Electrical Inspection Condition Report (EICR)

Summary of an EICR

Electrical Inspection Condition Report's (EICR) are similar principle to an MOT for a car, as in its to check for safety issues. Some property types have a legal obligation to get an EICR every 'X' number of years (all commercial property + domestic rentals). Timescale is typically 3-5 years depending on property type.

Reason for EICR's

The basic reason is to establish if property suitable for continued use as intended. If a Code 1 or Code 2 issue is discovered then it would be deemed 'unsatisfactory' and require resolution. Mostly its built around electric shock and electric fire risks.

Electrical fire. According to a Home Office report dated 27th June 2017, Fire and Rescue Services (FRS) attended 30,296 fires (in home type dwellings) in 2016-17, resulting in 5,358 injuries and 213 fatalities. Electrical causes of fire are a common event, such as Glenfell Tower, which was started by a faulty fridge (white goods surprisingly common source of fire).

Electric shock. About 1 person is killed by electric shock every day or two in the UK. Nearly all fatalities are totally avoidable. Corporate manslaughter law now applies for properties wilfully neglected and unsafe.

In the USA and other countries the fatality and serious injury rate is notably higher then the UK, due to a combination of reasons, such as different voltages, different wiring methods and other reasons also ( Anthony wrote a report in 2009 comparing fatality rate between USA and UK, looking into specifics of this).

Details of an EICR

They are awkward, technical documents, often 6+ pages, with around 200 data points, as opposed to 1 page around 10 data points for a Gas certificate for example. A report summary, written in simple terms, is typically written on page 1 .They are deemed either 'satisfactory' or 'unsatisfactory' , again listed on page 1.

Reasons for 'Unsatisfactory' will be listed on 'Observations' page. Electrical safety issues are rated either Code 1, 2 or 3.

Code 1 issues are immediately dangerous, such as an exposed live conductor. Requires immediate solution.
Code 2 issues should be resolved as a matter of urgency, typically 2-6 weeks.
Code 3 issues are optional opportunities to help reduce risk, if the budget allows.

If deemed 'unsatisfactory' then an invoice should be issued after repair work has been completed, stating that it relates to issues listed on report. The correct proof would thus avoid cost of retesting the whole property again. The invoice statement should be kept secure with the report, its very important. Photo evidence can also help in some cases.

Quality Standards

Applying 'Best Practice' guides, issued by Electrical Safety Council, helps the customer get great value for money, through safe, reliable and proven processes. EICR's can be challenging.

Having completed 1,000+ EICRs since 2011, the experience and knowledge gained helps give extra value for money.

Anthony also offer's other types of reports and certificates, such as Visual Inspection (cheap and quick ideal for potential house purchase) , Emergency light Reports. Installation and Minor Certificates can only be issued by company person responsible for the work, so Anthony can not issue them for other peoples work, only his own.

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