Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
Electrical Installation Condition Report for Landlords (EICR)
Pennington’s is established as a leading provider of electrical services in Surrey and beyond. Our expert team will make sure your property’s electrics are safe and reliable, meeting all current standards and regulations.
Pennington’s routinely carries out statutory safety inspections and provides reports (EICR) that will confirm whether or not a property meets modern electrical standards – and whether changes are required before tenants can move in. Where work is necessary, we’ll provide a realistic estimate for what’s required.
What is an Electrical Installation Condition Report?
Landlords are required by law to ensure that the properties they let are safe. This includes making sure that all electrical wiring and appliances are working properly and are safe to use.
The landlord’s duty of care applies to fixed systems (e.g. the wiring, fuse board, earthing etc), in the property and to portable appliances (i.e. devices which can be moved and plugged in).
Fixed electrical installations require an inspection as well as electrical testing. Additionally, landlords will need an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) following the test, and portable appliances require a Portable Appliance Test (PAT or PAT Test).
When is an EICR required?
Since July 2020, it has been the law that landlords must obtain an Electrical Installation Condition Report for each new tenancy when they rent a property. If there is already a tenant present, then that report will need to be completed before 1st April 2021.
You can only get an EICR once there has been a proper inspection carried out by a qualified electrician or approved contractor. The report is the result of the inspection and it will say whether or not the property is safe, and what, if any, work is required to ensure that modern standards of electrical safety are met.
Resident tenants are obliged to provide access to the property for the inspection to be done, and landlords must provide their tenants with copies of the report. The inspection is not invasive, so carpets and floorboards are not lifted, for example.
Once the inspection is complete, you’ll receive the report. The standard Electrical Installation Condition Report lasts for five years, but a new one is needed if there is a new tenancy within that time. For most landlords, this means you need a new inspection and report each time there is a new tenant.
You can find more information on the EICR electrical testing procedure and PAT tests in our Landlord Checklist as well as our Tenant Checklist.
We also undertake Electrical Installation Condition Report inspections and PAT Testing for commercial premises and educational establishments.
The Benefits of Choosing Penningtons for EICR Services
There are many benefits to choosing Penningtons for your EICR services. Our qualified inspectors are certified, trained, and experienced in diverse environments, ensuring that they can identify and address any potential issues with your electrical system. We use advanced technology and the latest tools and equipment to provide you with accurate and detailed reports, giving you peace of mind about the safety and reliability of your electrical system. We are also approved by NICEIC, a mark of quality and assurance that we meet industry standards. Our electricians are fully insured to carry out all services, giving you complete peace of mind.At Penningtons, we are committed to providing you with reliable, friendly, and transparent service every step of the way. Our team is dedicated to establishing a personal relationship with you, ensuring that your specific electrical needs are met with the highest level of care and attention. We stand behind the quality of our work and are dedicated to ensuring your satisfaction. Our customers are at the heart of everything we do, and your safety and peace of mind are our top priorities.
Our Electrical Installation Condition Report Process
The process of getting an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) from Penningtons involves a thorough inspection of your electrical system to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. Here are the steps involved in an EICR inspection and the duration of the inspection:
Steps Involved in an EICR Inspection
- Preliminary Assessment: The inspection begins with a visual assessment of the electrical system to identify any visible issues such as cracks, breaks, or overheating spots in the electrical appliances.
- Physical Inspection: A physical inspection of the electrical system is conducted, including the wiring, fuse board, earth bonding, and other components to ensure they are safe and compliant with current standards and regulations.
- Testing Procedures: Advanced technology and the latest tools and equipment are used to conduct testing procedures to identify potential issues or hazards within the electrical system.
- Documentation: Upon completion of the inspection, a detailed report is provided, highlighting any issues found during the inspection, along with recommendations for any necessary repairs or upgrades to bring the electrical installation up to current safety standards.
Duration of an EICR Inspection
The duration of an EICR inspection can vary based on several factors, including the size of the property, the accessibility of electrical systems, and the number of electrical equipment. On average, an EICR inspection takes one to four hours. However, the process can take anywhere from a couple of hours to about two weeks if waiting for inspectors, who are limited by law to completing a small number of inspections
The Classification of Outcomes of an EICR Inspection
The outcomes of an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) inspection are classified using different codes to indicate the condition of the electrical installation. These codes help to identify any potential hazards or issues and provide guidance on the actions required for each outcome. Here’s an explanation of the different outcomes of an EICR inspection and the corresponding codes used to classify them:
Classification Codes Used in EICR Inspections
Code C1 (C1 – Danger Present):
This code indicates that there is a risk of injury due to the presence of a dangerous electrical installation. Immediate remedial action is required to remove the danger. If this code is identified during the inspection, the client must be advised immediately, and in writing, that immediate remedial action is required to remove the danger.
Code C2 (C2 – Potentially Dangerous):
This code signifies that there is a potentially dangerous electrical installation. While it may not pose an immediate risk, it has the potential to become dangerous. Remedial action is required to rectify the issue and ensure the safety of the electrical installation.
Code C3 (C3 – Improvement Recommended):
This code indicates that while there are no immediate risks, improvements are recommended to enhance the safety and reliability of the electrical installation. While not mandatory, it is advisable to address the issues identified with a C3 code to improve the overall safety of the installation.
Outcomes and Actions Required for Each Code
Code C1:
Immediate remedial action is required to remove the danger. This may involve addressing critical faults or hazards that pose an immediate risk to safety. The client must be informed immediately, and in writing, about the need for immediate action to rectify the dangerous condition.
Code C2:
Remedial action is required to rectify the potentially dangerous condition. While it may not pose an immediate risk, addressing the issues identified with a C2 code is essential to prevent them from developing into dangerous conditions.
Code C3:
Improvement is recommended to enhance the safety and reliability of the electrical installation. While not mandatory, addressing the issues identified with a C3 code is advisable to improve the overall safety and performance of the installation.
Get Your Electrical Installation Condition Report from Penningtons Today!
Now is the time to take action to ensure the safety of your property. Schedule your EICR with Penningtons Group today to receive a detailed report that outlines the condition of your electrical installation and any necessary recommendations for improvements or repairs. Your safety and peace of mind are our top priorities, and we are committed to providing you with reliable, friendly, and transparent service every step of the way