Electrical installations deteriorate over time regardless of high-quality installations. When left unchecked, it can give rise to potential electrical hazards. This is where a registered electrician conducts an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) to identify the hidden damages and defects in time. It’s more than just a visual inspection that involves testing different circuits to check for the satisfactory condition of past installations for continued service. According to Sheaworks Ltd, the most reliable electrical tester in Romford, it must be conducted regularly.

Did you know even the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 compel employers, landlords and others operating in the UK to properly inspect and test electrical systems for safety? The latter, in fact, urges people to create and maintain records of the same. Given the fair share of importance enjoyed by EICR today, one is often found questioning the validity of the test. Read this blog to find out and, as a bonus, examine when it should be applied or renewed to stay up-to-date with the legislation around electrical safety.

What Exactly is an Electrical Installation Condition Report?

It’s a formal document generated after assessing a property’s electrical installations, including its electrical wiring, equipment and circuits, to ensure everything is in order. It’s a safety standard whereby any sign of wear and tear in the electrical components is reviewed to determine the presence of safety risks. Once consumer units, socket outlets and lighting fittings are inspected, the observed defects are listed and categorised based on their danger levels.

You can find many electricians in the UK, but if you seek a qualified professional to issue an Electrical Installation Condition Report and help you stay compliant with the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974), look no further than Sheaworks Ltd. We have competent, qualified and registered electricians in Bishop’s Stortford working in our team to conduct the test and generate reports to keep electrical installations in order. From establishing contact with us to completing the job, we ensure a smooth and efficient process.

How Long Does an EICR Last?

The validity of such a report, documenting the condition of electrical components in a system, prevails for a variable period. The factors governing it are types of installation and regulations applied in the area of your operation. If you are anticipating a figure, it’s at least 5-years. However, with changing circumstances, it can vary. For instance, landlords may be legally entitled to renew the document after 6 or 12 months in special cases and as per local regulations.

If the report highlights a problem, landlords are expected to address it as early as possible. Otherwise, tenants could be at the receiving end of danger in the future. On the other hand, some cases may demand the immediate attention of a professional electrician to examine and rectify the problems by acting as per applicable regulations.

So, to answer the question and as discussed, the Electrical Installation Condition Report stays valid for 5 years, demonstrating that electrical installations are in working condition. It’s a standard supported by the British Standards Institute, encouraging commercial premises to undergo the test every five years, with factors like installation quality, building condition, nature of environment and age of installation influencing it. In April 2021, the laws were amended a bit and under it, landlords are obligated to obtain an EICR after every five years. However, business owners and facility managers are not bound by the timeframe, yet there is a general indication of the validity. We suggest going by the recommendations of your electrician.

Save Yourself From Paying a Hefty Fine by Renewing Your EICR Today!

The failure to stand up to the expectations set by Electrical Safety Standards regulations is severely punished, especially when landlords are involved. Sometimes, criminal charges are held against them and at other times, a financial penalty of £30,000 is levied. It all depends on the persistence of the non-compliance. In simple words, it’s seldom a matter of legalities but more about tenant welfare. If you are curious about your property’s adherence to electrical safety standards, hire an electrical tester.

At Sheaworks Ltd, we recommend it more often in high-risk environments like saunas, hospitals, swimming pools, petrol stations, and in areas more exposed to moisture. Governed by NICEIC, we restore peace of mind with our periodic full-scale inspections of electrical installations and systems on all rented properties and keep you updated about your adherence to regulations.