ELECTRICAL SERVICES

What is an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report)?

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a detailed inspection of the electrical installations within a property to assess their safety, condition, and compliance with the latest UK regulations. The purpose of an EICR is to identify any potential electrical hazards or defects that may pose a risk to safety.

Under current UK law, landlords are legally required to ensure that their properties are inspected and tested every five years, or sooner if recommended by the previous report. An EICR is also recommended for homeowners, particularly when buying or selling a property, or when any major electrical work has been carried out.

Why is an EICR Important?

The primary goal of an EICR is to ensure that your electrical systems are safe and functional. A report will identify any potential issues before they become serious problems, preventing electrical hazards such as:

• Electrical fires

• Electrical shocks

• Overloaded circuits

• Deteriorating wiring

• Faulty appliances

By having an EICR conducted regularly, you can ensure that your home or business complies with safety standards, avoid costly repairs, and reduce the likelihood of electrical emergencies.

The Stages of an EICR

An EICR is carried out by a qualified and registered electrician in several key stages. Below is a breakdown of the process, from the initial inspection to the final report.

1. Initial Assessment and Safety Checks

Before the actual testing begins, the electrician will perform an initial assessment of the property. This includes:

• Visual inspection of the installation: The electrician will check the overall condition of the electrical system, including visible wiring, outlets, fuse boxes, switches, and any existing electrical appliances.

• Identification of potential hazards: The electrician will look for obvious issues, such as exposed wires, overloaded extension leads, or outdated fuse boxes, and will flag them for further inspection.

• Safety precautions: The electrician will ensure that the property is safe to work in and that there is no immediate risk of electrical hazards during the inspection process.

2. Inspection and Testing of Electrical Installations

Once the initial checks are complete, the electrician will begin the main inspection, which includes testing various parts of the electrical system:

• Consumer unit (fuse box) and circuit breakers: This is one of the most critical parts of the inspection. The electrician will check that your fuse box is modern and compliant with current regulations. They will also check that each circuit is protected correctly with a functioning circuit breaker or RCD (Residual Current Device).

• Earthing and bonding: The electrician will check that all electrical systems are properly earthed to prevent electric shocks, as well as check bonding to ensure that metallic parts of the electrical system are safely connected.

• Socket outlets and switches: The electrician will test all electrical outlets, including sockets, switches, and light fittings, to ensure that they are correctly wired and function properly. They will also check for loose connections, signs of overheating, or any other issues.

• Circuit wiring: The electrician will assess the condition of the wiring throughout the property. They will check for signs of wear and tear, deterioration, or damage caused by moisture or rodents, which could lead to faulty circuits.

• Electrical appliances and devices: Depending on the scope of the inspection, the electrician may inspect hard-wired appliances, such as ovens, cookers, or built-in washing machines, to ensure they are installed safely and do not pose any hazards.

3. Testing

The actual testing phase involves a series of diagnostic tests to determine the condition of your electrical installation. These include:

• Continuity testing: Ensures that the electrical circuits are continuous and can carry current safely.

• Insulation resistance testing: Checks the insulation surrounding wiring to ensure there are no issues that could lead to short circuits or electric shocks.

• Polarity testing: Verifies that connections are made correctly and that switches and outlets are wired in the right polarity.

• Earth fault loop impedance testing: Tests the effectiveness of your earthing system to ensure it’s capable of dealing with electrical faults safely.

• RCD testing: Verifies that any RCDs in place are functioning correctly and will disconnect power in the event of a fault, helping to prevent electric shock.

These tests are all designed to identify any defects that may require attention.

4. Reporting

After the inspection and testing are completed, the electrician will compile a comprehensive report. This includes:

• Detailed findings: The report will outline the results of the inspection and the tests, noting any areas that do not meet the current safety standards.

• Recommendations for remedial work: If any issues are identified, the electrician will suggest the necessary work to rectify the problem. This may include rewiring circuits, replacing faulty outlets, upgrading the fuse box, or repairing any worn-out electrical systems.

• Code classification: Each issue is given a code to signify its severity. The codes are:

  • Code 1 (C1): Immediate danger, requires urgent attention.

  • Code 2 (C2): Potentially dangerous, but not urgent.

  • Code 3 (C3): Improvement recommended, but no immediate danger.

• Overall rating: The report will provide an overall rating of the electrical system’s condition, indicating whether it is safe to continue using the system or if work is required.

5. Follow-up and Remedial Work

If the report identifies areas requiring attention, the electrician will discuss the recommended corrective measures with you. Depending on the severity of the issues, these could involve:

• Minor repairs: Fixing any small issues like faulty outlets, light fittings, or replacing damaged cables.

• Upgrading the consumer unit: In cases where the fuse box is outdated or no longer compliant with current regulations, a full upgrade may be required.

• Full rewiring: If the wiring is old, damaged, or not up to standard, you may need to undertake a full or partial rewire of your property.

• Improving earthing or bonding: Ensuring that the earthing system is up to code and capable of protecting residents from electric shocks.

How Often Should You Have an EICR?

• For homeowners: It is advisable to have an EICR carried out every 10 years for a residential property. However, if you are carrying out significant renovations or purchasing a new property, an EICR is a good idea to ensure the system’s integrity.

• For landlords: An EICR is required every 5 years or at the change of tenancy, whichever comes first. Since 1st July 2020, the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 mandates that landlords ensure their electrical installations are inspected and tested by a qualified electrician at least every five years.

• For commercial properties: It is recommended that EICRs are conducted every 5 years to comply with safety standards and regulations for businesses and public buildings.

Benefits of an EICR

• Safety assurance: Prevents electrical hazards that could lead to fires, electric shocks, or equipment damage.

• Compliance: Meets legal requirements, especially for landlords and businesses, ensuring your property is compliant with health and safety regulations.

• Peace of mind: Provides you with a clear understanding of the condition of your electrical system and any necessary remedial action.

• Cost savings: Identifying issues early can prevent costly repairs or replacements down the line.

Why Choose Huenique Ltd for Your EICR?

At Huenique Ltd, we take pride in offering thorough and reliable Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR). Our experienced and qualified electricians will conduct a comprehensive inspection, ensuring that your property’s electrical system is safe, up to code, and free from hazards. We offer clear, easy-to-understand reports and expert advice on any required remedial work.

Get Your EICR Today

Don’t wait until it’s too late – book your Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) with Huenique Ltd today. Whether you're a homeowner, landlord, or business owner, ensuring the safety and functionality of your electrical systems is crucial. Contact us now to schedule your inspection and take the first step towards a safer, more secure property.