Are you a landlord letting a property in Basildon or the surrounding areas? If so, you’ll need EICR landlord electrical inspection certificates.
TM Hughes & Son Electrical Services Ltd undertake Electrical inspections and issue EICR certificates.
Call – 01268 351560
Landlords EICR & PAT Testing
Responsible landlords make sure their tenants are safe and that they are renting their property legally. By law, your electrical system and appliances must be safe for use.
EICR and PAT testing verify your property is safe for tenants
- Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR) check the Electrical system is safe.
- Portable Appliances Testing (PAT) check the plug-in appliances are safe.
- EICRs are a legal requirement at the start of each new tenancy or every five years
- PAT Testing is not a legal requirement, but many landlords include PAT testing as it’s good practice
- Tenants, insurers and letting agents should ask for an EICR
- A qualified Electrician must carry EICRs out
- An EICR is accompanied by a certification that shows the inspection has been undertaken and signed off by a qualified electrician.
- An EICR confirms your property adheres to the British Standard for electrical safety (BS 7671)
- If faults are found, arrangements can be made to rectify them and pass your property.
- In the event of an electrical accident or fire, your insurance should be valid.
- EICR’s are useful to home buyers and homeowners as well
Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
Book an EICR with TM Hughes & Son Electrical Services, and an Electrician will attend your property at the agreed time to carry out the EICR.
The Electrician will visually inspect your electrical system and carry out various tests on the circuits. Visual inspection and testing procedures highlight any faults, damage or determination which render your system faulty or dangerous.
What’s Inspected & Tested?
During the EICR, one of our Electricians will inspect and test the
Consumer unit – The consumer unit distributes power around your home and houses RCD fuses.
Fuses – RCD, MCB and RCBO fuses are found inside the consumer unit; they cut power in the event of a fault preventing electrocution, fire and overload damage to circuits and appliances.
Internal wiring – The wiring runs from the consumer unit on a radial or ring circuit, powering sockets and lights
Light fittings – Switches, lights and fittings are covered during the inspection.
Sockets – Sockets and switches used for appliances such as cookers and showers are checked
Earthing And Bonding – Earthing and Bonding is fitted as a safety feature. Testing ensures it works properly.
What Happens If Part Of The System Fails Inspection?
Faults are rated in three categories and assigned codes depending on the severity of the fault.
- C1 – Immediate work is required to correct a dangerous system that is a risk to anyone who uses it
- C2 – A fault with danger potential that should be corrected ASAP
- C3 – A fault that is not dangerous and won’t fail the inspection, but it’s recommended repairs are carried out anyway for maximal safety and peace of mind
We’ll happily write you a free, no-obligation quote for any defects found in the electrical system. Once the faults have been rectified, your property’s signed off, and the EICR certification’s issued.
Small faults can be rectified there and then (if the parts are to hand); otherwise, parts will be ordered, and the electrical will return at an agreed time.
How Long Does An EICR Take?
The length of time an EICR takes depends on the size of the property being inspected. A studio apartment will take less time to inspect than a five-bedroom house. Larger properties can take up to 4 hours.
What Are The Consequences Of Not Undertaking EICR?
Local authorities have the power to serve remedial notices insisting action is taken within 28 days. If the landlord fails to take action, the local authority can arrange an inspection and bill the landlord. Authorities can also issue fines of up to £30000.
Is EICR Nessecary For Non-Landlords Such As Housebuyers or Homeowners?
If you buy a house, an EICR will determine the electrical system’s condition so you won’t get an unpleasant surprise after purchase, and you can plan for the work needed.
If you’re selling your home, you can show any prospective buyers the valid EICR, which will make your property more attractive to them.
As a homeowner, an EICR every 5-10 years will confirm if your electrical system is safe or needs any work to make it safe.
Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)
PAT Testing covers portable (plug-in) appliances such as kettles, irons, vacuum cleaners, table lamps etc. Any appliance that is plugged into a socket and easily moved.
An electrician visually inspects every appliance for signs of wear, burning, cracks, exposed wires, missing/loose screws etc. Once appliances have passed the visual inspection, they undergo continuity, insulation resistance, and lead polarity tests.
Visual inspection and testing ensure all portable appliances are safe to plug in and use with the electrical system.
Is PAT Testing A Legal Requirement For Landlords?
No PAT Testing is not a legal requirement for landlords; it is, however, encouraged. PAT testing adds another layer of safety, ensuring all appliances are safe and don’t pose a risk to your tenants or property.
While PAT testing is optional, many landlords still undertake PAT testing annually anyway.
Some landlord’s insurance policies may require PAT testing for validation (please check your policy to make sure)
Hi, I’m Terry the founder and owner of TM Hughes & Son Electrical Services
Please get in touch using the Phone Numbers or Contact Form below