Electrical Safety Certificate (EICR)

EICR is a legal requirement for landlords and commercial buildings under the Electrical work regulations 1989.

An EICR is a formal document produced by an electrician or electrical engineer after a comprehensive assessment of electrical systems within any commercial, domestic or industrial property. It is also known as the Homebuyers Test or the Landlord Safety Test.

All rental properties require an EICR based on the latest regulations of The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector. According to the regulations, all private landlords should make sure that all electrical installations are in good working condition.

An EICR ensures all electrical installations and systems within the property are correctly installed, safe and well maintained. It provides a vital assessment on properties of all sizes, from a small home to an industrial facility.

Why an EICR Certificate is Important?

An EICR has five main purposes:

1. Ensure that all electrical installations on the property are safe: A qualified engineer or electrician will inspect the electrical system to make sure that it is free of damage, wear and tear and deterioration. They also determine whether an installation or equipment is properly installed.

2. Identify damage and wear and tear that might affect the safety of occupants on a property: Once issues are detected, the electrician will recommend corrective action to make sure that the electrical system is in good working condition.

3. Find components of an electrical installation that do not meet the Institution of Engineering and Technology’s Wiring Regulations: Criteria includes the suitability of the control gear and switchgear, the bonding and earthing of wires and cables and the conditions of sockets.

4. Determine which electrical appliances are likely to cause shocks and fires: An EICR determines which electrical appliances show signs of damage and wear and tear, recommending the repair and replacement of items deemed unsafe.

5. Record the condition of an electrical installation, to be used in future inspections: The EICR also comes in handy in the event an accident occurs. It’s proof that you have taken the necessary measures to ensure the safety of your customers and employees.