Benefits of EICR Testing

An Electrical Installation Condition Report is a formal document presented to both domestic and commercial properties after the successful inspection and testing of an electrical installation by a registered electrician. Certain premises are required to ensure full electrical safety through an in-date EICR.

Benefits of EICR

There are several benefits of EICR testing. Some of the advantages are;

Safety: Above all else, safety is important, and an EICR helps to identify the integrity of the installation and damage to things like sockets and switches and ensure the property complies with relevant regulations. Your building will be safe for your tenants, staff, patients, members of the public or yourself.

Cost: Why pay much later when you can prevent it today? A comprehensive EICR will disclose potential issues before they become complicated. This will save you time and money by reducing a lot of reactive repair costs.

Peace: Money can’t buy peace, but it will put your mind at rest. With an EICR, you can rest knowing that your facility is compliant with the recent electrical standard.

Insurance and Legal Liability: Insurers tend to demand an updated, satisfactory Electrical Installation Condition Report as a condition of cover and to authenticate that fixed wiring is in a safe condition so as to reduce the risks of (i) individuals being electrocuted and (ii) electrical fires.

Compliance with government standards

There are standards set by the government that must be met by every landlord. The regulations to be met are stated in the 18th edition of the Wiring Regulations. They are;

A landlord must be sure that all electrical safety standards are met and that remedial work is carried out if the report requires this.

The electrical installation must be safe for future use, and if the report does not require remedial work, the homeowner will not have to carry out any additional work.

The charity Electrical Safety First has put together a suite of guidance that may be useful for landlords in understanding the standard: Guidance for landlords

Government standards

What happens if your property fails an EICR

Sometimes, your EICR test might fall through. But you will be informed as to why your property fails EICR and will be given 4 weeks to get a more qualified person to fix it. Once the work is done, the homeowner must;

Obtain written authorization from a qualified engineer that work has been carried out and that the electrical safety standards have been met.
Provide confirmation along with a copy of the original report requiring remedial work to each resident of the property within 28 days of completion of the work.
Provide the same written confirmation and copy of the original report to the local council within 28 days of works being completed.

A failed EICR