Why Get an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report)? Getting an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) regularly is crucial for home owners and landlords alike. Electric installations can degrade over time, and an EICR can ensure whether all electrics, wiring, and fuses are safe. Landlords are also required to follow regulations and give tenants an EICR every five years. This is a requirement of the new Housing Act regulations. What is an EICR? Electrical Installation Condition Reports, more commonly referred to as EICR tests, examine the wiring of a house to find any potential problems with it. They are conducted by certified electricians and are only performed on properties that have an RCD in place. Landlords are required by law to have an up-to-date EICR test for rental properties and it is also recommended for homeowners to get their electrics tested every 10 years (or earlier if you own swimming pools). The EICR is performed at your home by an engineer who will first disconnect the electricity from the main supply. The engineer will then conduct a variety of Dead Testing to ensure that the wires aren't damaged or are not connected properly. There are three types of tests which include a continuity test (which is also called an test of polarity) and an insulation test and an polarity test. Live electrical tests guarantee that the system can shut off within a certain time frame when a fault has been detected. This is done by using a Residual Current Device (RCD) (which is found on all modern electrical systems). When the tests are finished After the tests are complete, the engineer will guide you through the results and advise you of what work needs to be completed to bring the electrical installation back to a standard. Once the electrician has completed the work, you'll need to provide written confirmation to your tenants and the local housing authority that the property is safe for use. You should also keep an original copy of the EICR report in your files, as you may need to produce this to a local council or insurance provider if asked. The report will say, satisfactory, or unsatisfactory. If the EICR suggests that an improvement is required, then you should take immediate action. If it indicates that further investigation is needed the investigation must be completed within 28 days. If you fail to adhere to this rule, then you will need to perform a second EICR. This isn't something you should ignore since it has been established that electrical faults are one of the leading causes of house fires that are accidental. Why do I need an EICR? A landlord is legally obliged to possess an EICR. They need it to ensure that the properties they rent out comply with stringent safety standards and regulations. Failure to comply with these standards could result in severe fines. A poor report may prevent landlords from being able let their property. An electrician who is certified can examine electrical devices and identify any issues that may arise. This could include defective wiring and sockets which can lead to fires or electric shocks. An electrician can also determine if there are any problems that need to be fixed or replaced in order to ensure safety. Electrical devices can degrade with time due to age or other factors such as flooding. This can cause malfunctions which can affect the functionality of the device or even cease to function at all. An EICR will be able to detect these issues and assist the landlord to make any needed repairs. A EICR will also help to reduce energy costs, by identifying areas where equipment is being overcharged or is being used excessively. This is a great way for landlords and property managers to save money on their utility bills. It is also a great idea for landlords to have their EICR be performed by a registered and certified electrician. This will ensure that the inspection is done to a high standard, and that any issues are spotted and addressed quickly. A qualified engineer can make use of the results of the EICR to suggest any improvements that can be made to an electrical installation. This is a fantastic tool for landlords who want to improve the safety and efficiency of their property, and provide tenants with higher quality electrical appliances and wiring. MD Bespoke provides a wide variety of electrical services, including EICRs that are located in Stevenage and surrounding Hertfordshire areas. Our engineers are highly skilled and certified to provide the highest level of service and professionalism throughout the day. Contact us today to learn more about our services or to schedule an EICR visit to your premises. How do I obtain an EICR? It is recommended to speak with a fully-qualified electrician in the event that you require an EICR. Before they can conduct the test, they'll have to disconnect your electrical systems. After they have completed this, they will conduct an extensive examination of your electrical and wiring systems looking for signs of deterioration or faults. This will be compared with the UK standard for safety installations - BS7671 IET Wiring Regulations. After the EICR has been completed it will identify any areas that require work to correct. The report will provide a time limit of 28 days or a shorter period when specified. You will also need to submit a written confirmation from the electrical professional that any remedial work has been completed. Once you have this completed, you can contact your electrician and set an appointment for the next inspection to be scheduled. Regular EICRs are important, as they can identify issues before they become major. This can prevent accidents and fires. It also helps save money over time as you won't have to do costly repairs or replace equipment. If you're a landlord it's also a legal requirement to carry an EICR through your property every five years. This is to ensure that you comply with regulations and protect your tenants. Landlords must ensure that all electrical safety is in place within their properties. They should conduct regular tests to ensure that everything is safe. A good quality electrical engineer can carry out an EICR at a suitable time for you, and will provide you with an extensive report on the results. Landlords must have an EICR on all their rental properties. This is a legal requirement, under the Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation Regulations (England), 2006, that any privately owned rental property must have one. In April 2021, new regulations will require that all rental properties be equipped with an EICR. Who is able to perform an EICR Only electricians who are registered and have the required qualifications and experience can conduct an EICR. They must have passed a rigorous exam and be current with their certifications. It is typically conducted as part of an organization that is professional, such as the JIB or an approved training provider. Landlords are legally required to ensure that the electrics in their properties are safe for tenants to use, so having an EICR done regularly. This allows any potential issues to be identified early and corrected before they turn into serious issues which could lead to fires or injuries. EICR inspections for homeowners are also recommended, because electrical installations can degrade and become damaged over time. Environmental factors such as extreme weather conditions or flooding can impact the condition of electrical installations. If you're planning to sell your property, it's a great idea to have an EICR completed prior to when the process starts so you can provide your buyers with proof that your electrics are working properly. If you're a property owner of BTL or rented property, it's worthwhile getting an EICR as BS7671 mandates that the electrics be checked at the time of the change of tenancy and at least every five year. It's also an excellent idea for businesses, since a commercial EICR will help them comply with their legal obligations under the Health and Safety at Work Act. eicr certificate stevenage of these inspections depends on the type and size of the business as well as the complexity of the electrical systems.
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