testing and inspection

EICRs/Landlord electrical tests

An EICR checks whether your property’s wiring and electrics are safe. It is also known as the ‘Landlord Safety Test or ‘The Homebuyer’s Test’.

There are many reasons why a householder might request an EICR and indeed they are highly recommended where proof may be required to show an electrical installation is safe. One of the more common reasons an EICR is requested is in rented accommodation where an EICR is the most straightforward and least time consuming method of proving an electrical installation is safe.

An EICR is also recommended in all domestic homes every 10 years to check the condition of the electrical installation and ensure there is no deterioration, however there may be reasons why an EICR would need to be done more often. Typical reasons include:

• Age of the installation (the older the installation the more often an EICR should be carried out)
• Type of property. For example, if the property has a swimming pool, the recommended interval between an EICR is 1 year, however only the parts of the installation relating to the swimming pool would need to be assessed.
• Environmental Conditions
• Misuse of the installation such as vandalism
• Change in usage of the domestic premises. This could be change of occupancy in rental properties, or a property is being prepared to be sold, or the property is being purchased. It is highly recommended that an EICR is carried out with each change of occupancy in rental properties to ensure the property remains electrically safe. Equally, requesting an EICR on a property that is being purchased is the best way to find out if work needs to be carried out on the electrical system.
• Any concerns the householder has about the condition of their electrical installation.