Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
The Electricity at Work Regulations state that all electrical systems and equipment used in the working environment should be in a safe condition.
The Electrical Regulations change at a rapid rate to reflect advances in technology and regular inspections are recommended to help verify an installation remains compliant.
The Health & Safety Executive recommend that to comply with the regulations an inspection and testing schedule must be implemented at all workplaces.
Insurance Companies are increasingly requiring evidence that electrical installations to Public, Commercial, Industrial, Residential and Domestic locations are safe environments, i.e. ‘fit for purpose’. All installations will deteriorate/degrade with use and age. This process is often accelerated by ‘DIY’ additions/extensions that may NOT have been carried out to IET Wiring Regulations. Government statistics say that on average 10 people die and about 750 are seriously injured in accidents in the home involving unsafe electrical installations. An Electrical Installation Condition Report (previously known as a Periodic Inspection) is an inspection of the condition of an existing electrical installation, to identify (in order of priority) any deficiencies against the National Safety Standard (EAWR 1989, BS 7671:2018) for electrical installations. It is the responsibility of property owners, Landlords, building managers and homeowners to ensure the electrical installations they own/are responsible for are tested in compliance with the recommended testing schedule.
Not just a visual inspection but a full inspection and testing of the system
- Identifies if any electrical circuits or equipment are overloaded
- Detects any potential electrical shock risks
- Discovers any fire hazards in your electrical installation
- Finds any defective DIY electrical work
- Reveals any lack of protective earth /bonding
- Details the type of fixed wiring system and its condition
- Checks the suitability of the consumer unit
- Examines the equipment e.g. switches, socket-outlets and light fittings
- Tests any residual current devices
- Discovers any wear and tear, damage or other deterioration
The Electrical Installation Condition Report identifies and classifies problems according to the following scale:-
The overall assessment of the suitability of the installation for continued use is stated as:
(Code C1) Danger present, risk of injury. Immediate remedial action required;
(Code C2) Potentially dangerous, urgent remedial action required;
(Code C3) Improvement required. To be used where C1 or C2 do not apply.
(Code FI) Further Investigation required without delay
When is an EICR needed?
The IET recommends the maximum period between ‘EICR’ inspection & testing is:
- Domestic 10 years or change of occupancy
- Rented Accommodation 5 years or change of occupancy
- Commercial 5 years or change of occupancy
- Residential Accommodation 5 years
- Buildings open to public 1 – 5 years
- Industrial Buildings 3 years
- Special locations, 1 – 3 years (e.g. Medical Locations, Swimming Pools, Agricultural and Horticultural Premises)
Other instances when an Electrical Installation Condition Report should be carried out are:
- Prior to (new tenancy), and/or subsequent to a property being let
- Prior to selling a property or when buying a previously occupied property
All testing is carried out to BS7671:2018
Contact Us
Tel: 01670 737709
Mobile: 07966 294 956
Email: info@fish-electrical.co.uk