All installations deteriorate over time and need to be tested to ensure they are safe for continued use. BS7671 Wiring regulations recommends that every installation is subject to periodic inspection and testing – this assessment is known as an Electrical Installation Condition Report or EICR. In the commercial sector many insurances policies require a
EICR to be carried out and for letting a domestic property this is a requirement to have a EICR every five years.

What is involved Landlords EICR?

The main purpose of the report is to detect, so far as reasonably practicable, faults and defects that effect the safety of those using the installation. Before the report is carried out the extent and limitations are agreed with the person ordering the work.

The extent is how much of the installation is inspected and tested. For large commercial installations this might be 1 in 3 circuits tested with 20% of the associated accessories inspected carried out annually with different circuits inspected and tested each year. For domestic installation every circuit will be tested with 10 to 20% of the accessories inspected. The greater the extent the more accurate the report and a better chance of spotting potential problems earlier.

The limitations may be included in the report.

These could be:

• where a circuit can not be switched off
• Integrated appliances that can not be easily moved
• Damage to decoration by the removal of an accessory

Defects:

Any faults or non compliances that are found are listed and coded C1 to C3 with C1 representing danger and immediate remedial action required.There is a detailed booklet published by electrical safety first and endorsed by all the industry governing bodies which can be viewed here:
https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/media/mi1oqkur/best-practice-guide-4-
issue-7-1.pdf

This report is important When the installation passes the test then you will be issued with an electrical safety certificate which demonstrates that you are complying with the latest regulations. This certificate is important to have when selling your home or trying to rent it out.