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Fixed Wire Testing (EICR)
The basics
An EICR is an Electrical Installation Condition Report. It is a formal document that is produced following an assessment of the electrical installation within a property. It must be carried out by an experienced qualified electrician or approved contractor.
One of the more common reasons an EICR is requested is in rented accommodation where an EICR is the most straightforward and least time consuming method of proving an electrical installation is safe.
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An EICR is also recommended in all domestic homes every 10 years to check the condition of the electrical installation and ensure there is no deterioration,
however there may be reasons why an EICR would need to be done more often.
During an EICR, an electrician may make a number of electrical observations and will give each one a recommendation code. The observations describe a defect or omission within the electrical installation. The electricians will code each observation according to the level of severity.
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Does the power have to be turned off when carrying out an EICR?
EICR testing involves both live (power on) and dead (power off) tests. Most of the testing is carried out while your electrical system is live. However, to carry out some tests, the power needs to be turned off.
As long as they are clearly labelled, circuits can be powered off individually, meaning there will be less disruption in your building.
What Will the EICR Report Show?
Code 1 (C1): Danger present. Risk of injury. The electrical inspector may make any C1 hazards safe before leaving the property.
Code 2 (C2): Potentially dangerous. Further Investigation (FI) required without delay.
Code 3 (C3): Improvement recommended. Further remedial work is not required for the report to be deemed satisfactory.
How much does an EICR Cost?
EICR rates depend on a variety of factors and are not fixed. Generally, cost will change depending on the following:
Location – while prices are competitive throughout the UK, anywhere without a local electrician will incur higher call out rates.
Property age – Older properties tend to be more difficult to maintain, requiring longer and more extensive testing.
Property size – Larger properties naturally take longer to test, potentially prolonging an investigation.
Inspection duration – Additional actions or remedial works can incur higher expenses.
DID YOU KNOW?
18% of domestic fires in England are caused by faulty wiring and cabling, so it is vital to make sure all electrical installations are safe to use. An EICR is the most comprehensive way of keeping your installations safe.
Legal Requirements
Electricity at Work Regulations 1989:
All employers must make sure that their electrical systems are installed and maintained safely to protect the people and property in the workplace. Business owners must also consistently monitor the state of the electrical systems in the building through regular testing and assessments.
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Landlord and Tenants Act 1985:
All landlords of commercial and domestic buildings need to ensure that all precautions are in place to protect their tenants and clients from injury through electric shocks and fires. A commercial EICR is very necessary to ensure that all the systems have been tested by a registered electrician. The commercial EICR is evidence that you are complying with these electrical standards and ensure that the property is safe for all customers and employees.
These apply to.. ​​
Public buildings like hospitals and schools
Hotels and Guesthouses
Farms, factories, and construction sites
Commercial offices and shops​
Warehouses
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What is an EICR?An EICR, or Electrical Installation Condition Report, checks whether your property’s wiring and electrics are safe. It is also known as Landlord Safety Test, Electrical Safety Certificate or the Homebuyer’s Test. Whether it’s a business or a domestic property you rent out; your electrical installation should always be covered by an in date EICR. To make sure your home is safe, we recommend you have an EICR every 10 years. If you rent out a property, you should have one every five years, a sooner re-inspection may be required if specified in the most recent report or for certain commercial properties.
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Who needs an EICR?You need an EICR if you are a landlord, if you are selling your property or you are a business owner. You need an ECIR to ensure the safety of your property and its occupants and to comply with legal obligations. If your property is rented out, it's a legal requirement to have an EICR at least every five years. If you're a homeowner, having an EICR is a recommended safety measure to avoid accidents and potential damage to your property. It is especially important for businesses as it is a legal requirement under the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) to ensure that electrical installations are safe and fit for purpose. At DS Lavender, we offer reliable and affordable EICR assessments to ensure the safety, functionality, and peace of mind of our clients.
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EICR codes explainedIssues will be categorised using the EICR codes: C1, C2, C3 and FI to give you a better understanding of your EICR certificate. - EICR C1, Danger Present. Indicates that danger is present on your electrical installation. This means there is a risk of electric shock or fire. The danger poses a risk of injury to anyone using the installation, meaning that immediate remedial action is required. - EICR C2, Potentially dangerous. Means that something on your installation is potentially dangerous and it could quickly become a hazard in the future. Over time, that issue could worsen and lead to a shock risk. - EICR C3, Improvement recommended. This code means that improvements are recommended and part of the installation is not in line with the wiring regulations, but it does not present any immediate danger. As a result, EICR certificates can still be satisfactory when C3 issues are identified. - FI, Further investigation. Stands for further investigation. The electrical engineer has identified an issue, but they need more time to investigate it, this doesn’t necessarily breach the BS 7671 standards.
