Guide to EICRs | 'Landlords Certificate' Ensure Electrical System's Safety 

What is an EICR?

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), also known as an 'Inspection & Test' or 'Landlords Certificate', is a thorough examination of your electrical system's safety. This comprehensive EICR guide is provided to help you understand the importance of EICRs for both domestic and commercial premises. 

Discover in this guide:

• the two-stage inspection process

• testing procedures

• the role of EICRs play for electrical safety

The EICR comes as a two-stage process, where the first stage is a visual inspection and the second stage involves testing.

Stage 1 - Visual Inspection

During the initial stage of an EICR, our qualified electricians conduct a meticulous visual examination. This involves inspecting all visible accessories, such as sockets, switches, and light fittings. We also unscrew sockets and switches for a more detailed assessment. We will check for any non-conformities based on the current edition of wiring regulations (BS7671, Amendment 2, 2022). This includes identifying damaged or non-compliant fixtures, evidence of overheating, and damaged or incorrect wiring. 

Stage 2 - Testing

The second stage of the EICR involves a comprehensive test of all circuits. We perform several safety tests to ensure your electrical installation meets the required standards. These tests assess various aspects, including the structural integrity of cables, correct cable connections within sockets and switches, and proper earthing of the property/circuit. Additionally, functional testing of RCDs (protect against electric shocks, residual currents, and earth faults), RCBOs (can do what RCDs can do and protect a circuit from short circuits and overload), and MCB (detect current overloads). This ensures their proper operation (refer to our glossary and consumer unit guide for more information on these terms).

Why are These Tests Important? 

EICRs are vital for several reasons. They help identify faults in your electrical installation that may otherwise go unnoticed, posing potential shock risks for you and others. Poor and unsafe electrical wiring can also create fire hazards. Additionally, an EICR allows you to future-proof your home and mitigate potential risks and costly remedies, ensuring a safe living environment.

When to Get an EICR? 

It is highly recommended to obtain an EICR before purchasing a new property (except for newly built homes) as well as at periodic intervals, depending on the type of property. Estate agents and solicitors typically require this report when buying or selling a property, emphasizing the importance of having an up-to-date EICR. If you are planning major renovations, investing in an EICR can provide valuable insights into the condition of your existing electrical wiring and safe costs later on.

Certification

Following the completion of an EICR, a detailed report is generated. This report provides comprehensive information about the condition of your wiring. Any identified defects are recorded with corresponding action codes. This helps you to identify the next necessary steps to be taken. 

Stay informed and ensure the safety of your property by obtaining regular EICRs conducted by qualified professionals. 

Contact Neutral Electrical Solutions to schedule an EICR and safeguard your electrical system's integrity.