What is an EICR?
An EICR is the document issued, following an inspection and test to check the condition of the electrical installations in a property against the national safety standard for electrical installations. It also picks up any potential safety issues. It is like having an MOT for your house electrics.
The checks must be carried out by a qualified competent person who will issue the EICR. If passed, an EICR gives the ok to continue using the electrics in the property as they are. These are often asked for at the start of a new rental tenancy to ensure all is working and safe.
Any faults will be listed on the report, along with an explanation of why that electrical system failed the EICR. The faults will also be graded:
- Code 1 or C1 means ‘Danger is present’, risk of injury is likely and IMMEDIATE action is required. The electrician will fix these there and then or at least make them safe before arranging to return to correct them.
- C2 means ‘potentially dangerous’ and remedial action is needed urgently, which the electrician can quote for.
- C3 means improvement to your electrical system is recommended, but not required because they see it’s safe. It’s the only code that can appear on a report that’s passed the EICR test.
One of the main causes of electrical fires in the home is faulty or old wiring. Landlords can directly reduce the risk of a fire damaging or destroying their property by regularly checking the condition of the wiring, consumer unit, etc. This is where an electrical condition report (EICR) comes in.
What is tested?
We will check:
- your fuse board is safe and compliant with the current regulations.
- Everything is correctly earthed – to prevent potentially fatal electric shock.
- The wiring in your sockets, lights, switches and accessories is installed correctly.
Is an EICR a legal requirement?
The Law around the EICR has now changed. There is a legal onus on all landlords to have an electrical installation condition report in place. They will have to be able to provide this to the tenant, managing agent or local authority within 30 days should they ask. The government have also laid down the law that all existing tenancies will require a EICR report by April 2021.
How much do they cost?
The cost of an electrical safety check depends very much on the size of your property. You can expect to pay from £140* for a one bedroom flat, rising to around £220* for a five-bedroom house, *subject to site survey. The larger the property, the higher the price tag as there is more electrical outlets, wiring and a bigger consumer unit to test.
NH Electrical carry out EICR reports throughout Hampshire, Berkshire and Surrey. If you require a free quotation for a EICR Report then please contact us on 01256 371556 or email us at nhelectrical@live.co.uk.