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What happens during an EICR?During an EICR, the Fuse Board (Consumer Unit), wiring and electrical accessories are inspected and tested for faults or deviations from the Wiring Standards. Throughout the test, the following will be inspected and tested: - Any damage or wear and tear that might affect the safety of the property’s inhabitants. - The adequacy of the main earthing and bonding(s). - Identification of any exposed live wires that could cause a fire or injury. - Devices for protection against fire and electric shock. - Identification of any damaged electrical fittings and accessories.
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Why an EICR is crucial BEFORE a new fuse board upgrade!At DS Lavender, we suggest getting an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) before committing to a new consumer unit (fuse board). Whilst we can tell a lot about a picture of your fuse board, ultimately there could be more to your current wiring. This step is fundamental to guarantee that your existing electrical installation is safe and suitable for the intended upgrade. Adhering to the 18th Edition regulations is obligatory. An EICR helps us confirm compliance by assessing the adequacy of the wiring, accessories, earthing, and bonding with your existing installation. Whilst we could jump to the installation of a new consumer unit, our foremost concern is the safety for your electrics.
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What is an EICR and why is it important for my home or business?An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is an inspection of the electrical systems in your property to assess their safety and compliance with regulatory standards. During an EICR inspection, a qualified electrician will assess the wiring, sockets, switches, lighting fixtures, and other electrical components to identify any potential safety risks or faults. This process helps to ensure that your home or business is safe, and the electrical systems are working correctly and within the legal parameters. It is essential to carry out an EICR regularly as it helps to protect the occupants and the property itself from electrical hazards, prevents electrical failures, and reduces the risk of potential fire accidents. At DS Lavender, we offer reliable and affordable EICR inspections, with a comprehensive report that outlines any issues that require rectification or further action.
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How long does it take for an EICR to be conducted?This depends heavily on the property / building size, the age of wiring, accessibility to the system and the number of circuits that need testing. On average, an EICR inspection can take one to four hours.
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How often should business owners get an EICR?The frequency at which you'll need to get an EICR for your business may vary depending on a few factors such as the type of business you run, the age of your electrical systems, and the level of wear and tear. However, as a general guideline, it's recommended that commercial properties should have an EICR at least every 5 years or earlier if any significant electrical work has been carried out, if alterations have been made to the system. or when there is a change of occupancy. At DS Lavender, we take pride in providing reliable and efficient EICR services to commercial properties to ensure your peace of mind. Contact us today to schedule an EICR for your business.
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How often should landlords get an EICR?Landlords are required by law to have an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) conducted in their rental properties every 5 years, or at the start of a new tenancy. This ensures that the electrical wiring, appliances and sockets in their properties are safe for tenants to use. At DS Lavender, we understand the importance of EICRs for rental properties and offer comprehensive inspection services to ensure that landlords are compliant with all electrical safety regulations.
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My EICR failed, what does this mean?If the inspection was unsatisfactory, this means that C1 or C2 work needs to be done, or FI codes need to be looked at in more detail. You will receive a certificate outlining the reasons for the failure. Repairs or improvements will be needed to rectify the issues and get a Satisfactory EICR. If you are a landlord, you must carry out any repairs identified within 28 days of the inspection. We can provide the remedial work to resolve EICR related issues. Please contact DS Lavender to request a quotation from us.
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What fault codes on an EICR prevent a new tenancy?If you are getting an EICR inspection for a rental property, it’s essential to make sure any C1, C2 and F1 issues are fixed before a new tenant moves in. C3 issues don’t need to be fixed for a tenant to move in, but it’s always good to get them checked out before they cause bigger problems.
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Do I Need an EICR When Buying or Selling?EICRs may be required for a variety of purposes including buying, selling or renewal of lease/rental agreement and may have been requested by your solicitors. If you’re a landlord and letting agent, it is a legal requirement to provide an electrical test as part of their safety check prior to allowing tenants to live in a property. If you’re a homeowner, you are recommended to have it carried out at-least once every 10 years to ensure electrical safety within their property. Obtaining an electrical installation condition report (EICR) can provide a potential buyer peace of mind that the electrics are safe, and having all the documentation to hand can speed up the selling process!
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Do I need an EICR if I live in a domestic property?It’s not a legal requirement to get an EICR in the same way as a rental property. However as the homeowner, it is your responsibility to ensure that your property is safe. For example, if a faulty electrical fitting in your home caught fire and ended up damaging a neighbour’s house, you would be responsible for the damage. If you claim damage on your home insurance, your insurer may refuse your claim if they believe your electrical systems have not been maintained. It is recommended that you get an EICR carried out in a domestic property every ten years. It is generally assumed that homeowners take more care with their electrical installations than people who are renting. This is why it is recommended that an EICR is carried out every ten years instead of five.