An Electrical Installation Condition Report explained..

All electrical installations deteriorate with age and regular use. They should therefore be inspected and tested at regular intervals to check whether they are in a satisfactory condition for safe continued use. An Electrical Condition Report (EICR) is also commonly referred to as ‘periodic inspection and testing’, which is what it used to be called before the 17th edition regulations (BS7671).

Once the EICR is completed you will be issued with a certificate which is accepted by solicitors, insurance companies, letting agents, estate agents and councils.

An EICR will:

– Find any potential electric shock risks

– Flag any fire hazards

– Check if any of your circuits are overloaded

– Identify any defective electrical work

– Highlight any lack of earthing or RCD protection

During the checks we perform a comprehensive test on all fixed wire electrical circuits to check the integrity of the circuit and the earthing. All this info will be recorded on a schedule of circuits, which can be very useful for any future work on the property.

How often is an EICR required for rental properties in Accrington?

Your electrical insallation should be inspected and tested every 5 years for a rented domestic property.

Periodic inspections should also be carried out are when a property is being prepared for let or before selling/buying a previously occupied property.

Who should carry out the EICR and how does it work.?

Electrical installation condition reports should only be carried out only by electrically competent person/s, such as a registered approved electrician. They will check the condition of the electrics against the UK standard for the safety of electrical installations, BS 7671 – Requirements for Electrical Installations (IEE Wiring Regulations).

The inspection takes into account all the relevant circumstances and checks on issues such as the adequacy of earthing and bonding, the suitability of the switchgear, fusing, RCD protection and the serviceability of switches, sockets and light fittings.

Very importantly, the person inspecting will establish the age of the wiring system. This will give a fair indication of how much time the installation will have until it may need rewiring – essential information if you are buying a property. Some old rubber-coated cables that were commonly used in the 1950s and early 1960s may need replacing as a matter of urgency.

Your report will conclude the property is in a ‘satisfactory’ or ‘unsatisfactory’ condition.

If anything dangerous or potentially dangerous is found, the overall condition of the electrical installation will be deemed ‘unsatisfactory’, meaning remedial action is required without delay. If this should happen to your property, our fully qualified electrician will explain in detail what the next step should be.