What Does EICR Stand For?

EICR stands for Electrical Installation Condition Report. An EICR is a formal document that assesses an electrical installation’s safety, functionality, and compliance. EICRs are carried out by qualified electricians to ensure that rented, residential, commercial, and industrial properties meet safety standards. EICRs ensure landlords rent their properties safely and legally and provide peace of mind for homeowners.

What Is an EICR?

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a comprehensive inspection and testing process designed to evaluate the condition of an electrical installation. Inspection and testing identify potential hazards, defects, or non-compliance with the latest wiring regulations (BS 7671).

EICRs apply to many properties, including homes, rentals, offices, retail spaces, and industrial units. The purpose of an EICR is to verify that the electrical installation is safe and does not pose a risk to occupants. Inspections are essential to identify issues caused by wear and tear or outdated components.

Why Is An EICR Necessary?

An EICR is necessary for the following reasons:

Legal Compliance

For landlords, EICRs are a legal requirement under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020. Landlords must provide tenants with a valid EICR to confirm the property meets safety standards. EICRs must be undertaken at rented properties every five years or at the start of each new tenancy.

Safety Assurance

EICRs allow Electricians to uncover hazards like overloaded circuits, damaged wiring and unsafe components. By undertaking periodic EICR, landlords and property owners have peace of mind, and their property and occupants are protected and safe from electrical hazards.

Insurance Validity

Many landlord’s insurance policies require proof of an EICR. An up-to-date EICR will likely be requested when making an insurance claim related to electrical faults.

What Does An EICR Include?

During an EICR, the Electrician inspects and tests the electrical system. The EICR involves:

Visual Inspection

Checking for signs of damage, wear, or defective components, such as exposed wires, overloaded sockets, broken sockets or dated fuse boxes.

Testing of Circuits

Testing to evaluate the safety and functionality of circuits, including checking for earth continuity, insulation resistance, and polarity.

Identifying Hazards

Highlighting issues like

• Overloaded circuits
• Faulty wiring
• Lack of earthing or bonding
• Old fuse boxes

Codes

The results of the inspection are documented in the report. Codes are used to classify the severity of any issues:

• C1: Danger present, requiring immediate action.
• C2: Potential danger; remedial work needed urgently.
• C3: Improvement recommended.
• FI: Further investigation required.

If issues are identified, the report will include recommendations for corrective action.

Who Should Conduct an EICR?

A qualified and competent Electrician should always conduct an EICR. Always use Electricians registered with reputable organisations like NICEIC or NAPIT, as they adhere to industry standards and regulations.

Need an EICR?

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is essential for ensuring the safety and compliance of any property’s electrical system. Whether you’re a landlord meeting legal obligations or a homeowner looking to safeguard your family, EICRs are a proactive way to prevent hazards.

If you live in Essex and need an EICR, one of our experienced NICEIC-registered Electricians can undertake the inspection and testing and will issue a certificate upon completion. Contact us to book your EICR.