Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR)
Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR) are part of new Regulations put in place requiring landlords to have the electrical installation and wiring of their properties inspected and tested, at least every 5 years. They are conducted to verify the safety of the electrical system and its components by a person who is qualified and competent. Landlords have to provide a copy of the electrical safety report to their tenants, and to their local authority if requested. These new Regulations came into force on 1 June 2020.
A report is only issued once all ‘fixed’ electrical parts of the property have been visually inspected and electrically tested. If the installation is considered to be in a good condition and complies with the necessary regulations, then a satisfactory outcome for the report can be awarded which gives the property a good bill of health until the next inspection.
There is no obligation for private domestic properties which are not being let to have a valid EICR but many home owners employ the services of a qualified and competent electrician to conduct an EICR to ascertain the condition of their installation. Some properties are required by law to have an EICR performed at set intervals or at the request of an insurance provider, depending on the type of use and whether the public have access to the premises. If you are about to undertake a major renovation project it is recommended an EICR should be conducted to give an accurate picture of the condition of the electrical installation and wiring in the building. The report will highlight whether you need remedial work conducted and it is best to have any electrical work completed before you commence with any work to the property such as fitting a kitchen.