In property management, there are many responsibilities that come with owning or managing a building. One of those responsibilities that might not be at the forefront of your mind is electrical safety. Yet, it’s a critical aspect that requires careful attention.

In the UK, Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs) serve as a vital tool in the monitoring process of your electrical system. They provide a detailed assessment of the electrical installations within a property, identifying any potential risks or faults that could lead to failures or hazards.

But how often should these inspections be done? What exactly do they entail? And why are they so crucial for property owners, landlords, and businesses alike? 

This guide aims to answer these questions and more, offering a comprehensive overview of EICRs and their significance in maintaining electrical safety and compliance with UK standards.

 

What Is an Electrical Installation Condition Report?

An EICR, or Electrical Installation Condition Report, is a detailed assessment of the electrical systems within a property. It’s a legal requirement in the UK to ensure that electrical installations are safe and up to standard.

EICRs are crucial for detecting any faults or deviations from the UK’s electrical standards. They help in identifying potential risks that might lead to electrical failures or hazards, ensuring the safety of the occupants.

 

How Often Should You Get an EICR Inspection?

As a property owner in the UK, you may be curious about the frequency at which you should obtain an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). This is an important inquiry that does not always have a simple answer. Let’s learn about the specifics together.

What Influences the Frequency of EICR Inspections?

The frequency of EICR inspections is far from a uniform requirement. It’s tailored to specific needs, taking into account several factors, including:

• The Risk Level: Environments with flammable gases, chemicals, or conditions that are wet and dusty necessitate more frequent inspections. These might include manufacturing plants, laboratories, or garages.
• The Type of Building: The nature and use of the building play a significant role. Everything from petrol stations and medical facilities to domestic flats and community centres has unique requirements.

A Handy Guide to EICR Frequency

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of how often you should schedule an EICR, depending on the type of property you own or manage:

• Every Year: This includes places with higher risks, such as petrol stations, medical locations in hospitals, swimming pools, and even fish farms.
• Every Three Years: Properties like spa hotels, leisure centres, industrial buildings, caravan parks, and theatres should consider this frequency.
• Every Five Years: A wide range of properties falls into this category, including offices, schools, colleges, universities, restaurants, cafes, pubs, hotels, community centres, churches, and rental properties.
  
  
  
• Every Ten Years: This is typically for residential properties like domestic houses and flats, where the risk level is generally lower. It’s not a law, but an electrical test at least every 10 years is definitely recommended to ensure that you’re safe within your own home.

Special Note for Landlords: How Often Do Landlords Need an EICR?

If you’re a landlord, pay attention! In England or Scotland, you must get an EICR every five years for rental properties, and this rule is coming to Wales soon. It’s also wise to get an EICR when buying a rental property or between tenancies. It’s not just about following the law; it’s about ensuring your property’s condition and your tenants’ safety.

 

The Process of Getting an EICR

Initial Inspection

The EICR process begins with an initial inspection where a qualified and competent electrician visually examines the electrical installations. This isn’t just a cursory glance; it’s a detailed look to spot any apparent issues that might need immediate attention. Whether it’s wear and tear, damage, or other deterioration, this step sets the stage for what comes next.

Testing Procedures

After the visual inspection, the electrician moves on to various testing procedures, all conducted according to UK-specific terms and standards. These tests are comprehensive and include:

• Insulation Resistance: This test checks the quality of insulation around the conductors. It ensures that the cable’s insulation is in good condition and isn’t going to arc electricity to the neighbouring cable, and thus cause a potential fire risk.
• Earth Fault Loop Impedance: A crucial test to determine the effectiveness of the ‘earth fault path’. This is to make sure that if there is any human / animal contact with live cables, the electricity takes the correct path to earth (via the electrical system), and not through the person or animal who has come into contact with the live cable.
• Functionality of Switches, Sockets, and Light Fittings: Ensuring that all these components are working as they should.
• Sufficiency of Earthing and Bonding: A vital aspect that ensures safety in case of a fault. If there is no earth path, and you touch a live cable, you become the earth path!
• Suitability of Switch and Control Gear: This includes checking that the right cables and fittings are correct for the job they’re being asked of. For example, running a cooker on a lighting circuit will only lead to a melted cable and a broken cooker. Your fuse board will also be checked for suitability, to make sure that you have the correct circuit breakers, that will reduce the risk of electric shocks within the property. These tests are just the tip of the iceberg. The electrician will also assess the type of wiring system, its condition, the extent of wear and tear, and any changes in the property that may have led to unsafe conditions.

