Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR)

Fixed electrical installations, unfortunately, deteriorates over time meaning that regular testing and maintenance of the systems installed is vital to protect your building occupants.

Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR) are used to determine if an installation is in safe, working condition meaning it is fit for continued use.

What is an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)?

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is an inspection on the condition of an existing installation designed to identify (in order of priority) any deficiencies against the national safety standard for electrical installations.

An EICR will:

• Confirm if any of your electrical circuits or equipment is overloaded.
• Locate potential electrical shock risks and fire hazards.
• Identify any defective electrical work.
• Highlight any lack of earthing or bonding.
• Tests on wiring and associated fixed electrical equipment confirm if it is safe and compliant.

As part of the test, our engineer will review the following:

• Visual inspection of the circuits, control gear, protective devices.
• Electrical testing of the circuits to determine if the earth is correct.
• Electrical testing to determine any insulation damaged.
• Polarity testing of circuits and all other appropriate tests where applicable
• Testing of the RCD's

Why Do I need an EICR?

EICR's are a legal requirement under The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.

All electrical systems deteriorate, whether due to age, damage, general wear and tear, overloading of electrical circuits or even corrosion. Therefore, completing an EICR not only ensures the system is working as required but also helps to keep occupants of the property safe. 

EICR's in Rented Properties:

From April 1st 2020, EICR will become a requirement for all rented properties (excluding a property where the Landlord shares the property with the tenant).

Prior to this the documentation itself hadn’t been a legal requirement, though many Landlords as best practice had these checks carried out as part of their legal requirement to provide a safe environment for their tenants.

The changes making an EICR a legal requirement come into effect from the 1st April 2020. There is a transition period to give landlords time to make sure they are compliant. Key dates include:

• 1st July 2020 all new tenancies must have an EICR in place
• 1st April 2021 all existing tenancies must have an EICR in place

If your property is found not to be compliant with these timescales a local authority can issue a fine of up to £30,000.