Electrical Installation Condition Report
EICR stands for Electrical Installation Condition Report. An Electrical Installation Condition Report is a formal document produced after an assessment of a property’s electrical installation.
Regular checking of the condition of your home’s electrics should be carried out, just like an MOT for your car. As a result, any flaws or defects that require improvement can be identified and the installation can continue to function properly keeping you & your loved ones safe.
This work must be done by a licensed electrician who is experienced and qualified. A person with this type of experience usually has taken a course in periodic inspection and testing, is registered with the JIB or a scheme like the NICEIC, and has good working knowledge and experience of electrical installations.
Our team of electricians based in Glasgow have extensive experience & regular training in EICR’s. For all your Inspection & Testing requirements, contact Gillespie & McLean today.
As far as is reasonably practicable, the purpose of an EICR (also known as a periodic inspection and testing of an electrical installation) is to ensure that the installation is in a satisfactory condition for continued use.
What Are EICR Used For?
Homeowners might request an EICR for many reasons, and they are highly recommended when proof of a safe electrical installation is required. The most common reason for requesting an EICR is for rented accommodation, as it is the most straightforward and least time-consuming way to prove the safety of an electrical installation.
A home’s electrical installation should also be checked every 10 years for any signs of deterioration, though there are reasons why you may need to have one done more frequently. Examples include:
Installation age (the older an installation is the more often it ought to be EICR)
Property type. For a property with a swimming pool, the interval between an EICR is 1 year, however, only the part of the installation relating to the pool would need to be assessed.
Environmental Conditions
Vandalism or misuse of the installation
Change in the use of the domestic premises. An example includes changing the occupant of a rental property, preparing a property to sell, or purchasing a property. Every time a property is occupied by a new tenant, an EICR should be performed to ensure the safety of the property. The best way to discover if electrical work will need to be done on a property that is being purchased is to request an EICR.
Any concerns the householder has about the condition of their electrical installation.
An EICR is not legally required, but they provide peace of mind that a home is electrically safe and are not expensive to perform. EICRs should be carried out at the recommended intervals, just as a boiler service would be every year. The cost of yearly EICRs is extremely low compared to the cost of a boiler service or an annual car service. An EICR, however, could save a substantial amount of money by detecting potential problems before they become costly.
EICRs usually consist of a series of electrical observations and recommended codes. The observations describe defects or omissions in the electrical installation. Each observation will be assigned a severity level by the electricians. We will write observations in a clear manner and do not intend them to be a sales tool. Customers who wish to have competitive quotes for the works recommended can then do so.
What will an EICR tell me?
A home Electrical Installation Condition Report will provide a comprehensive assessment of the electrical system in your home and determine whether it meets the British Standard for Electrical Safety (BS 7671).
As required by BS 7671, it incorporates a variety of observations and makes recommendations relating to improvements that may be necessary or beneficial in your home to improve safety.
After the EICR has been completed, the registered contractor will provide you with a certificate describing the overall condition of the electrical installation.
In general, an EICR will provide codes based on the condition of the installation. The following classifications are used:
C1 – This code indicates a danger, requiring immediate remedial action. This installation poses an immediate danger to those using it.
Code C2 – While this code indicates, at the time of inspection, a deficiency did not appear to be dangerous but might pose a real and immediate threat should the installation or connected equipment fails or another risk arises.
Code C3 – A deficiency that is observed but is not considered to be a source of immediate or potential danger, but improvements to the installation will enhance safety in significant ways.
There is no obligation to have any of the issues fixed, though it is recommended that you take action as soon as possible to rectify any C1 and C2 problems. Gillespie & McLean Electrical Services can carry out domestic & commercial Electrical Installation Condition Reports in Glasgow and throughout the U.K.
Reasons to ensure your EICR is up to date
Safety should always come first. Regular testing will provide you with peace of mind that your workplace is safe for you and your staff and that the likelihood of injury due to electrical shock or fire has been reduced.
Being compliant with the building code. By keeping your EICR up to date, you demonstrate to your customers and partners that you understand the need to remain compliant with The Health and Safety Act 1974 and The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.
Insurance. Electrical testing is becoming a regular requirement for some insurance companies. An EICR certificate may be required should you wish to make a claim based on an electrical fault. Make sure you’re aware of the insurance requirements by reading your policy.
Efficient use of energy. In addition to confirming that your electrical equipment is safe, an EICR will also point out areas where you can improve the system to reduce your electricity use, which in turn will have a positive impact on your carbon footprint.
Save money. Your business can save money by reducing its energy consumption. Identifying faults early allows them to be corrected before they accelerate and cause further damage.
Conclusion
As far as is reasonably practicable, the EICR or periodic inspection confirms whether the electrical installation is fit for service or not.
If you have any queries regarding an EICR please contact us today and we will be happy to help.
Gillespie & McLean Electrical Services LTD proudly serving Glasgow & the U.K since 2003.