General 

What is the purpose of an EICR? The main purpose of periodic inspection and testing is to determine, so far as is reasonably practicable, whether an electrical installation is in a satisfactory condition for continued service, at least until the next inspection is due.  

Where this is not the case, the periodic inspection should identify any installation defects and non-compliances which may give rise to danger.  

It is a formal report compiled after a comprehensive assessment of electrical systems within any commercial, domestic or industrial property. It can also be known as the Homebuyers Test or the Landlord Safety Test. 

Faults or poor installations could cause electric shock or fire, causing injury and damage to occupants or members of the public.  

According to a report by Electric Safety First, electricity fires affect over 20,000 homes in the UK every year.  

Frequency of inspection of electrical installations 

Please note that this is for guidance only as each individual installation will have different factors to consider, Further information below.  

During periodic inspections our inspector will make a recommendation for the interval until the next periodic inspection based on the findings of the inspection and testing and taking account of any maximum intervals specified in legislation, licensing conditions or similar.  

This recommendation will be stated in the report.  

Note that the interval that was recommended for the periodic inspection might not be appropriate for subsequent inspections. One reason for this is that, in making the recommendation for the interval to the next inspection, our inspector may have made assumptions that have turned out to be inaccurate, or that are no longer valid along with other developing external influences.  

Examples of these would be: 

• Maintenance programs that have not been fulfilled 

• DIY electrical works  

• External influences such as failing of building structure allowing water ingress 

This again redefines the need for ensuring that the periodic inspections take place in a timely manor throughout the life of the installation.

Condition report results 

Once a condition report has taken place our inspector will guide you through the results and any problems and issues located.  

The overall result is categorized into either a Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory result  

Within the report any defects or observations will be categorized as follows 

Landlords/Rentals 

Landlords are expected to ensure the safety of every tenant throughout their tenancy in the property. This includes making sure that the fixed wiring is safely installed and working properly. 

All rental properties require an EICR based on the latest regulations of The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector. 

These new Regulations require landlords to have the electrical installations in their properties inspected and tested by a person who is qualified and competent, at an interval of at least every 5 years. Landlords have to provide a copy of the electrical safety report to their tenants, and to their local authority if requested. 

Having an updated EICR shows that you are aware of your responsibilities as a building owner or landlord as stated in laws such as: 

• The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. 

• The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. 

• The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020. 

Ensuring you have an up-to-date satisfactory EICR will help maintain compliance with these regulations  

Links for Landlords and tenants 

https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/guidance/advice-for-you/landlords

https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/guidance/advice-for-you/tenants

Commercial/Industrial  

Several insurance companies request that you have your electrical systems tested regularly. Should you need to claim for damages from a possible electrical fault, you need to substantiate that you took the necessary steps to ensure electrical safety, including an EICR Certificate of Safety. Check your insurance policy to learn if an EICR is one of your insurer’s requirements.