As a property owner or landlord, it’s easy to focus on the things you can see – a fresh coat of paint, a new kitchen, or landscaped gardens. But at Carter Electrical Installation, we know that the most critical part of your home or business is the part you can’t see: the wiring hidden behind your walls.
Over time, electrical installations deteriorate. Whether it’s due to wear and tear, accidental damage, or DIY projects gone wrong, electrical faults are a leading cause of fires and shocks. That’s where an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) comes in.
What exactly is an EICR?
Think of an EICR as a “Health Check” or a “MOT” for your building’s electrics. A qualified electrician carries out a deep-dive assessment of your fixed wiring, looking for:
- Overloaded circuits that could cause overheating.
- Potential electric shock risks or fire hazards.
- Defective electrical work that doesn’t meet current safety standards.
- Lack of earthing or bonding, which is vital for safety.
3 Reasons You Can’t Ignore Your EICR
1. It Saves Lives
Electrical fires account for over 53% of domestic blazes in the UK. An EICR identifies “silent killers” – loose connections or frayed wires – before they have a chance to ignite. Ensuring your RCDs (residual current devices) are tripping correctly means your system will shut off instantly if a fault occurs, preventing fatal shocks.
2. Legal Compliance for Landlords
If you are a landlord, an EICR isn’t just a “nice to have” – it’s the law. Current regulations require rental properties to be inspected at least every five years. Failure to provide a valid report can lead to hefty fines and, more importantly, puts your tenants at risk. We regularly attend EICR testing jobs where the electrics haven’t been tested this regularly, and the state of some of the wiring and components can be, excuse the pun, shocking.
3. Insurance Peace of Mind
In the unfortunate event of an electrical fire, your insurance provider will likely ask for proof that the electrical system was well-maintained. If you don’t have a valid EICR, you may find that your claim is rejected, leaving you with a massive bill for damages. For a relatively small fee, we can check your electrics, and protect you against any future financial and legal repercussions.
How Often Do You Need One?
While the general rule is every 10 years for a home and every 5 years for a rental, you should also book an EICR if:
- You are buying a new property (don’t inherit someone else’s electrical mess!).
- The property has been empty for a long period.
- You notice signs of trouble, like flickering lights, burning smells, or tripping switches on a regular basis.
What about the trusty fridge?
You switch off every appliance when leaving to go on holiday, but we always somehow trust the fridge and freezer! That’s because the current regulations do not cover electrical appliances, only the fixed electrical installations. However, we recommend that landlords regularly carry out portable appliance testing (PAT) on any electrical appliance that they provide, and then supply tenants with a record of any electrical inspections carried out as good practice. Tenants and homeowners are responsible for making sure that any of their own electrical appliances are safe.
The Carter Electrical Difference
An EICR is only as good as the person performing it. Our team doesn’t just “tick boxes”; we provide a comprehensive, honest assessment of your property. We use the latest testing equipment to ensure every circuit is verified, and we provide a clear, easy-to-understand report (rated from Satisfactory to Unsatisfactory) with transparent advice on any necessary repairs, which we can also carry out.
As well as EICR testing, Carter Electrical also provide the following services:
- House electrical testing
- Home extension electrical testing
- Electrical wiring inspection and testing
Don’t wait for a spark to start the conversation – book in your EICR test now.