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A SIMPLE GUIDE TO ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION CONDITION REPORTS (EICR) - Fixed Wire Testing
A SIMPLE GUIDE TO ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION CONDITION REPORTS (EICR) - Fixed Wire Testing
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), is a periodic inspection report on a property’s safety relating to its fixed wiring. This report has also been labeled 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 10 years for your home.
For rental properties, one should be carried out every 5 years or if there is a change of tenancy.
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.
Why do I need an EICR?
Why do I need an EICR?
You cannot see electricity and, in many cases, you cannot view the conduits or cables that use electricity.
Cables are often hidden inside walls, and consumer units are located in cupboards, where they are not immediately visible.
It is unsurprising that we often forget to check the condition of our electrical installations for damage or signs of wear and tear.
Faulty and old wiring is one of the main causes of electrical fires in the home. You can reduce the risk of a fire by regularly checking your cables, switches, and sockets, to see that they are in good condition.
Do I need an EICR? How old are my Electrical Installations?
Do I need an EICR? How old are my Electrical Installations?
As stated above, it is recommended you have an EICR every decade for your home. You should first look for clear signs that the electrics in your home are outdated before deciding if you need an EICR.
There are some obvious signs that will tell you if you have old equipment that needs replacing. You should look out for:
- Fixed cables which are coated in black rubber.
- Fixed cables which are coated in lead or fabric.
- A fuse box with a wooden back, cast-iron switches, or a mixture of fuse boxes.
- Old-fashioned round pin sockets (or light switches).
- Braided flex hanging from ceiling fixtures.
- Brown (or black) switches.
- Sockets mounted into skirting boards.
- All of these features indicate that the electrics in question were created before or during the 1960s. This means you are in serious need of an EICR.
Whatever the age of your electrical installation is, it is likely to suffer some damage or wear and tear. This means you should get an electrician to check its condition at least every 10 years or if you move into a new property.
What is the aim of an Electrical Installation Condition Report?
What is the aim of an Electrical Installation Condition Report?
The five main aims of an EICR are:
1. To record the results of the inspection in order to make sure your electrical installations are safe, until the next inspection.
2. To find any damage and wear and tear that might affect safety, and have it reported.
3. To find any components of the electrical installation that do not meet the IET Wiring Regulations.
4. To help identify any appliance or object that could cause electric shocks and high temperatures.
5. To keep an important record of the installation’s condition at the time of the inspection. This can be used in any future inspection.
The different types of a condition report: can I do this myself?
The different types of a condition report: can I do this myself?
Generally speaking, 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.
Electrical Safety First (ESF) has devised a brilliant visual safety test that may prove to be a life-saver.
These include basic tips such as ensuring that you have not overloaded any sockets and that you have RCD protection for your appliances.
A ‘periodic inspection report’ (EICR) – this is probably a better and safer option. As stated previously, 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.
So in summary, Electricians would recommend that you have an EICR conducted if you have not had one in the last ten years (or five years for a rented property).
These can easily be arranged and conducted. Once they are done, you will feel the benefits of knowing that your home is abiding by the latest UK Electrical Regulations and your Fixed Wiring Installation is safe.
Regulations to be aware of
Regulations to be aware of
HMO
Current regulations state under the Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation (England) Regulations 2006 that properties should have a periodic inspection carried out every 5 years, by a competent electrician.
Rental
In December 2015, Scotland became the first country in the UK to make it law, that all landlords must have a periodic inspection and EICR completed on their rental property. They must ensure that the electrical installation is in a safe, working condition before the start of the tenancy, under sections 13 (4A) and 19B(4) of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006.
Do I need an EICR report?
If you haven’t had an EICR report carried out or had any work carried out on your home recently, it is recommended you have an EICR carried out to check the condition of your wiring, as it can deteriorate over time.
How often should my house have an EICR report carried out?
The IET recommend the following maximum periods between testing;
If you live in a domestic property, the recommended time for periodic inspection is every 10 years, or at the change of occupancy.
If you live in a rental property or are a landlord, an EICR is recommended every 5 years and at the start of each new tenancy.
If it is a commercial installation, the recommended period is 5 years between periodic inspections, or at the change of occupancy.
I’m a landlord, do I need to sort out an EICR report or does the tenant do it?
It is the landlord's responsibility to organize an EICR and to carry them out either every 5 years and at the start of each tenancy. You must be able to show proof that it has been carried out by a registered electrician.
I’m an electrician can I do an EICR?
You must be able to prove your competency for an EICR – which you would only be able to do with a Level 3 periodic qualification.
For example, if you carried out an EICR and then wrongly informed a customer everything was fine and then a fault resulted in a fire, you would have to prove that you were competent to carry out an EICR.
Without a Level 3 Periodic qualification, you cannot prove your knowledge and competency, as, during this course, you will be tested on periodic inspection and periodic paperwork, including the correct codes to use.
Do I need to have an EICR before selling my house?
No, however, it is good practice to ensure everything is in full, working and safe order. In some cases, a p
eriodic inspection can actually help with the sale of the house, as a buyer could argue the wiring isn’t up to date and you could then provide proof that a periodic inspection has been carried out and granted it safe.
Common EICR FAQ’s
Common EICR FAQ’s
How Much does an EICR Cost?
How Much does an EICR Cost?
The average cost for an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is £200-£250. Costs do vary depending on your location, the extent of testing, and the age and size of the property.
Property Type Average cost per EICR
One bed flat £120
Two bed flat £120-£150
Three bed flat £180-£210
One to two-bed house £150-£180
Three to four-bed house £200-£250
Five-bed house or larger £300+