Electrical Installation condition reports (EICR) are provided as an official document given after an assessment by a qualified engineers (Electricians). The assessment is based on the quality of your electrical installation, the electrics and cables will deteriorate over time. An electrical installation condition reports should be carried out regularly and in accordance with BS7671. The average time given in BS7671 is 5 Years although this time is a recommendation and generally only given if the installation is in good condition and is rented accommodation.

The periodic inspection report (the old version of the EICR) will notify about the status of the EICR. This will either be Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory. This will be based upon the condition of the installation. The document informs you of any defaults, all defaults on the electrical installation report can be explained at much more detail by our qualified engineers (Electricians) if required.

The scope of the report is discussed with you prior to any testing starting.

An Electrical installation condition report (EICR), will tell you the following:

• If the electrical circuits are of good condition and safe to use

• Whether or not there is risk of electric shock

• If any defective electrical work has been carried out in the property

• Recommendations for the earthing within the building

• An inspection of the condition of the consumer unit

The primary purpose of the report is to ensure the safety of people, property and livestock at the premises of the electrical installation. It is advised that an EICR should be carried out at regular intervals, the intervals are dependent on the type of installation.

• Change in usage of the domestic premises.  This could be a change of tenancy in rental properties, the property being prepared to be sold, or the property being purchased.  It is highly recommended that an EICR is carried out with each alteration of occupancy in rental properties to confirm the property remains electrically safe.  Equally, requesting an EICR on a property that is being purchased is the best way to find out if work needs to be carried out on the electrical system.

• Type of property – Different properties have different periods of time for an Electrical installation Condition Report, Domestic properties are 5 years and swimming pools are annually for instance.

• Environmental Conditions such as areas with water are likely to be more regular for instance a swimming pool

• If an Installation is being misused it will be recommended that the EICR is carried out more regularly.

• Any concerns the householder has about the condition of their electrical installation.

The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) recommend the following maximum periods of time between inspections and testing:  

• Private Domestic Installations should be tested every 10 years or every change of occupancy.

• Rented Domestic Installations should be tested every 5 years or every change of occupancy.

Although the electrician will decide the period of time on your EICR depending on factors found in the property when carrying out the testing.

Here is a list of things “we recommend” you do before an Electrician attends your property. Following the below steps will ensure the property is ready for a full inspection by your electrician:

• The electrician requires full access to the consumer unit, any items blocking the access must be removed prior to conducting the EICR. This might otherwise cause delays and can lead to extra charges.

• Let us know prior to the appointment if we need ladders to access the consumer unit / Fuse Board.

• Check to make sure your electrical system is energised and has not been switched off by the main supplier. (i.e make sure you have sufficient credit on the electricity meter as it cannot be tested without).

• Let us know if there are any broken fixtures and fittings so we can supply new ones, this may stop us from having to provide an unsatisfactory EICR.

• Unplug all equipment before the test. For E.g.: TV’s, Fridge Freezers, Washing Machines, etc

• Provide any previous EICR’s or Installation Reports

Prices are generally as stated below - but there maybe factors involved which may mitigate this.

Prior to the test we will visit your premises for an initial assesment and discuss the scope of the EICR.

Approximate costs are as follows;

• Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)  £180 or £25 per circuit, whichever is greater.

• Optional Pat test for up to 5 items £30