EICRs and why they're important in houses
- Aaron @ Pickwick Electric Co.
- Feb 3
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 11
Electrical Installation Condition Reports or EICRs as they're more commonly known give an overview of the condition of your existing electrical installation. They can identify issues in your installation before they become a dangerous fault. They are a lot like an MOT for your electrical system, ensuring that your installation complies with the BS7671:2018 18th edition regulations.
EICRs for homeowners
In a privately owned home there is no legal requirement for them to be carried out, however, it is worth checking in the fine print of your home insurance whether it is a requirement of your insurer's terms. If a fire or other damage was caused as a result of a fault that would've been identified by an EICR, and an in-date report hasn't been carried out, then the insurer could refuse to pay out. When selling a house buyers may also stipulate that an EICR has to be carried out, so it's worth checking with your solicitor if one is required so not to cause delays during the sale.
Which.com give a more in depth look at why EICRs are important for homeowners in the link below:
EICRs typically last for ten years in private domestic dwellings, unless there has been degradation found in the installation, which may cause the electrician to reduce the length of time until the next one is recommended to be carried out. The time then may be reduced something like one, two or five years. When an inspection is carried out, the homeowner will receive a condition report which will give an overall satisfactory or unsatisfactory outcome.
In the event of a satisfactory outcome, the recommended next inspection date will also be included in the report. A sticker is normally placed on the consumer unit with the details of when the last inspection was carried out and when the next one is due. This is a good place to check whether you currently have an in date EICR if you have never had one done or can't remember when you last had one carried out. Satisfactory reports can include C3 - needs improvement, but is not immediately dangerous, codes. These are areas that could be improved and often include items that have since been updated in the regulations, but at the time of installation were deemed to comply with the regulations.
If the EICR has unsatisfactory results, these will be listed as either C1 - immediate danger that requires urgent action or C2 - potentially dangerous condition that requires urgent attention. The electrician carrying out the inspection may offer a quote for the remedial work to be carried out, but you may also wish to get alternative quotes the same as you might when a car fails its MOT.
EICRs for landlords
In privately rented houses, it is the landlord's responsibility to ensure that an EICR is carried at least every five years. This may be lower in properties with higher footfall such as HMOs. Each new tenant should be issued an in date EICR upon commencement of a new tenancy. It is the same report that is carried out for private homeowners, but is a legal requirement, instead of being a recommendation and possible insurance requirement.
New legislation brought in by the government in 2020 to outline the landlord's responsibility in rented properties can be found in the link below:
If you're a home owner and think that your EICR could be out of date and your insurer requires one in their terms, or you just want piece of mind that your installation is safe, get in contact with us here at Pickwick Electric Co.
Or if you're a landlord looking for an EICR to be carried out on one of your rental properties, this is a service which we can provide for you.
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