Is EICR a Legal Requirement?
In the past, electrical installation condition reports (EICRs) were not a legal requirement. However, this is no longer the case. While an EICR is a legal requirement and now it is strongly recommended to have electrical inspections.
EICR includes testing of all fixed electrical installations, ensuring that electrical circuits are up to IET Wiring Regulation standards and that there are no immediate hazards with the help of inspection and test supply.
What is an EICR?
An EICR is an electrical installation condition report. It is a document that outlines the condition of an electrical installation.
Why have electrical safety standards regulations been introduced?
The purpose of electrical regulations is to ensure the safety of people and property. Electrical installations can degrade over time. This degradation can lead to electric shocks, fires, and other accidents.
By having an EICR, you can identify any potential problems with your electrical safety inspections installation before they become dangerous.
EICR became a legal requirement, and every rental property has been required to have a valid electrical safety certificate as per “The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020″.
When do you need an Electrical Installation Condition Report?
You should have an EICR every 5 years or depend on the condition of the installation. You should also have electrical safety report if you are responsible for the maintenance of an electrical safety standards installation This includes landlords, property managers, and businesses.
You should also have an EICR if you are planning on making any changes to your electrical installation.
How much does an EICR cost?
The cost of an EICR depends on the size of your property, the condition of your electrical installation, and the number of fuse boxes. Typically, an EICR will cost between £130 – £180.
Action needed in the event of an Unsatisfactory Report
If your EICR reveals that your electrical installation is unsatisfactory, you will need to take action to rectify the problem.
You should rectify any problems as soon as possible. This will ensure that your electrical installation is safe and compliant with the latest regulations.
You may need to hire a qualified and competent person electrician to carry out the remedial work code. You should get multiple quotes to ensure that you are getting a fair price.
You should keep your electrical appliances in a safe place. This will allow you to refer back to it in the future.
If you will not fix it then this can potentially lead to the landlord being fined up to £30,000. These fines will be given out by the local authority as also known as local housing authority.
FAQs
Who can carry out an electrical installation certificate?
Only a qualified electrician can carry out an electrical installation certificate.
What happens if my electricity is unsafe?
If your electricity is unsafe, you will need to take action to rectify the problem. This may involve hiring a qualified electrician to carry out work on your electrical safety standards installation. This can potentially lead to the landlord being fined up to £30,000. These fines will be given out by the local authority as also known as local housing authority.
Do I need an EICR if my property was rewired?
Yes, you should have an EICR even if your property was rewired. This is because electrical installation certificate can degrade over time.
Conclusion
An electrical installation condition report (EICR) will be a legal requirements in 2024.
This means that all commercial and industrial properties must have an EICR carried out by a qualified electrician every 5 years.
It’s important to book your EICR now, to ensure you don’t fall behind schedule and are fully compliant with the law come 2024.
Contact us today to book your EICR Certificate!
