EICR & PAT TESTING

An electrical installation condition report (EICR) is used to identify defects, deterioration, damages and/or conditions which may indicate potential danger, as well as providing recommendations for improvement within a given property.

Do you need an EICR? The simple answer is yes, whether it’s your home, a business or a property you rent out, your electrical installation should always be covered by an in date EICR. Although it’s not a legal requirement to have an EICR many legal documents refer to it as a way of satisfying their requirements; The Electricity at Work Act is one such example.

WHAT IS INSPECTED IN AN EICR?
During an EICR, the consumer unit (or fuseboard), wiring and electrical accessories are thoroughly tested and inspected for faults or deviations from the BS7671 Wiring Standards. Throughout the test, the following will be inspected and tested:

The adequacy of the earthing and bonding.
Devices for protection against fire and electric shock.
Any damage or wear and tear that might affect the safety of the properties inhabitants.
Identification of any damaged electrical fittings and accessories.
Identification of any exposed live wires that could cause a fire or injury.

An EICR should only be carried out by a skilled and competent electrician with the experience to know what they are looking for. EICR’s require a high level of skill and these skills are only gained after considerable additional training and years of experience.

FREQUENCY OF TESTING
The recommended frequencies for having electrical testing carried out will vary depending on the type of premises, the recommended frequencies are as follows:

Homeowners: BS7671 (18th Edition Wiring Regulations) recommend having an EICR carried out at least every 10 years. It is also important to have one done if you are moving out or into a new home, if your insurance requires one or if you suspect your current electrics are old, faulty or have been subject to poor quality additions. If the property has a swimming pool it is recommended that you carry out an EICR every year.

Rented properties: Under the ‘Landlord and Tenants Act (1985) landlords must ensure that the electrical installation in a rented property is maintained safely throughout a tenancy. BS7671 recommends an EICR be carried out at each change of tenancy or at least every 5 years. We also recommend annual Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) testing.

Businesses: Whilst it is not a legal requirement to have an EICR, as an employer you are responsible for the welfare of your employees. Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, employers are responsible for the health and safety of their employees and the ‘Electricity at work regulations’ require that precautions be taken against the risk of injury from electricity . BS7671 recommends having an EICR at least every 5 years.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?

It is essential to understand what you are paying for when receiving quotes for an EICR from different contractors. It is acceptable on some installations to test as little as 10%  of all the circuits in the property, however, this could give a misleading view on the safety of the entire installation. Some more thorough electrical contractors will test between 75% – 100% of all circuits but will charge accordingly.

Domestic property EICR’s cost £200 + VAT for up to 6 circuits with an additional £20 + VAT cost for each additional circuit.

For information on our Commercial EICR services please call our office.

LANDLORDS
All Landlords who let their property as a business activity are required by law to ensure the equipment they supply with the tenancy is safe.
The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994 requires that all mains electrical equipment including white goods, cookers, toasters, etc. provided in rental accommodation regardless whether they are new or second hand must be safe.

We strongly advise that the Portable Appliance Test (PAT test) is conducted BEFORE the start of any new let or lease. This is the only way you can be certain that all appliances are safe. Landlords, Letting Agents and Businesses who need to comply with The Health & Safety Act (1974) all will have to have a record of all this information.

We have our own fully qualified Electricians and competent engineers across Edinburgh, Glasgow and the Borders who are able to complete Portable Appliance Testing.

BUSINESSES
A Portable Appliance Test is an essential part of any businesses Health & Safety Policy. The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (POWER) requires all employers in the UK to ensure that work equipment is both safe and fit for purpose.

For this to be achieved a Portable Appliance Test must be carried out.

Without having your property or business PAT tested your insurance may become invalid.