What is an EICR?
EICR stands for Electrical Installation Condition Report. Put simply, it is a report carried out by a qualified electrician to check that a property’s electrical installations meet the required government safety standard. In carrying out a report, the electrician’s aim is to deem the property safe from risk of fire or electric shock from faulty installations.
It is becoming increasingly common for buyers’ surveyors to suggest that their client asks for a valid EICR from the homeowner.
Electrical Installation Condition Reports are sometimes also known as:
hard wire testing, fixed wire testing, electrical safety certificate and periodic inspections.
What does it cover?
According to the gov.uk website, the electrical installations covered by an EICR comprise ‘the ‘fixed’ electrical parts of the property, like the wiring, the plug sockets, the light fittings and the consumer unit (sometimes called a fuse box). It does not include appliances that aren’t ‘fixed’, such as cookers, fridges and televisions’.
Why have an EICR?
Having an EICR provides peace of mind for the homeowner. If you are selling your house, an EICR will give your buyers confidence in the safety of the home’s electrics.
While EICRs are mandatory for offices and retail properties, landlords of rental properties and HMOs (house in multiple occupation: homes with more than one family living in them), an EICR is not a legal requirement in regular domestic homes. Having one in this instance offers an extra level of reassurance for the homeowner and potential buyers. Having an EICR can also help to meet home insurance requirements.
How do I get one?
A certified electrician will be able to carry out an EICR for you. You can find an expert electrician here.
How much does an EICR cost?
It will depend on the type and size of your property but according to Checkatrade, you should expect an EICR to cost between £100 -£250.
How long does an EICR last for?
Again, it will depend on the type of property but on average, EICRs last for between 5 and 10 years. Every 10 years should be sufficient for an average domestic abode.
What happens if the electrician finds something wrong?
You can make the necessary repairs or alterations to ensure your home is safe.
