Electrical installation condition reports

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a formal document that is produced following an assessment of the electrical installations within a property. Its primary purpose is to ensure the safety and functionality of electrical systems, identifying any potential hazards, defects, or non-compliance with safety standards.

Key Components of an EICR:

1. Action and Testing: The report involves a thorough visual inspection and testing of the electrical installations, including wiring, circuit breakers, sockets, switches, and other components.
2. Assessment of Safety: It assesses the safety of the installation against the standards set out in the British Standard for electrical safety, BS 7671. This includes checking for risks of electric shock, fire hazards, and any signs of deterioration.
3. Coding of Observations: Observations are categorized into codes:

• Code 1 (C1): Danger present, risk of injury, immediate action required.
• Code 2 (C2): Potentially dangerous, urgent remedial action needed.
• Code 3 (C3): Improvement recommended.
• Further Investigation (FI): Further investigation required without delay.

4. Overall Assessment: The report concludes with an overall assessment of the electrical installation as either “Satisfactory” or “Unsatisfactory.” An unsatisfactory rating means that remedial work is required to bring the installation up to standard.
5. Recommendations and Remedial Actions: If issues are found, the report will recommend actions to rectify any defects or bring the installation in line with current safety regulations.

When is an EICR Required?

• Landlords: Required to ensure the safety of electrical installations in rental properties, typically every 5 years or at the start of a new tenancy.
• Homeowners: Recommended every 5 years for domestic properties or when selling a home to provide buyers with an assurance of electrical safety.
• Commercial Properties: Usually required every 5 years, or more frequently if the installation is subject to heavy use or environmental conditions that may accelerate wear and tear.

An EICR helps to maintain the safety of a building’s occupants and ensures that the electrical installations are compliant with current standards.

Please do not hesitate to contact us for further advice.