Electrical Inspection Condition Report (EICR)

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Definition of an EICR

An Electrical Inspection Condition Report (EICR) involves examining the state of current fixed installations. The purpose is to pinpoint any shortcomings adhering to national safety standards. Discoveries are documented in the EICR, prioritizing identified issues.

The EICR aims to:

Identify overloaded circuits or equipment
Uncover potential electrical shock and fire risks
Spot defective work
Bring attention to earthing or bonding issuesAdditionally, the safety of wiring and fixed components is tested for assurance. A circuit schedule is provided, offering invaluable insight into a property.

Tests are also carried out on wiring and associated fixed equipment to check that they are safe.

A schedule of circuits will also be provided, which is invaluable for a property.

Importance of EICR Reports

Over time, all hardwired installations degrade due to use and aging. It is crucial for the maintenance personnel to confirm the safety of users and ensure the continued serviceability of the installation. EICR checks should be conducted at the following intervals:

Every 10 years for domestic settings
Every 5 years for commercial setups
Every 3 years for industrial establishments
Every 3 years for caravans and annually for swimming poolsOther instances necessitating periodic inspections include property rental preparations, pre-sale assessments, and purchase of previously owned buildings.

Conducting an EICR

EICR inspections, also known as "fixed wire tests," must be carried out by skilled engineers possessing City and Guilds 2391 certification in Inspection, Testing, and Verification of electrical installations. Accreditation from bodies like NAPIT is often required by insurers.

During the inspection

The approved contractor verifies hardwired installations against the BS7671 standard, encompassing approximately 850 Regulations. Assessments consider factors like earthing, switchgear suitability, equipment serviceability, wiring system type, and residual current devices provision. An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is issued post-inspection for recordkeeping.

Type of wiring system and its condition e.g. cables coated in black- rubber, black-rubber was phased out in the 1960s or cables coated in lead or fabric are even older and may need replacing (modern cables use pvc insulation)
Provision of residual current devices for socket-outlets that may be used to plug in electrical equipment used outdoors
Presence of adequate identification and notices
Extent of any wear and tear, damage or other deterioration
Changes in use of the premises which have led to, or might lead to, deficiencies in the installation.
The Approved Contractor will provide an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) which you should retain.

Responsibilities And Requirements For Landlords

Until recently the legal requirements were somewhat confusing and a rather grey area.

Under the ‘Landlord and Tenants Act (1985) landlords must ensure that the installation in a rented property is maintained safely throughout a tenancy.

We now have some clarity and as of July 2020 it is now a legal requirement for a property to be electrically inspected & tested at least every 5 year and change of occupancy.

The law currently requires Landlords to provide electrical installation certificates and also places a duty to keep all electrical systems and appliances in good repair and safe working order.

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Requirements For Home Owners

BS7671 (Current Edition Wiring Regulations) recommends having an EICR carried out not more than 10 years apart.

It is also important to have this carried out if you are moving out or into a new home. It is common practice to be required to produce these documents during the sale of a property especially if any electrical works has been carried out in previous years. It is advisable to have an EICR carried out if it has never been carried out or you suspect poor quality additions.

If you purchase a new home just because the fuse-board looks new it does not mean it has been inspected and is safe. It should have a 5 page report or installation certificate. If it hasn’t it is likely that it is not complaint with current regulations & a potentially dangerous installation.

The usual cause of most faults and fires are sub standard work or even worse DIY installations. The expression a little bit of knowledge is dangerous springs to mind. Just because something works it does not mean it is necessarily safe and will not go up in smoke or disconnect under fault conditions!

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