Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
Electrical Installation Condition Reports (formerly known as Periodic Inspection Reports and also referred to as Fixed Wiring)
The important purpose of an Electrical Installation Condition Report
Although, there is no current legislation which stipulates that you must be in possession of an Electrical Installation Condition Report, from a liability and safety perspective it is advisable. It is not unknown for insurance companies to ask for one when a claim is made in relation to any electrical installation fault, defect or in extreme cases a fire caused by any electrical faults. Failure to be able to provide one has been known to result in insurance payouts being refused. An EICR is now also regularly requested when buying or selling a property and is proved to be a deal breaker on many occasions.
Electrical installations degrade over time. For example, switches and sockets can sustain damage, cables deteriorate, infrastructure, connections can also become loose. The severity of degradation is even more marked in installations where adverse elements are involved, i.e. corrosive chemicals, construction waste, extreme temperatures or poor maintenance on the part of tenants or landlord. To maximise the safety of the user(s), it is imperative that every installation is periodically inspected and tested as recommended by BS 7671: 2018 (Regulation 135.1). The Electricity at Work Regulation (1989) Regulation 4 (2) states: “As may be necessary to prevent danger, all systems shall be maintained so as to prevent danger, so far as reasonably practicable such danger.”
Rented properties and certain types of public places, such as theatres, restaurants, cinemas, clubs and hotels are generally required to have an Electrical Installation Condition Report in order to obtain insurance. Also, if you are a landlord and your tenant were to be harmed due to poor internal wiring or faulty fittings, the tenant could sue. In the event of death or serious injury, resulting from failure to maintain the electrical integrity of your premises – which could be deemed as negligence – legal action could be lodged against you.
What is an Electrical Installation Condition Report?
As its title suggests, it is a report not a certificate. It relates to an assessment of the in-service condition of an electrical installation against the requirements of the issue of BS7671 current at the time of the inspection, irrespective of the age of the installation. An Electrical Installation Condition Report differs greatly from PAT Testing and Fixed Appliance Testing because it is an in-depth inspection on the internal wiring of the building not appliances.
The results and measurements and values taken during the Electrical Installation Condition Reports are clearly recorded in a report and appropriate recommendations, if applicable, are made for any damage, deterioration or defects observed that may give rise to danger to be remedied, such that the installation may continue to be used in safety.
What do the terms Periodic Inspection Report (PIR), Fixed Wiring, Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) even mean and what does this have to do with me?
The terms ‘Fixed Wiring Testing’ and ‘Periodic Inspection Reports’ are used interchangeably but, to add confusion to the mix, these aforementioned terms are being replaced by the new term ‘Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)’ but all three terms essentially mean the same thing. The reason for the name change is primarily due to the latest amendment of B.S. 7671:2018 (IEE Wiring regulations – Seventeenth Edition) Amendment No. 1: 2011.
In a nutshell, with this type of electrical testing, the wiring within the fabric of the building is tested and inspected. It differs greatly from PAT Testing and Fixed Appliance Testing because it is an in-depth inspection on the electrical condition of the building not appliances.
How often do I have to have this Periodic Inspection Report carried out?
Although guidelines are laid down by the Institute of Electrical Engineers, it is ultimately the decision of the competent person inspecting the electrical installation to decide on the frequency of tests using engineering judgement, experience and the guidelines as a starting point for making that decision.
The IEE recommend the following maximum periods of time between inspections and testing:
- Domestic Installations – 10 years or change of occupancy
- Commercial Installations – 5 years or change of occupancy
- Industrial Installations – 3 years
- Residential accommodation – 5 years or change of occupancy
- Offices, shops & laboratories – 5 years
Please contact us for details on special installations and buildings open to the public such as cinemas, swimming pools and caravan parks and any other information that you may require.
Hinckley Electricians will be pleased to advise you of the appropriate testing schedule and supply a quotation based on your requirements. Testing will be carried out in accordance with regulations set by the IEE.
By ensuring that an ‘electrical MOT’ plays an essential role in the operation of your business or property, it is highly likely that you pre-empting electrical issues thereby saving money and perhaps preventing costly accidents in the long run.
It is worth remembering that you may be required to have a Electrical Installation Condition Report (a.k.a Periodic Inspection Report, Fixed Wiring Report!) conducted for insurance and licensing purposes.
Our Periodic Inspection and Testing guarantees and backing
- Experienced, fully qualified City & Guilds electricians to ensure expertise
- CRB vetted engineers
- Full range of tests to BS 7671 (2018)
- An easy-to-read typed format – not illegible, handwritten reports!
- We will also provide Circuit Identification, Distribution Board Labels and Schedule of Installations, where necessary
- All our engineers wear smart Hiskins Electrical uniforms and always strive to work in harmony with our clients!
If you would like a Fixed Wiring quotation, please contact us on 01455 630 730 or 07455 640 640 or online
Likewise, if you also need PAT Testing, look no further as we perform expert PAT Testing too!
What is an EICR?
EICR stands for Electrical Installation Condition Report. The report ensures that an existing electrical installation is still in a safe and serviceable condition. These results are then recorded and the testing will confirm that the original installation is in a safe working condition. The report will highlight any damage or wear and tear that could affect safety and mention if parts of the installation do not meet current IEE Wiring Regulations.
What is included with an EICR?
Here at Hiskins Electrical we comply with full UK legislation on EICR testing to provide you with the best quality service to ensure the safety of you and your business or home. We will complete a rigorous EICR test and ensure that all electrical installations are working in the correct manner. We will also advise of work that may need completing to make it safe and we can undertake this work if required. As part of our service we will also help to locate anything that could cause any electric shocks, high temperatures, burns, fires and other injuries.
Who needs an EICR?
Domestic Dwellings
Commercial, Residential and Industrial Buildings
Landlords
Property Agents
Educational premises
Agricultural premises
Places of Worship
Public Houses
Shops
Offices
Schools