Are the electrical installation systems of your home safe?
You can confirm it through an electrical installation condition report (EICR). This process is important to check any potential hazards and ensure the safety standards of the electrical installations.
That is why you should learn about EICR and its importance whether you are a homeowner or a business owner. We have also broken down the electrical installation condition report EICR regulations and risk assessment to help you protect your loved ones and property from any electrical risks.
An EICR or electrical installation report is a certificate showing that the electrical installation in your domestic, commercial, or industrial spaces is safe to use. It was previously known as wire fixing or periodic changes of the electrical installations.
Now, your state councils have full authority to issue files against landlords or business owners who don’t comply with the EICR regulations according to the Electrical Safety Standard Regulations of 2020. Accordingly, councils need you to submit the certificate within seven days. Otherwise, you will be responsible for the consequences. There is no limit on creating the EICRs because you can add them to the EICR register.
What Does an EICR Check?
An EICR summarises the conditions of the electrical systems in your home or commercial space. As a detailed summary that focuses on each installation, it is always done by a professional electrical contractor. This person confirms your safety by ensuring whether the electrics obey the British Standard (BS 7671) or not.
EICR looks for essential electrical safety checks and provides a thorough certificate about the conditions of your installations:
- Faults in the sockets, wirings, or switches.
- Capability of the installations.
- The compliance of electrics with the official safety standards.
The resulting report then helps in the EICR risk assessment. It assesses things that need improvements or their complete replacement to confirm your safety.
Meanwhile, some of you might be wondering whether landlords need a new EICR for every new tenant or not.
So, let’s clarify your thoughts. No, every time you don’t need a new electrical installation condition report for every new tenant. Instead, you should hand over a copy of the most recent ECIR to them. You may provide them with a copy of the inspection if you ever happened to scrutinize the installations during their tenancy.
Ever Wondered, What are the Codes on the EICR Report?
According to the UK Government, an accurate EICR contains the given four classification codes that indicate the need for further remedial work and help you understand the conditions better:
- Code C1
This EICR code means that danger is present, and you should take immediate action to eliminate it. Otherwise, faulty electrics could lead to fire, as around 18% of domestic fires in England are caused by incorrect wiring.
- Code C2
The C2 on EICR means a potential danger that needs EICR remedial work. It means the work you need to do after getting an electrical installation conditions report. Its purpose is to improve the percentage of the EICR by correcting something bad or faulty.
- Code C3
The code 3 EICR means that something in the electrical installation needs improvement, according to the Electrical Safety Council. It demonstrates that the inspected thing is not dangerous at the moment. But you should replace it to ensure your safety. Otherwise, the situation might get worse.
- F1 and FI
The F1 on EICR or FI on EICR means that further investigation is needed to check the condition of the electrics. A pro electrical engineer will conduct a detailed assessment of the electrics again to not miss any defective electrics.
Stay Safe With EICR – Get Your Electrical Installation Condition Report Today!
Understanding the importance of safety checks and properties is the first step to maintaining safety standards. The next step is getting an effective electrical installation report to keep your loved ones and valuable belongings in a safe condition. It should be your priority to keep an eye on the electrical system when you are living or working in the UK. However, you can get help from the Nationwide Surveyors to schedule a professional inspection. Book now for your appointment today!
FAQs about Electrical Installation Condition Report-EICR
1. What is the Purpose of an EICR?
An EICR works to confirm the safety of the electrical installations in your house or any commercial place. It protects you from any unwanted conditions of shock or fire by ensuring the current safety standards.
2. How long is an EICR valid for the UK?
An EICR is valid for up to 5 years in the UK. However, this time, an electrical safety certificate may be shortened depending on the severity of the conditions or when any of the installations are damaged.
3. How do electricians check the age of wiring?
Every electrician has their method. However, electricians mostly check the age of the wring by scrutinizing the wiring type, color, construction material, size of the conductor, and sheath coverings. Generally, the older wiring will have signs of wear and tear.
4. Do you need an EICR to sell a house in the UK?
No, you don’t need an EICR to sell a house in the UK. However, presenting a good ECIR to the new home buyers would make them confident about their choice and may even increase the current rates of your home.
5. What percentage is EICR?
Electrical engineers start their work by inspecting 25-30% of the installations as a sample rate or percentage of EICR. However, if any fault occurs in the chosen sample size, they can increase this rate to 50% or more.
