An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is the inspection and testing of an electrical installation. Also known as Fixed Wire Testing, Periodic Inspection and Testing, Electrical Testing or Hard Wire Testing.
Electrical Installation Condition Reports are a method of ensuring you meet The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 which is statutory, meaning it is the law.
It is a the purpose of the report is to examine the condition of your electrical system and highlight any defects or non-compliances.
All electrical installations deteriorate with age, other factors include damage, wear and tear, overloading of electrical circuits, corrosion, environmental influences and legislation can alter.
Legislation requires that it is essential that all electrical installations are maintained in a safe working condition and The Electricity at Work Regulation 1989 requires that:
One of the best ways to ensure that electrical systems and equipment are safe is to have regular inspections such as an EICR.
You may be requested to have a fixed wire test by a licensing authority, public bodies, insurance company, mortgage lender and/or others.
The frequency of having an electrical inspection and test carried out depends on the type and use of property, the condition of your system and the outcome of the last inspection.
As a guide and recommended by BS 7671 the following applies:
- Business Owners – should have an EICR test once every five years.
- Landlords – should also have an EICR test once every 5 years or when there is a change of tenancy. New regulations brought in to force mean it is now essential for every rental property to have a current EICR certificate by April 2021.
- Homeowners – should have an EICR test one every 10 years unless the property has a swimming pool in which case it is recommended the electrics should be tested every year.
How long will it take?
This can vary depending upon the number of circuits to be tested and the accessibility of the rings, the process will involve the electrician removing some sockets and lights switches for testing purposes. When you book in for your appointment the office will be able to give you a time indication.
Will I have no power for the entire time?
No however there will be intermittent power on some circuits as our engineers will need to turn each circuit off in order to complete and testing at works on it, the engineer will communicate on site though as to when each circuit will need to be switched off.
Do I have to have an ECIR report?
In rental properties from 1/7/2020 it became mandatory for an EICR report and these certificates last for 5 years. Under UK laws businesses must have an EICR report and this is required every 5 years also.