Who Can Carry Out EICR? Legal Requirements and Qualifications

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) ensures a property’s electrical systems are safe and follow the rules. It finds possible problems like bad wiring, too full circuits, or insufficient grounding, which could cause dangers like electric shocks or fires. For landlords in the UK, an EICR is required by law under the Electrical Safety Standards, meaning they need to get inspections every 5 years or as the report says.

In the UK, only qualified professionals can legally perform an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and UK rules require people doing EICRs to have proper training and the necessary skills to ensure safety and compliance. Experts must have a Level 3 Certificate in Electrical Installation or an equivalent qualification. They must also be certified in the latest Wiring Regulations, including the 18th Edition (BS 7671).

EICR requires specific qualifications, technical expertise, and compliance with UK law, so everyone can’t perform it. To get an EICR, landlords should hire a qualified electrician, arrange a property inspection, receive the report, and address any issues highlighted.

Who can issue an EICR certificate?

In the UK, only trained and skilled experts can provide an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) says that people doing EICRs need proper education, training, and hands-on skills to keep everyone safe and follow the rules. These strict rules make sure that EICRs are done safely and well, protecting property owners and people living there.

Landlord Property Certificates delivers EICR safety certificates in Ealing, London, ensuring compliance and safety with certified electricians and accurate inspections.

Professionals with the following qualifications can issue an EICR certificate.

1. Educational Credentials:
   • A Level 3 Certificate in Electrical Installation or an equivalent qualification.
   • Certification in the current edition of the Wiring Regulations (BS 7671), such as the 18th Edition.
2. Practical Experience:
   • Lots of practical experience in checking and testing electrical setups.
   • Good at using testing tools and understanding the results based on rules and guidelines.
3. Professional Registration:
   • An electrician should be a member of recognised groups like NICEIC, NAPIT, or ECA, which check and approve the skills of electrical experts.
4. Competent Persons under the Competent Person Scheme
   • Competent persons listed under the Competent Person Scheme issue EICRs after meeting strict safety and quality standards set by the UK Government.

Can an Electrician Carry Out an EICR?

An electrician can conduct an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) if they have the proper qualifications, can perform inspections according to BS 7671 Wiring Regulations, and are registered with reputable certification programs like JIB, NICEIC, or NAPIT. They should also have experience in examining and testing electrical systems, ensuring their work is precise and professional. 

Can I Perform an EICR Test to Issue an EICR Report?

You cannot perform an EICR test or issue an EICR report if you are not a qualified electrician with specific qualifications. Legally, you must hold an installing certificate, along with specific qualifications such as City & Guilds 2391-52 or 2394/2395. The technical complexity of EICR testing demands extensive expertise that comes only through professional training and experience. Only qualified electricians carry the necessary professional indemnity insurance, and issuing an EICR without proper qualifications is not only illegal but could also invalidate property insurance. 

Can a domestic installer issue an EICR certificate? 

Yes, a domestic installer can issue an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) in the UK if they meet specific qualifications, including adequate education, training, and practical skills to ensure safety and compliance, as required by the IET. The criteria include a qualification in Electrical Installation, current Wiring Regulations certification, and practical experience in testing and inspection. Unqualified individuals are not legally allowed to perform EICRs, which could compromise safety and violate UK regulations.

What is the United Kingdom’s law about issuing EICR certificates?

The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 in the UK require individuals to maintain electrical systems to prevent hazards, governing the issuance of an Electrical Installation. These regulations mandate that the most effective individuals with vital technical understanding and experience can carry out work on electrical installations to ensure safety and prevent injury.

The Electrical Safety Standards inside the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 require landlords to investigate and check electrical installations of their apartment homes at least every 5 years or consistent with the report. Landlords must hire a qualified person to conduct the inspection and obtain an EICR, which details the outcomes and highlights any remedial work required. 

The BS 7671 Wiring Regulations, while not legally required, serve as a benchmark for good practices in electrical installation. Professionals follow these standards to demonstrate compliance with building regulations. 

The UK law mandates to issue an EICR, an individual must be a qualified and competent electrician. They must hold an Electrical Installation Certificate in Electrical Installation or an equivalent qualification and have up-to-date knowledge of the current 18th Edition Wiring Regulations (BS 7671). Additionally, they must possess practical experience in inspecting and testing electrical installations and register with recognised bodies like NICEIC, NAPIT, or ECA, which assess and certify their competence.

What qualifications must an individual possess to issue an EICR certificate?

To issue an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), an individual must possess specific, advanced electrical qualifications, including a Level 3 Diploma in Electrical Installations, City & Guilds certification in Inspection and Testing, and professional registration with recognized bodies, demonstrating comprehensive technical expertise. 

Not everyone can perform an EICR due to the critical safety implications involved. The technique requires an in-depth understanding of electrical systems and the capacity to pick out hazards that can lead to fires or electrocution. Qualified electricians must have at least 3-5 years of comprehensive understanding of electrical protection standards and the capability to apply specialised testing equipment.

What is the Procedure for getting an EICR?

The procedure to gain an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) includes several straightforward steps. First, contact a certified and registered electrician who’s licensed to conduct electrical inspections. During the inspection, the electrician thoroughly observes all electric structures, including wiring, sockets, switches, customer devices, and stuck electrical system. This comprehensive assessment of the EICR test procedure takes 2-4 hours, depending on the property’s size and complexity. After completing the detailed inspection, the electrician compiles a formal EICR document. EICR report classifies any discovered issues using standard codes (C1, C2, C3, F1), recommends necessary remedial actions, and provides an overall assessment of the electrical installation’s condition. You can receive the certificate, which is valid for five years or the time mentioned in the report, helping you maintain electrical safety and comply with current regulatory requirements.

Can you get a copy of your EICR certificate?

Yes, you can get a copy of your EICR certificate. The electrician who conducted the inspection is legally obligated to provide you with a copy of the Electrical Installation Condition Report. A qualified electrician can issue your EICR certificate by email. Modern electrical testing companies have digitalised their documentation processes, making it convenient for property owners to receive their Electrical Installation Condition Report electronically. After completing the comprehensive electrical inspection, the registered electricians generate a professional PDF document containing the detailed assessment, findings, and recommendations. 

What price do you have to pay for getting an EICR?

The cost of acquiring an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) ranges from £100 to £500. Smaller houses can be valued at around £100-£200, and houses with extra complicated electric installations can fee £300-£500. Additional factors that affect the EICR cost include the property’s location, the electrician’s professional rates, the condition of existing electrical installations, and any potential remedial work that might be discovered during the inspection. 

Is your EICR valid for a lifetime?

No, an EICR is not valid for a lifetime. The EICR time validity for residential properties is typically 5 years or according to the report. For apartment homes, landlords should conduct an EICR every 5 years or when tenants change. Commercial houses can require inspections every 1-3 years, depending on the type of business and the complexity of the electric system installation. After the validity duration expires, you should conduct a new electric inspection to ensure ongoing safety and legal compliance.

After how much time do you have to update your EICR?

According to EICR update frequency recommendations, an Electrical Installation Condition Report must generally be up to date every 5 years for home residences or according to the document. For apartment houses, landlords are legally required to get a new EICR at least every 5 years. Some homes, like industrial homes or those with swimming pools, can also need more frequent assessments, including every 3 years.