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The Importance Of EICR Certificates In Businesses
Why EICRs Are Increasingly Important
An electrical installation condition report, or EICR, is an important document that outlines the condition of an electrical installation. It is one requirement for legal business premise electrical compliance from hotels to corner shops in the UK for many commercial property owners to have an EICR carried out at least every five years, with higher-risk environments requiring a test every 3 years or even annually. Businesses must test the most high-risk environments annually.
The EICR is compiled by a qualified electrical inspector and should include details of all electrical equipment and wiring and any potential safety hazards.
What Is The Importance Of An EICR?
The EICR is a vital tool for landlords and commercial property owners, as it helps to ensure that their property is safe and compliant with the law.
An EICR is a critical document that every business owner in the UK should have. It also provides a valuable record of the condition of the electrical installation, which businesses can use to identify any issues that may need to be addressed.
Why Are EICRs Becoming More Prevalent?
EICRs have been around for decades. There are many reasons why EICRs are becoming increasingly important. Firstly, the requirements for EICRs have been tightened in recent years, with the frequency of testing being increased for some properties.
Secondly, the consequences of not having an EICR can be severe, with landlords and property owners facing heavy fines if they are found to be non-compliant. In addition, organisations, such as insurance companies, can now demand proof that an EICR has been completed before they provide cover.
What Are The Benefits Of Having An EICR?
The EICR is a legal requirement in the UK for many commercial property owners, and it is essential for a number of reasons. The EICR helps to ensure that your property is safe and compliant with the law, which in turn means you will avoid heavy fines for non-compliance. The electrical installation condition report also provides a valuable record of the condition of the electrical installation, which can be used to identify any issues that may need to be addressed.
Having an EICR is therefore vital for landlords and commercial property owners, as it helps ensure their property is safe and compliant with the law. In addition, the EICR can help organisations, such as insurance companies, to provide cover for your property.
Overall, the EICR is an important document that outlines the condition of an electrical installation. It is a legal requirement in the UK for many commercial property owners to have an EICR carried out at least every five years, with higher-risk environments requiring a test every 3 years or even annually.
For residential customers, EICRs provide a valuable record of the condition of the electrical installation. Insurance companies often offer discounts in exchange for up-to-date electrical installation condition reports. Some even make this a condition of providing cover. If you ever need to sell your property, the EICR will provide potential buyers with valuable peace of mind.
Landlords are legally required to have an EICR carried out frequently, which we go into more detail below, but especially if there have been any changes to the electrical installation.
EICRs provide you with an electrical safety certificate, which is essential for landlords of homes or holiday lets, to demonstrate that the property is safe for habitation.
How Often Should A Business Have An EICR Carried Out?
As we covered above, there are differing requirements for various businesses. For a full breakdown of which time scales apply to your company, check out our article on the legally required testing frequency.
What The Law Says About EICRs
As a property owner, you have a legal responsibility to ensure that your electrical installation is safe. The requirements for EICRs are set out in the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, which states that:
“as may be necessary to prevent danger, all systems shall be maintained to prevent, so far as reasonably practicable, such danger.”
In other words, you are required to take all reasonable steps to ensure that your electrical installation is safe. This includes having an EICR carried out at regular intervals.
Who Can Carry Out An EICR?
Only a qualified electrical inspector can carry out an electrical installation condition report. It is important to use a reputable and qualified electrician that has qualified in electrical inspection & testing, as they will have the knowledge and experience to carry out the EICR to a high standard.
What Does An EICR Involve?
An EICR involves a qualified inspector carrying out a visual inspection of the electrical installation and testing all the equipment and wiring. The electrician will examine each electrical item on the property, as well as the condition of the wiring.
The electrical inspector will then compile a report detailing their findings. This report will identify any potential safety hazards and make recommendations for any work that needs to be carried out.
How Much Does An EICR Cost?
The cost of an EICR will vary depending on the size and complexity of the electrical installation. For more information on costs, check out our article including our EICR prices for commercial organisations.
Conclusion
An EICR, or electrical installation condition report, is a document that outlines the condition of an electrical installation. It is a legal requirement in the UK for most commercial property owners, and there can be stiff financial penalties. For example, for landlords who fail to conduct an EICR before permitting a new tenant to settle within the property, the fine can be as much as £30,000. Property owners must understand the EICR process and comply with the law.
If you need more information on EICRs or would like to book one for your property, get in touch with a qualified electrical inspector today.