Designed to increase building safety, an electrical installation condition report in London is completed following an inspection of an electrical installation. Following an inspection and testing by a certified electrician, an electrical installation condition report (EICR) certificate is issued to verify the process is complete.
Electrical Installation Condition Report London
Introduction to EICR Reports in London
Electrical installation condition reports are essential for rental properties but they’re also important for private residential homes. With an electrical installation condition report London, you can confirm that the electrical installation in your property is functioning safely and, if applicable, meets your legal obligations by having an EICR conducted at appropriate intervals.
What Is an EICR?
An electrical installation condition report is a report that an electrician produces following an inspection and testing of an electrical installation. This report (sometimes known as a certificate) confirms that the inspection was carried out in accordance with EICR requirements, notes the date of the inspection, identifies damage or wear and tear that may pose a safety issue, and highlights any part of the installation that do not meet relevant standards or regulations.
Electrical Installation Condition Report for Landlords and Homeowners
Every tenancy throughout England must have a valid EICR, so landlords in the capital must ensure that an electrical installation condition report London is carried out at the start of a new tenancy, at the time of a renewal, when changes or additions are made to the installation, and at the request of a tenant. As an EICR certificate is valid for five years, a subsequent electrical installation condition report London must be carried out before the preceding certificate expires.
Although private homeowners are not required to have an EICR carried out, it can still be beneficial to do so. In addition to giving you peace of mind that your electrical installation is safe, an electrical installation condition report in London can be valuable to potential buyers if you’re planning to sell your property. Furthermore, insurance companies and mortgage providers may require an EICR before the conveyancing process can be completed.
Electrical Installation Condition Reports: The Process
When undertaking an electrical installation condition report London, a qualified and registered electrician will conduct several checks, including:
- Visual inspection of the electrical installation
- ‘Dead testing’ on isolated parts of the installation
- ‘Live testing’ to confirm real-world functionality and safety
- RCD testing to verify the functionality of residual current devices
Following this, the electrician will complete a report that confirms whether the installation is:
- Satisfactory
- Unsatisfactory
- Requires further investigation
The EICR may also specify a code to indicate the severity of the issue(s), such as:
- C1 – Danger is present and immediate action is required.
- C2 – Potentially dangerous and urgent remedial works are needed.
- C3 – Improvement recommended and future work should be scheduled.
- FI – Further investigation is required to assess the installation.
- NC – Not compliant with relevant standards and regulations.
Get In Touch with One of Our Team Today
To learn more or to arrange an electrical installation condition report in London, contact our team now at 0800 644 4886, email us at info@cre8electricity.com, or send us a message here.
Electrical Installation Condition Reports FAQs
Who conducts an EICR?
Only qualified and registered electricians can conduct the relevant testing and issue an electrical installation condition report.
Do I have to have an EICR?
Rental properties are required to have a valid EICR at all times and landlords must ensure an EICR is carried out at appropriate intervals (e.g. at the start of a new tenancy). Additionally, private homeowners may find that their insurance company and/or mortgage lender require an EICR to be completed.
How long does the process take?
The process of carrying out an electrical installation condition report London usually takes a few hours. However, this is dependent on the size of the property and the scope of the electrical installation.
What are the essential checks during an EICR?
Essential checks carried out during an EICR include a visual inspection, ‘dead testing’, ‘live testing’ and RCD testing. Within these checks, your electrician will be looking for signs of damage, wear and tear, and potential safety issues, such as overheating or an increased risk of electrical shocks.
How to prepare for an EICR
All devices should be switched off before EICR testing. Sensitive devices should be fully disconnected from the mains power before testing being conducted. Remember – the mains power will be disconnected for some time while the EICR is carried out, so an alternative power source may be required if essential devices are present.
How often do I need an EICR?
An EICR is valid for five years, so landlords will need to arrange to have an electrical installation condition report carried out before the current certificate runs out. However, if a new tenancy is started, a tenancy is renewed, substantial changes or additions are made or a tenant requests an EICR, then the landlord must arrange for an electrical installation condition report to be undertaken.
Private homeowners may also choose to have an EICR every five years to maximise safety and meet their insurance company’s and/or mortgage lender’s requirements.
