regular testing: Landlords are responsible for scheduling regular EICR testing to identify any electrical issues or hazards that may arise.
- Maintaining safe conditions: Landlords must promptly address any electrical hazards identified during the testing and take necessary steps to ensure the safety of their tenants.
- Compliance with regulations: Landlords must comply with legal requirements regarding EICR testing and provide evidence of testing to authorities if requested.
- Tenant communication: Landlords should communicate with tenants about the importance of EICR testing, any scheduled testing, and the potential impact on their electricity supply during the testing process.
EICR testing can have a significant impact on insurance coverage. These requirements aim to protect the insurer’s interests and reduce the risk of accidents or damage.
- Proof of compliance: Insurance companies may require property owners to provide evidence of a valid EICR report to ensure that the electrical installations meet safety standards.
- Renewal conditions: Failure to comply with EICR testing requirements could impact policy renewal, and insurance companies may ask for an up-to-date report before renewing coverage.
- Coverage limitations: Non-compliance with EICR testing could result in coverage restrictions or exclusions for incidents related to electrical issues.
Neglecting regular EICR testing can lead to higher premiums or even limitations and exclusions in coverage. It is essential for property owners to comprehend the connection between EICR testing and insurance policy renewal to ensure they meet the necessary requirements and maintain adequate coverage.
What is the aim of an Electrical Installation Condition Report?
- To make sure your electrical installations are safe, until the next inspection and record accordingly.
- To find any damage and wear and tear that might affect safety, and have it reported.
- Record the installation’s condition at the time of the inspection. This can be used in any future inspection.
- To find any components of the electrical installation that do not meet the IET Wiring Regulations.
- To help identify any appliance or object that could cause electric shocks and high temperatures.
The different types of a condition report: can I do this myself?
Typically there are two types of domestic EICR:
- A ‘visual condition report’ – this does not include testing and is only suitable if your installations have been tested recently.
- A ‘periodic inspection report’ (EICR) – this is a better and safer option. Many underlying electrical faults can be very difficult to spot. The EICR is more comprehensive than a visual condition report. It will test all your installations, including circuitry hidden behind walls, making it more likely to find any hidden dangers.
It is recommended that you have an EICR conducted if you have not had one in the last ten years (or five years for rented property). These can easily be arranged and conducted by a registered electrician.
Once they are done, you will know that you are complying with the legal requirements for property owners and ensure you are complying with electrical safety and regulations. By doing so, property owners can ensure the safety of their premises and the well-being of their occupants.
If you are worried about whether you need an EICR or if you need a recommendation of who can provide you an EICR, contact us on 01256 463090.