Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs) Explained

As experienced electricians we provide EICR inspection services to homeowners and landlords in the Seaton area and have a vast wealth of knowledge and training to draw upon. In this blog we are going to explain Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs) and answer the most common questions about them.

What is an EICR?

An Electrical Installation Condition Report, EICR for short, was previously known as an Electrical Safety Report. Carried out at regular intervals of every 5 years for rental properties and every 10 years for private dwellings, an EICR helps to keep you and your property safe from the dangers of faulty electrics. An EICR is the thorough inspection and testing of the fixed electrical installation in your Seaton home and must be performed by a registered electrician. If you are based in Seaton or the surrounding areas, Tyne Electrical Services are your local NICEIC registered, qualified electricians.  

How often do I need an EICR?

If you are a landlord, then your rental property legally requires an EICR every 5 years. An in date EICR must be in place before any change of tenancy takes place and a copy must be made available to your tenants. If you own your own home in Seaton, then an EICR is recommended every 10 years. An EICR is also a good idea before you move into a new home so that you know the electrics are safe and that you won’t be facing a large bill for rewiring after you move in!

Do I need an EICR for my own home?

An EICR is not a legal requirement for homeowners, but it is highly recommended for your continued safety. It can be hard to tell if anything is going wrong with your electrics as the majority of your electrical system is concealed from view. An EICR inspection by a qualified electrician is the only way to be certain that your electrics are safe. If you are unsure when your last Electrical Installation Condition Report was caried out, there are a few tell-tale signs that you can look for yourself, These all suggest your electrical installation is older and that an EICR would be a good idea:

•    Fuse Box with removable fuses, a wooden back or a variety of fuse boxes.
•    Braided electrical flex on lighting fixtures.
•    Sockets mounted into skirting boards.
•    Electrical cabling with black rubber, lead or fabric coating.
•    Brown or black switches

If you are having any problems with your electrics such as flickering lights, faulty sockets, or a tripping fuse box you should call in your local electrician to investigate as soon as possible. They can all indicate underlying issues that could be dangerous and an EICR would be advisable in this situation. If have any concerns and are based in Seaton or the surrounding area, please call us for advice.

What does an EICR show?

When you have an EICR carried out at your Seaton property you will be given a report that will advise you of the condition of your electrical system. Any problems or potential hazards found by your electrician will be noted. Each observation will be given a specific code.

•    Code C1 denotes Immediate action required and that there is danger present. Your electrician may need to rectify the problem before they leave your property.
•    Code C2 means Urgent action required with potential danger to life. Work will need to be completed within a fixed time frame, generally no more than 28 days.  
•    Code C3 stands for Improvement recommended and provides you with useful warning that an area of your electrics will soon need work.  

Your electrician can provide you with advice and an estimate for any works necessary alongside your copy of the EICR.

If you have any questions about EICR’s please don’t hesitate to contact us at Tyne Electrical Services. We are your local, fully qualified, NICEIC registered electricians in Seaton.