Why Regular EICR Testing is Essential for Your Property

What is an EICR?

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a comprehensive assessment of your property's electrical systems. Think of it as an MOT for your electrics – it identifies potential hazards, deterioration, and defects that could put you, your family, or your tenants at risk.

During an EICR inspection, a qualified electrician will thoroughly examine your wiring, sockets, switches, consumer unit, and other electrical installations. They'll test circuits, check for proper earthing and bonding, and ensure everything meets current safety standards.

Legal Requirements for Landlords

Since June 2020, it's been a legal requirement for landlords in England to have a valid EICR for all rental properties. The inspection must be carried out at least every five years, or when a new tenancy begins. This legislation was introduced to protect tenants from electrical hazards, which cause around 70 deaths and 350,000 serious injuries in UK homes each year.

Failure to comply can result in fines of up to £30,000, and in serious cases, landlords may face prosecution. More importantly, without a valid EICR, your property insurance may be invalidated, leaving you exposed to significant financial risk.

What Happens During an EICR Inspection?

A thorough EICR inspection typically takes 2-4 hours for an average-sized home, though larger properties or those with complex electrical systems may take longer. Here's what our qualified electricians will check:

Visual Inspection: We'll examine all accessible wiring, checking for damage, wear, or improper installations. This includes looking at your consumer unit, checking for outdated fuse boxes, and ensuring all electrical accessories are in good condition.

Testing: Using specialist equipment, we'll test the integrity of circuits, measure earth loop impedance, check RCD operation, and verify that all protective devices are working correctly. We'll also test for proper polarity and ensure adequate earthing and bonding.

Documentation: After the inspection, you'll receive a detailed report categorising any issues found. Code C1 indicates danger requiring immediate action, C2 means potentially dangerous and requiring urgent attention, and C3 suggests improvements are recommended.

The Cost of Neglecting Electrical Safety

While some property owners view EICR testing as an unnecessary expense, the cost of neglecting electrical safety can be catastrophic. Electrical faults are responsible for approximately 20,000 fires in UK homes each year, causing deaths, injuries, and millions of pounds in property damage.

Beyond the human cost, there are significant financial implications. Insurance companies may refuse to pay out claims if you can't demonstrate that your electrical installation was properly maintained. The cost of repairing fire damage, replacing possessions, and finding alternative accommodation far exceeds the modest investment in regular EICR testing.

How Often Should You Get an EICR?

The recommended frequency for EICR testing depends on your property type and usage:

• •Rental properties: Every 5 years (legal requirement)
• •Owner-occupied homes: Every 10 years
• •Commercial properties: Every 5 years
• •Swimming pools and hot tubs: Annually
• •Caravans and mobile homes: Every 3 years

Choosing the Right Electrician

Not all electricians are qualified to carry out EICR inspections. You need someone who is registered with a competent person scheme such as NICEIC, NAPIT, or ELECSA. These organisations ensure their members maintain high standards and stay up-to-date with the latest regulations.

At MPL Electrical & Son, all our electricians are fully qualified and registered. We provide comprehensive EICR inspections with detailed reports and clear explanations of any issues found. If remedial work is needed, we can provide competitive quotes and complete the work to the highest standards.