An EICR test is a mandatory inspection of an electrical installation, undertaken by a qualified and competent electrical engineer, to assess its condition. It is an essential safety measure as all electrical installations deteriorate over time, and it will highlight any areas that need improvement or are unsafe. It is also a requirement under the 1974 Health and Safety at Work Act and the Electricity at Work Regulations that precautions are taken against the risks of injury from electricity used as part of working activities.
An electrical installation condition report eicr tests will include the details of all parts of the property’s wiring that have been tested, with any faults identified and graded in terms of their severity in accordance with the EICR’s own fault coding system. It will also include information such as the date of the last inspection, any remedial work that has been carried out and a recommendation for any further investigation or remedial work that is required.
EICR tests take between a few hours and a day to complete, depending on the size of the property. The electrician will disconnect the main power supply to the property, then test the electrical installation based on the standards set by the IET’s Wiring Regulations. This will include examining visible cables and leads, light fittings and downlighters to see how they are fitted. They will also be looking for the presence of residual current devices (RCDs) and check that they are able to operate as designed.
When an EICR is completed, the electrician will issue a certificate to confirm that the electrical system has passed inspection. If the system is found to be unsatisfactory then the electrician will detail where the faults are and suggest how they can be fixed in order to pass a full inspection. Once any necessary remedial work has been carried out the electrician will retest the installation and issue a new certificate to show that the system is now safe.
It is a good idea to get an EICR for your premises on a regular basis, especially if you are a landlord or if the property is likely to be used by children. Faulty electrics are the main cause of accidental house fires in the UK, and the more often an EICR is conducted, the less risk there will be that a dangerous fault will go unnoticed until it causes an accident.
In addition to ensuring that you are compliant with the law, an EICR will also help to reduce energy bills and improve the efficiency of your home or business. If you are considering moving or relocating, getting an EICR before you move in will provide peace of mind and help you negotiate the best price for your new property. If you are a landlord, you must have an EICR before renting out your property and at any change of occupancy, as well as carrying out annual PAT testing on all appliances. It is also worth bearing in mind that insurance companies are now requesting proof that you have had an EICR carried out on your property before they will provide you with cover.