What is an EICR?This is an in depth check and is usually valid for 5 years upon its completion, however this can vary due to the age and condition of the installation. During an EICR, the consumer unit (or fuseboard), wiring and electrical accessories are thoroughly tested and inspected for faults or deviations from the current BS7671 Wiring Regulations.
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Landlords electrical safety checks
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New government legislation states that landlords must ensure every fixed electrical installation is inspected and tested at least every five years by a qualified person. The Regulations also state that a landlord is required to obtain a report of the results of the inspection and test, supply it to each tenant within 28 days and retain a copy until the next inspection is due.
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Financial penalties for non compliance
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From the 1st of April 2021 the rule applies to all existing tenancies. A landlord must supply any current tenants with a copy of a satisfactory EICR report. Upon request, the report must be provided to the local housing authority within 7 days.The Regulations require local housing authorities to enforce the rules and they have the power to arrange remedial action. Proven breaches of the Regulations can result in the local housing authority imposing a financial penalty of up to £30,000.
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What areas do we cover?
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EICR's FAQ's
how long does an eicr take?
Depending on the size of the property and the amount of circuits, the EICR can take up to three hours.
does the power need to be turned off?
The power will be turned off at intervals during the testing and inspection process.
What are the Eicr codes and what do they mean
C1
DANGER PRESENT, RISK OF INJURY, IMMEDIATE REMEDIAL ACTION REQUIRED
As the definition alludes to, this code means there is an immediate risk of electric shock, fire or serious injury. It means that live parts are exposed, and they can either be touched or come into contact with a person or persons. It is a very serious risk, and clients have a duty of care to ensure it is dealt with at their earliest convenience. The inspector may, if they are authorised to do so, isolate for safety, the equipment or circuit in question. Where a circuit has been isolated for safety reasons, it should not be re-energised until it has been satisfactorily repaired.
C2
POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS, URGENT REMEDIAL ACTION REQUIRED
This code points towards a potentially dangerous situation, but there is not likely to be access to live parts, so no immediate risk of electric shock or serious injury. What this is saying, is that something else must happen which would lead to the C2 observation code becoming dangerous. Any requirement to carry out remedial works is still urgent.
FI
FURTHER INVESTIGATION REQUIRED WITHOUT DELAY
This observation code is given where further investigation or clarification is required to ascertain the outcome of the observation, but it is likely that it will be either a code C1 or C2.
C3
IMPROVEMENT RECOMMENDED, NON COMPLIANCE TO BS7671 REGULATIONS
Fairly straightforward here, an improvement is recommended. The observation may not comply entirely with the latest version of the regulations but is safe for continued use.
During an EICR and in all cases whereby a C1, C2 or FI code is present, will ultimately lead to an unsatisfactory report being issued to the client, or the person ordering the report.
DANGER PRESENT, RISK OF INJURY, IMMEDIATE REMEDIAL ACTION REQUIRED
As the definition alludes to, this code means there is an immediate risk of electric shock, fire or serious injury. It means that live parts are exposed, and they can either be touched or come into contact with a person or persons. It is a very serious risk, and clients have a duty of care to ensure it is dealt with at their earliest convenience. The inspector may, if they are authorised to do so, isolate for safety, the equipment or circuit in question. Where a circuit has been isolated for safety reasons, it should not be re-energised until it has been satisfactorily repaired.
C2
POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS, URGENT REMEDIAL ACTION REQUIRED
This code points towards a potentially dangerous situation, but there is not likely to be access to live parts, so no immediate risk of electric shock or serious injury. What this is saying, is that something else must happen which would lead to the C2 observation code becoming dangerous. Any requirement to carry out remedial works is still urgent.
FI
FURTHER INVESTIGATION REQUIRED WITHOUT DELAY
This observation code is given where further investigation or clarification is required to ascertain the outcome of the observation, but it is likely that it will be either a code C1 or C2.
C3
IMPROVEMENT RECOMMENDED, NON COMPLIANCE TO BS7671 REGULATIONS
Fairly straightforward here, an improvement is recommended. The observation may not comply entirely with the latest version of the regulations but is safe for continued use.
During an EICR and in all cases whereby a C1, C2 or FI code is present, will ultimately lead to an unsatisfactory report being issued to the client, or the person ordering the report.
what is tested during the eicr?
Consumer unit/fuseboard, various sockets, light switches and light fittings, electric meter, incoming electric supply and gas and water pipes.
What will i need to provide access to?
The fuseboard (including unhindered access), electrical meter and supply. Range of electrical sockets and lights and access to any outbuildings that have electric installed.
can you attend with keys from the estate agents?
Of course, we can collect keys from your estate agents. Commonly this is done when the property is vacant but we can also do this should the occupier agree.
common faults found on an eicr?
Consumer units without RCD protection, no earth bonding to water and gas supplies, ring resistance faults (broken ring circuits or sockets with loose connections) and broken accessories are the most common issues found.
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About usWhether your project is small or large, our team of electricians are dedicated to providing a reliable and professional service with expert advice. We are highly experienced so you can be assured of a quality job from start, to finish.
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