Blog, Facilities Management, Mechanical & Electrical (M&E)

Electrical Testing – Electrical Installations Condition Report (EICR)

Electrical testing is an important safety consideration for all organisations. But there are so many acronyms and rules it can seem difficult to know where to begin.

All organisations need to keep on top of their responsibilities as an employer to meet the requirements needed under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.

But it can be daunting to know how to meet your obligations. If you manage a workplace or organisation – how do you make sure your electrical installations are compliant with UK law? Your facilities manager (or facilities management company) should ensure that you meet statutory compliance.

It is important to find a company that can provide a solution for all your testing requirements and whose engineers are fully qualified, and trained in their respective areas. 

Electrical Testing Services

Periodic Inspection and Testing (EICR) are the most common form of Electrical Testing services however other electrical tests include:

  • Fixed Testing (EICR)
  • PAT – Portable Appliance Testing
  • Emergency Lighting Inspection and Testing
  • Fire Alarm Inspection and Testing
  • Fire Risk Assessment
  • Thermographic Surveys

 

Is Your Company meeting the legal safety requirements on EICRS?

Business premises need their EICR every 5 years or change of tenancy. many insurances will be invalid if these are out of date.

Electrical faults are the largest cause of fires and an out-of-date certificate can void an insurance warranty.

That is why it is important to ensure the safety of an organisation’s staff and customers by making sure they are 100% compliant with all regulations.

white light switch on white painted wall

Guide to Compliance: Keeping Properties Safe and Meeting Legal Obligations

We understand organisations have a duty of care for everyone that uses their buildings, be it a school, office, house or commercial space. Download our Free Guide to Compliance and you can learn how we can keep your properties safe and ensure you meet your legal obligations.

Electrical Installations Condition Report (EICR)

An Electrical Installations Condition Report (EICR) is a report produced by a qualified electrician following an inspection of an electrical installation. The purpose of the inspection is to assess the overall condition of the installation and identify any defects or hazards. The report will include details of any problems found, as well as recommendations for any necessary repairs or upgrades. It is important to have an EICR carried out regularly, as it helps to ensure that an electrical installation is safe and in good working order.

 

How often should it be carried out?

The frequency of electrical inspections and testing depends on the type of property and the use it is put to. Here are some general guidelines:

  • Domestic properties: every 5 years or upon change of occupancy
  • Commercial properties: every 5 years or upon change of occupancy
  • Industrial properties: every 5 years or upon change of occupancy

However, it is always a good idea to consult with a qualified electrician to determine the specific testing and inspection needs of your property. Factors such as the age of the installation, the type of wiring, and the presence of any known problems can all affect the recommended frequency of testing.

These guidelines apply to electrical installations in the UK.

In the UK, it is recommended that electrical installations be inspected and tested at regular intervals to ensure that they are safe and in good working order. The frequency of these inspections depends on the type of property and the use it is put to. It is also a good idea to have an Electrical Installations Condition Report (EICR) carried out whenever there is a change of occupancy, as this can highlight any issues that may not have been identified during previous inspections. It is important to note that these are only general guidelines, and it is always a good idea to consult with a qualified electrician to determine the specific testing and inspection needs of your property.

Electrical testing

Guide to Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR)

Facilities managers are often responsible for EICRs and other electrical tests for an organisation. This can be a daunting task for managers who are not trained, electricians. 

What is an EICR?

An EICR is a report that electrical installation professionals use to document the condition of wiring and equipment. The report includes photographs, descriptions of test results, and recommendations for improving building safety or performance.

Why create an EICR?

EICRs can be helpful in detecting problems with wiring prior to accidents happening and can also help optimize system performance. By documenting the condition of each installation component, electricians can address any issues before they become worse. Additionally, EICR reports are often used as justification for requesting repairs from service providers such as electrician contractors or manufacturers.

The primary purpose of an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is to document the condition of electrical installation components.

EICR report can be helpful in detecting problems with wiring prior to accidents happening and help optimize system performance by documenting the condition of each installation component.

Documentation is critical when it comes to safety as well, EICRs are often used as justification for requesting repairs from service providers such as electrician contractors or manufacturers.

Best practices suggest that an EICR should:

  • Include photographs and descriptions of test results
  • List items tested and their conditions
  • Recommendations for improvement

 

What does an EICR do?

An electrical installation condition report (EICR) is a report that electricians use to document the condition of wiring and equipment. The report includes photographs, descriptions of test results, and recommendations for improving safety or system performance.

What should be included in an EICR?

In general, an EICR should include:

  • Photographs of the installation components being tested
  • Detailed descriptions of all test results obtained
  • Recommendations for improvement where applicable
  • A certificate

Did you know? Testing in commercial properties can be done in phases over 5 years. You can test 20% every year, or 100% every 5 years.

