Landlords Electrical Inspections & Certificates Chelmsford

TM Hughes & and son electrical services ltd offer EICR landlord electrical inspection certificates for the landlords of Chelmsford and the surrounding areas for both domestic and commercial business premises.

(We can also arrange Gas Certificates CP12 if you require both)

Landlords

As a landlord you must (by law) ensure your property is safe for tenants, this includes the electrical system and the electrical appliances. At the start of every tenancy and every five years, an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is required. Every year portable appliance testing (PAT) is recommended

The testing ensures your electrical system and all electrical appliances in your property are safe for your tenants. Any faults in the electrical system or appliances are identified, recommendations are made on flaws to be rectified, so they are safe to use. Once any faults have been corrected and everything’s safe EICR and PAT certificates are issued to verify this.

These certificates ensure your landlord’s insurance is validated and covers your back in case of an electrical accident or fire.

• Electrical inspections and testing must always be carried out by a qualified Electrician
• If you’re a landlord ensure you have an EICR at the start of every tenancy and every five years
• If you’re a tenant, make sure your landlord has carried out an EICR and does so every five years

Homeowners & House Buyers

Electrical inspections are useful for homeowners to determine their electrical system is safe. An inspection every ten years is recommended.

EICR certificates are also useful for house sales so you can prove to any prospective buyers your Electrical system’s in order, is safe and won’t need replacing anytime soon. Additional expenses such as electrical work will put some buyers off. When buying a property, ask for an EICR inspection to be carried out beforehand.

Types Of Electrical Inspection

Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)

Tests are carried out during the EICR to establish if your electrical system has been damaged, developed any faults or has suffered from deterioration. A visual inspection can sometimes determine this, but an EICR is more detailed and involves the actual testing of circuits, more accurate than a visual inspection.

The electricity supply is switched off, and every circuit is tested which includes

• Consumer unit
• RCD Fuses
• Internal wiring
• Light fittings
• Plugs
• Earthing And Bonding

The inspection will determine if your electrical system is safe in its current condition and adheres to the British Standard for electrical safety (BS 7671). An inspection also enables an electrician to offer recommendations if necessary, that’ll make your property safer.

EICR inspections can take up to 4 hours, the length of time will depend on the size of your property and the number of circuits that need testing.

Once completed, the electrician will write you a certificate outlining the condition of your electrical system codes are used for clarification.

• Code C1 – The system is dangerous and needs immediate attention; those using the system are at risk
• Code C2 – There’s a deficiency the system isn’t dangerous for now but could become hazardous if a fault were to occur in the electrical system or connected appliance
• Code C3 – There’s a deficiency, but it’s not considered to be dangerous. Work’s recommended to enhance the safety of the installation but is not essential, and you’re under no obligation to have the work carried out

If your electrical system generates any Codes 1-3, we can give you a free no-obligation quote to correct any faults. Some faults we may be able to fix there and then, others will require the acquisition of parts and a revisit.

Visual Testing & Inspection (VIR)

Visual Testing & Inspections (VIR) are quicker than an EICR taking up to an hour to complete (the time will depend on the size of your property) and allows an overall picture of the condition of your electrical system to be built.

The electrical system’s checked visually. No circuits are tested

Our electricians will check

• Consumer Unit (main fuse board) Sockets
• Plugs
• Light fittings
• Light switches
• Electrical cables or leads
• Earthing and bonding
• Extension leads
• Kitchen
• Bathroom
• Signs of wear and tear
• Visible signs of burning

A report’s issued at the end with recommendations.

Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)

At present PAT testing is not a legal requirement of landlords, but it is highly recommended. PAT testing ensures your’ e a responsible landlord and that all portable appliances in your rented property are safe. Portable appliances are appliances that are plugged into the electrical system and can be moved easily. Everyday appliances such as toasters, kettles and irons.

Most faults can be detected visually, signs of burning, wear and loose screws are indications of a potentially dangerous appliance. Appliances are also tested with PAT testing equipment for earth continuity, insulation resistance and lead polarity, all of which determine if the appliance is safe when used with the electrical system.

While there is no fixed time that you should have your appliances checked it’s good practice to have PAT testing carried out at the start of a tenancy then a visual inspection every year with a PAT test every two years.

Periodic PAT testing will ensure all appliances are safe to use and don’t pose a danger to your tenants.

If you would like to book an electrical inspection, please contact us using the phone number or contact form below