EICR -The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rental Sector 2020
Information for landlords and property managers
Your Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) will be compiled by 786 Electricals Ltd, who are Approved & Registered Electrical Contractors. Our competent electricians have the required qualifications, skills & experience to perform an EICR safely.
We are fully insured & have the relevant public liability (PL) & professional indemnity insurance (PI). In line with the new legislation “The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020.
We are proud members of three electrical contracting associations: National Association of Professional Inspectors & Testers (NAPIT 14212), Electrical Contractors Association (ECA 1683108) & The National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC 60874500).
What is an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)?
An EICR is an official document used by Electrical Inspectors to record the findings and test results obtained during periodic inspection & testing. The sole purpose of the periodic inspection & testing is to determine whether or not the electrical installation is in a satisfactory condition for continued service.
Why do we need to carry out an EICR?
All electrical installations are subject to deterioration; this is quite normal; it happens with age general wear & tear as they are used. Occasionally damage occurs from misuse of equipment or carelessness around the home. Tenants sometimes carry out unauthorised DIY projects which can lead to unsafe conditions, or it may just be lack of maintenance that has compromised safety. Therefore, electrical installations are required to be periodically inspected & tested.
What are the main objectives of the EICR?
The main objectives of an EICR are to confirm adequate protection against electric shock, electrical burns & damage to property by fire. The EICR will check if any circuits are dangerous due to defective electrical work(s), overloading, age, wear, tear & record any non-compliances.
What does an EICR consist of?
An EICR will identify any potential problems before it can become a serious, or even hazardous.
The process will involve a visual inspection, dead testing & live testing to Identify any non-compliances with BS7671.
Throughout an EICR, the electrical inspector(s) may make several observations giving each one a recommendation code C1 C2 C3 or FI.
C1 = Danger Present, Immediate Remedial Action Required, risk of injury & that immediate remedial action is essential to eliminate the dangerous condition.
C2 = Potentially Dangerous, Urgent Remedial Action Required, a Potentially dangerous condition.
C3 = Improvement Recommended, This code suggests that the installation is to the previous standard of the wiring regulations or the defect is not an immediate issue, although the safety can be improved upon.
FI= Further investigation as an code could not be given.
Are there any potential disturbances during the EICR?
For reasons of safety, we will need to disconnect the installation from the mains electrical power supply & power would switch on and off during our visit. We understand that it is going to be an inconvenience; however, it is necessary.
How long does the EICR take?
Depending on the size of the property, usually, this can take anywhere from two to six hours. The time needed may decrease if two electricians attend.
How long does an EICR last?
Under the new private rental sector legislation “The Electrical Safety Standards in Private Rented Sector Regulations 2020”.The maximum frequency between inspection and tests is set at five years. This would be the case for a recently rewired property or a property that is aged with no defects present.
It must be understood that this is the maximum & the landlord(s) is under obligation to assess the risk an installation is under during the occupancy and adjust the frequency accordingly. An example of this would be upon routine inspection of the property, damaged electrical sockets, switches or lights are present.
What happens after the EICR?
Your EICR will be emailed over to you within 24 hours regardless of the outcome (satisfactory or unsatisfactory). In line with the regulations, we will retain a copy of the document & this can be made available to you upon email request.
The landlord(s) must make available a copy of the EICR to each of the existing tenants within 28 days or any new incoming tenants. If requested, the landlord(s) should supply a copy of the EICR to the local housing authority within seven days of a written request. Only a satisfactory outcome is acceptable to be compliant with the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020.
What happens if the property has failed?
The EICR will state whether it is satisfactory for continued use & detail any defects along with observations for which improvement will be recommended. Photos of non-compliance to the standard will be taken & appended to the report. If the electrical installation needs improvement, an estimate will be provided & the landlord has 28 days from the date on the EICR for have remedial works carried out.