Electrical testing

What level of knowledge and understanding is appropriate to meet industry standards?

Electrical contractors or installation professionals need to be knowledgeable about the electrical installation condition report (EICR) requirements and standards. In order for electrician contractors or installation professionals to develop knowledge and understanding appropriate to the level of responsibility they hold; they should attend training that covers topics such as electrical wiring diagrams and EICR requirement documentation.

Anyone with the proper qualifications can conduct an electric inspection. To be qualified, the inspector must have undergone appropriate electrical safety training and meet certain licensing requirements.

This type of inspection is often carried out by electrician contractors or installation professionals. However, anyone with the necessary qualifications can perform an EICR inspection. What should I do if I find a safety hazard during an electric inspection? If you identify any electrical hazards during your inspection, please report the findings to your installation professional or local electrical code enforcement agency. You can also contact the National Council of Electrical Contractors (NICEIC) for help filing a safety violation report.

What are Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020?

The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 sets out minimum electrical safety standards applicable to privately rented properties. These standards are intended to protect tenants from electric shock, fires and injuries caused by electric appliances.

What are the electrical installation condition report (EICR) requirements?

All electrician contractors or installation professionals who work on the wiring in a privately rented property must be familiar with the electrical installation condition report (EICR) requirements. The EICR requirement documentation covers everything from wiring diagrams to EICR requirement documentation.

Guide to Compliance: Keeping Properties Safe and Meeting Legal Obligations

We understand organisations have a duty of care for everyone that uses their buildings, be it a school, office, house or commercial space. Download our Free Guide to Compliance and you can learn how we can keep your properties safe and ensure you meet your legal obligations.

Why does my property need an EICR?

The electrical installation condition report (EICR) requirement documentation is designed to help electrician contractors or installation professionals identify and correct any wiring problems in a privately rented property. The EICR requirement documentation will also help electrician contractors or installation professionals comply with the electrical safety standards set out in the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020.

There are many reasons you might want an electrical installation condition report, also known as an electrical safety check or electrical testing and inspection; these reasons include:

  • wiring problems in a private rented property
  • electrical safety standards requirement documentation
  • checking to see if the property conforms to electrical installation condition report (EICR) requirements
  • electrical installation condition report (EICR) inspection
  • electrical safety inspections – property electrical wiring installation condition report (EICR) inspection

What happens when I don’t have my electrical system tested out?

If you’re not testing your electrical system periodically, you may be compromising the safety of all those who live and work within your property. Not testing can also lead to power outages, as electrician contractors or installation professionals must use qualified instruments and equipment when inspecting properties with electric wiring. Without an electrical installation condition report (EICR), it’s difficult for electrician contractors or installation professionals to determine whether there are any electrical problems in a privately rented property.

Testing is the cheapest way to ensure that your home is safe from potential electrical hazards, such as unmetered electricity usage or undetected electrical wiring problems.

An installation condition report is a safety inspection report for electrician contractors and installation professionals that documents the condition of an electrical wiring system, e.g., identifying defects, testing voltage/current capacity, inspecting insulation properties and so on. Test inspections are conducted by qualified persons to verify compliance with electrical safety standards set out in the Electrical Safety Standards Regulations 2020 (SSR Regs 2020).

The purpose of having this type of inspection is to help protect people from electrocution or shock hazards caused by defective electric wiring practices or equipment not installed per local codes and regulations.

Testing can be done by qualified electrician contractors or installation professionals, and it is the cheapest way to ensure your electrical system is safe from potential hazards.

How is an EICR carried out?

Testing of electrical wiring is usually carried out by electrician contractors or installation professionals using qualified instruments and equipment. A condition report, such as an electrical installation condition report (EICR), is produced following the testing. This document records the findings of the inspection, including any defects found in the electric wiring system. It also provides information on how well the system meets safety standards set out in the Electrical Safety Standards Regulations 2020 (SSR Regs 2020).

What happens during an EICR inspection?

During an EICR inspection, electrician contractors or installation professionals use qualified instruments and equipment to test the condition of electrical wiring. The tests may include checking for defects such as exposed wires, faulty connections, and damaged insulation.

The inspection report will list any findings from the testing, including any safety issues that were identified. This information can help installers make necessary repairs or modifications to electric wiring systems before they are used in populated areas. It is also important for property owners to have this report if they want to know whether their electrical system complies with local codes and regulations.

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Whether you need advice on a new project or have an existing property or portfolio - We're always happy to help. Please call or 08000 277 262 email proactive@rfm-group.com

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