What Does An EICR Involve?

What does an EICR involve? An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) involves inspecting and testing the fixed electrical installations in a property. The inspection determines if the system is safe and meets current regulations. The process includes a visual inspection, testing of circuits, identifying risks, and creating a detailed report.

About EICRs

An EICR ensures the electrical safety of a property. It identifies potential hazards like faulty wiring or outdated electrical components. An EICR also ensures compliance with the latest safety standards, such as BS 7671. For landlords, an EICR is a legal requirement under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020.

Visual Inspection

The Electrician begins with a visual inspection, checking for signs of damage or wear. Key areas inspected include:

• Consumer units: The electrician checks for damage, correct labelling, and suitability.
• Wiring: The Electrician inspects cables for fraying, cracks, or exposure.
• Sockets and switches: These are checked for damage or loose connections.
• Earthing and bonding: The Electrician checks that earthing and bonding is in place and installed correctly.

Testing Circuits

The next step is testing the circuits. This involves using specialised tools to identify hidden problems. Tests include:

• Insulation resistance testing: Checks the condition of the wiring.
• Polarity testing: Ensures live, neutral, and earth wires are correctly connected.
• Protective device testing: Circuit breakers and RCDs are tested to ensure they work correctly.

Testing identifies faults that could lead to fires or electric shocks and ensures the electrical system is safe.

Assessing Risk

After the inspection and tests, the Electrician assesses any risks. They classify each issue using specific codes:

• C1 – Danger present: An immediate risk that must be fixed ASAP.
• C2 – Potential danger: Not an immediate risk but needs attention.
• C3 – Improvement recommended: Not dangerous but doesn’t meet current standards.
• FI – Further investigation required: More testing is needed to confirm safety.

The Report

Once the inspection is complete, the Electrician creates a detailed report. This includes:

• A summary of the findings.
• A list of issues and their risk codes.
• Recommendations for remedial work.
• A decision on whether the system is satisfactory or unsatisfactory.

If the report is unsatisfactory, the property owner must fix any C1 or C2 issues to pass the ECIR.

Why Is An EICR Important?

An EICR ensures safety in homes and workplaces. Faulty electrical systems can cause serious harm, including fires and electric shocks. Regular inspections prevent accidents and keep properties safe.

For landlords, an EICR is not optional. It is required by law in rented properties (every five years or at the start of each new tenancy). Meeting this requirement protects tenants and ensures compliance with regulations.

By arranging an EICR, homeowners can identify and resolve electrical issues. This protects occupants, reduces risks, and keeps the property up to standard. It’s recommended that homeowners have an EICR every 10 years.

Book An EICR

Please contact us if you’re a homeowner or landlord in Essex and require an EICR. Our team of NICEIC-registered Electricians undertakes EICR inspections and issues the required certification.