What is an Electrical Installation Condition Report?

Why do you need an EICR?

The main reason that you need an EICR, as a landlord at least, is because it is a legal requirement. The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 mandate that landlords must have all of the installations in a property fully inspected every five years so tenants can have peace of mind that they are safe. Local authorities can also request copies of these reports.

Aside from legal requirements, it can be advisable to complete an EICR as a matter of course. For example, as a homeowner, it can be beneficial to have the assurance that your property is safe to live in. Homeowners that are considering selling might also get an Electrical Installation Condition Report so they can reassure any potential buyers that are looking at the property.

When should they be done?

As a rule, make sure that you carry out an EICR every five years. Rental properties need checking more often for a few reasons, including the fact that the landlord is liable for the standard of electrical installations in a property and because they can’t be sure that the renter has treated the property correctly on a day-to-day basis.

What does the report cover?

An Electrical Installation Condition report covers all of the electrical fittings that are in a property. This includes:

·   Light fittings

·   Any visible wiring in the property

·   All accessible sockets or power outlets

·   Fixed panel and storage heaters

·   Boilers

·   Any hardwired fire and smoke detectors

Appliances that are not subject to the report include equipment such as washing machines or dryers. This is because they are not permanent fixtures in the property.

How long does an Electrical Installation Condition Report last?

EICRs are valid for five years, so remember to get a new one every five years for your rental property. It’s also worth considering getting an EICR if you’re a homeowner and haven’t had one done in the past 5 years.

Common problems discovered

There are a few problems that are common in an Electrical Installation Condition report, including:

·   Gaps in enclosures that allow access to the live wiring behind any sockets or switches.

·   Hairline cracks that are a part of standard wear and tear on electrical products.

·   Fuses in circuits that they are not properly rated for.

·   Physical damage that has impacted the internal components of an electrical system.

Electricians use a series of codes to indicate the nature of a problem, with C1 representing a present danger, C2 representing the potential for danger and FI representing that further investigation is necessary. C3 refers to systems where there is room for improvement, but it isn’t a necessity.

How to prepare

There are a few steps you can take to get ready for an EICR, the first of which is unplugging any sensitive devices that aren’t strictly necessary. This refers to any smart devices and is important because testing can risk interfering with the way they work. Do your best to clear up the property as much as possible too, as this removes clutter from the space and makes it easier to work.

If you’re completing an EICR in the coming weeks and need help preparing for it, get in touch with the PPVS team today to find out how we can help to get your property in optimal condition.