Reporting

Once the tests are completed, a detailed report is prepared, adhering to the British Standard BS7671. This report is a comprehensive technical overview of the electrical system’s condition. It highlights any deviations from the UK electrical standards and provides insights into what’s working well and what needs attention.

The report will also include recommendations for necessary remedial actions. These might range from simple fixes to more extensive repairs, all aimed at ensuring that the property’s electrical system is safe and compliant.

 

Why is an EICR Necessary?

An EICR is more than just a legal requirement; it’s a safety net. Statistics show that household appliances cause thousands of accidental fires a year in England, many leading to serious injury or even death. An EICR helps lower these risks by checking for shock risks, fire hazards, defective electrical work, overloaded sockets, and more.

Potential Remedial Works

Common Issues Found

During an EICR, several common issues might be identified, each of which can lead to serious electrical hazards if left unaddressed. Here’s a closer look at some of these problems:

• Faulty Wiring: Damaged or outdated wiring can lead to overheating and electrical fires.
• Improper Earthing: A lack of proper earthing can result in electric shock hazards.
• Outdated Electrical Components: Old components may not meet current UK standards, leading to potential safety risks.
• Overloaded Circuits: This can cause overheating and potential fire hazards.
• Lack of RCD Protection: RCDs (Residual Current Devices) are essential for preventing electric shock, and their absence can be a significant issue.

Solutions and Repairs

Remedial works are all about bringing the electrical system back into compliance with UK electrical standards. Here’s how it’s typically done:

• Repairing or Replacing Faulty Components: This might include replacing damaged wires, updating old switches, or installing new RCDs as per UK regulations.
• Upgrading the Electrical System: If the system is outdated, or the cost to repair all of the issues would work out more expensive than a rewire, a partial or complete upgrade might be necessary to meet current standards.
• Addressing Specific Hazards: This could involve fixing overloaded circuits, ensuring proper earthing, or addressing other specific issues identified during the EICR.
• Regular Monitoring and Maintenance: Beyond immediate repairs, ongoing monitoring and maintenance are essential to ensure continued compliance and safety.

 

The Importance of Professional Remediation

Remedial works are not a DIY project. They require the expertise of a qualified electrician who understands UK standards and can implement the necessary repairs or replacements. 

Professional remediation ensures that the electrical system is safe, functional, and compliant with wiring regulations. When it comes to such critical work, Wave Electrical Solutions Ltd stands as a trusted name in the industry, offering thorough electrical testing and remediation services.

With a team of experienced electricians, we ensure thorough and compliant EICR inspection and testing, emphasizing the importance of electrical safety and following a systematic approach to EICR. 

 

Wrapping Up

Electrical safety is more than a legal obligation; it’s a commitment to the well-being of those who live, work, or visit a property. From the initial inspection to the detailed reporting and necessary remedial works, the process of getting an EICR is comprehensive and meticulous. Wave Electrical Solutions Ltd stands ready to assist with this essential task, ensuring compliance with UK standards. By understanding the significance of EICRs, property owners can take proactive steps to maintain safety and functionality. It’s about peace of mind, knowing that the electrical system is in good hands.

 

FAQs

Q1. How much does an electrical installation condition report cost?

The cost of an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) can vary based on several factors, including the size and complexity of the property, the number of circuits to be tested, and the location within the UK. It’s essential to understand that an EICR is a detailed examination, and the cost reflects the expertise and time required to conduct a thorough assessment.

Q2. How long is an EICR valid for?

An EICR’s validity depends on the risk level and type of property. For example, petrol stations and medical locations in hospitals require an EICR every year, while domestic houses and flats need one every ten years. The engineer carrying out the testing may specify a different retest period based on the condition of the electrical installation.

Q3. Is a 5-year electrical test a legal requirement?

For certain types of properties, such as Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and rental properties in England, Wales, or Scotland, an EICR every five years is a legal requirement.

Q4. Do you need an electrical certificate every year?

An annual EICR is not required for all properties. It is necessary for high-risk areas like petrol stations, medical locations in hospitals, and swimming pools. Other properties may have different frequencies based on their risk factors and type.

Q5. How long does an EICR last for rental property?

If you are a landlord of a rental property in England or Scotland, you must get an EICR every five years by law. It’s also recommended to get an EICR when buying a rental property and in between tenancies to ensure the condition of the property.