Property owners and landlords prioritise electrical safety, making an EICR necessary. An EICR report inspects a property’s electrical systems and installations to ensure safety, compliance, and suitability. As a landlord, homeowner, or company owner, understanding an EICR report can help you keep residents and users safe.
We’ll discuss EICR report components, why they’re important, and how they can protect your property and occupants in this article.
Is an EICR Report?
EICR reports are formal documents created after a competent electrician or electrical engineer inspects and tests a property’s electrical installations. These installations include wiring, sockets, switches, fuse boards, and other electrical system components necessary for safety.
EICR reports aim to detect safety hazards. It also meets UK safety requirements, including BS 7671: Requirements for Electrical Installations (IET Wiring Regulations).
EICR Reports Assess What?
EICR reports typically address several crucial areas:
1. Electrical Circuit and Installation Safety
The electrician will evaluate the safety of the electrical circuits and installations. This includes finding defects, deterioration, or damage that could cause electric shocks, fires, or other hazards.
2. Wear and tear
Electrical systems deteriorate with age, environmental variables, and heavy use. The EICR report checks wires, outlets, and switches for proper operation.
3. Overloading Risks
Overloading, where circuits carry more electrical load than specified, is a typical inspection concern. This can cause overheating and fire. EICR reports highlight overloading.
4. Current Regulation Compliance
Years-old electrical installations may no longer meet current standards. An EICR report confirms the property meets current BS 7671 criteria.
5. Recognising Risks
The research lists immediate hazards such exposed live wires and improperly built equipment as well as future problems.
6. Earthing/bonding sufficiency
Electrical safety requires earthing and bonding to prevent shocks. This EICR report will verify that these systems are correctly installed and working.
7. Equipment suitability
Equipment that is outdated or defective can threaten safety. The EICR report checks fuse boards and protective devices for suitability and condition.
8. RCDs
RCDs are essential fire and shock prevention devices. EICR reports verify RCD installation and operation.
Highlights of an EICR Report
EICR reports use severity codes to classify issues. Codes include:
Danger Present: Immediate safety risk. The electrician may suggest turning off affected circuits until repairs are performed.
Potential Danger (C2): Issues that could turn dangerous if ignored.
C3 (Improvement Recommended): Non-compliance with current standards that is not dangerous but should be improved.
Further Investigation Required (FI): Requires more inspection to determine the full degree of an issue.
Understanding these codes helps property owners prioritise safety and compliance repairs and upgrades.
An EICR Report for Whom?
EICR reports benefit numerous groups:
Landlords
UK law requires landlords to maintain electrical safety. EICR reports are required every five years or upon tenancy start.
Homeowners
The EICR report is not required for homeowners, however it is strongly advised to identify hazards and assure occupant safety. It’s helpful when buying an older home or doing big renovations.
Businesses
Businesses must follow the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, which require safe electrical system maintenance. EICR reports are essential to meeting these commitments.
How often should EICR reports be done?
Property type and usage determine EICR inspection frequency:
Domestic Properties: Every 10 years for homeowners, 5 years for renters.
Highly risky commercial properties may need more regular inspections every five years.
Industrial Properties: At least every three years due to wear and tear.
Public buildings must be inspected often, depending on use and occupancy.
Benefits of EICR Report
Advantages of an EICR report include:
Improved Safety: Addressing hazards decreases electrical fires, shocks, and other risks.
Legal Compliance: EICR reports guarantee landlords and companies follow safety regulations.
Residents and users feel safer knowing your property’s electrical systems are safe.
Cost savings: Early detection prevents costly repairs or replacements.
Insurance Validity: EICR reports prove regular electrical inspections to several insurers.
Whatever Happens After an EICR Report?
Address any flaws the EICR report finds. Restoring safety requires prompt action for C1 and C2 concerns. Landlords must finish corrective work within 28 days or sooner if the report says so.
A certified electrician will issue a certificate when repairs are done.
Conclusion
An EICR report is essential for electrical system safety and functionality in any property. It helps property owners protect assets and inhabitants by identifying hazards, assuring compliance, and suggesting improvements. Electrical safety begins with comprehending an EICR report, whether you’re a landlord fulfilling legal requirements or a homeowner seeking peace of mind.
Regular inspections and fast EICR report corrections help prevent accidents, lower expenses, and ensure long-term security. Schedule frequent EICR checks and monitor your property’s electrical health to ensure electrical safety.