EICR Landlords Electrical Inspections in Maldon and the surrounding areas.
Experienced NICEIC domestic installers undertake inspections. We can arrange CP12 Gas certificates as well.
Call – 01621 881560
- EICR’s are a legal requirement for rented properties
- EICR’s must be undertaken at the start of each new tenancy or every five years
- EICR’s must be undertaken by qualified electricians
If you’re a landlord letting a property in Maldon, an Electrical Installation Condition Report is an essential requirement to ensure the electrical system is safe for your tenants and doesn’t pose a fire risk to your property.
By law, EICR’s must be carried out at the start of each new tenancy or every five years. A qualified electrical will inspect every element of the electrical system. Each part is passed, given a recommendation or failed. The part will need repairing so the EICR certification can be issued.
Once you have the certificate in hand, you can show your tenants, letting agent and insurer your electrical system is safe, and you’re renting your property legally.
Other optional inspections include PAT (portable appliance testing) and VIR (visual testing and inspection). PAT and VIR give landlords and tenants extra safety and peace of mind but are not necessarily legal requirements (unlike EICR’s).
Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR)
An Electrician visits your property at a pre-agreed time. Every part of the electrical installation is visually inspected and tested for electrical faults, decay or damage. Parts of the system inspected and tested include the consumer unit, wiring, sockets, lights and fittings, RCD fuses, cooker/appliance circuits and the earthing and bonding.
Any part of the electrical system found to be below the required standard is issued a code, which is as follows.
- Code C1 – The electrical system presents danger and requires immediate attention, a risk for those using the system.
- Code C2 – Some defects are not dangerous for now but could become dangerous if a fault were to occur within the electrical system or a connected appliance.
- Code C3 – There’s a non-hazardous deficiency. Repairs are recommended for safety enhancement but are not essential. You’re under no obligation to have repairs done.
The electrician will issue a quote for any necessary repairs. Some repairs we may be able to do on the day. Otherwise, we can agree on a time to return and make the repairs. Or if you would prefer, you can arrange the repairs yourself, and we can return to reinspect at a later date.
Once the electrical system has passed the required checks, the electrician writes the certification. The certificate proves the electrical system is up to the British Standard For Electrical Safety (BS 7671) and the IEE Wiring Regulations (17th edition)
EICR inspections can take up to 4 hours to complete. The time taken depends on the size of the property (4 hours is for the largest of properties)
Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)
Rented properties usually include portable appliances. Portable Appliances include irons, tabletop cookers, hairdryers, kettles etc., generally any appliance held in hand.
During PAT testing, an electrician visually inspects each appliance making sure the leads are in order. There’s no cracks, leaks, loose screws or signs of burning. The appliances earth continuity, insulation resistance and lead polarity are then tested with equipment. Faulty appliances can be repaired or replaced.
Faulty appliances have the potential to injure tenants and cause damage to properties; this is why many landlords opt for PAT testing even though it’s not a legal requirement for landlords. PAT testing can be undertaken simultaneously as the EICR inspection or at a separate convenient time. Landlords often choose annual PAT testing to stay on the safe side.
Visual Testing & Inspection (VIR)
Landlords have the option of Visual, Testing and inspection between when they have EICR’s done. VIR’s are much quicker than EICR’s (they take around an hour). An electrician visually inspects every part of the Electrical system and writes a report complete with recommendations for the landlord to consider.
Please note the inspection is completely visual; no actual testing is undertaken. VIR’s are not a requirement and are not a substitute for the more in-depth and legally required EICR’s. Landlords generally have VIR’s periodically to ensure there’s nothing visibly dangerous with the electrical system.
Inspections For Homeowners, Buyers and Sellers
While it’s mainly landlords who book Electrical Installation Condition Reports, EICR’s work well for homeowners, buyers and sellers. A homeowner EICR every ten years ensures your electrical system is safe. If any faults are uncovered, they can be repaired. Unless you have your electrical system inspected, you’ll never know if there’s anything wrong.
An EICR is good to show prospective buyers if you’re selling your home. If you’re buying a home and an EICR isn’t provided, it’s a good idea to have one before you sign any contracts. An EICR allows you to establish the condition of the Electrical system. No unpleasant or expensive surprises once you have bought the home. If any faults are found, the seller can either get them rectified or reduce the buying price.
If you would like to book an electrical inspection, please contact us using the phone number or contact form below.
