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What Is Electrical Certificate In Stevenage And How To Use It
Why Get an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report)?

Frequently obtaining an EICR is crucial for home owners and landlords. Electric installations can deteriorate over time and an EICR can check that all your electrics, wiring, and fuses are secure.

Landlords are also required comply with regulations and provide tenants with an EICR every five years. This is a requirement of the new Housing Act regulations.

What is an EICR?

Electrical Installation Condition Reports, also known as EICR tests, examine the wiring of a property to find any potential issues. These tests are only available on properties with an RCD that is functioning. They can only be conducted by qualified electricians. Landlords must have an EICR test that is up to date in rental properties. It is also recommended that homeowners have their electrics checked every 10 years.

The EICR is performed at your home by a engineer who first disconnects the electricity from the main supply. Then he'll conduct various Dead Testing to check that the wires aren't damaged or not properly connected. There are three kinds of tests: the continuity test (which is also called a polarity test), an insulation test and the test for polarity. Live electrical tests are also conducted to ensure that the electrical system can shut down within a specified time if a fault has been identified. This is accomplished by using a Residual Current Device (RCD) (which is used on the majority of modern electrical systems).

The engineer will then go through the results with you and tell you what you need to do to bring the electrical system up to the standard. Once the remedial work is completed, you must give your tenants and the local housing authority with written confirmation from your electrician that it is now safe to continue using the building. It is also recommended to keep copies of the EICR report in your records, as you may have to provide this information to a local council or insurance company if you are asked.

The report will say "satisfactory" or "unsatisfactory". If the EICR suggests that an improvement is required then you must take actions immediately. If it states that further investigation is required then this should be completed within 28 days. If you don't follow this advice you will need to conduct another EICR. This is not something you should overlook as it has been established that electrical faults are one of the main causes of accidental fires in homes.

Why do I need a EICR?

An EICR is legally required for landlords. They need it to ensure that the properties they lease out meet the strict safety standards and regulations. Infractions to this could result in heavy fines. A poor report could prevent landlords from renting out their property.

An experienced electrician will be able to look at electrical devices and pinpoint any issues that might arise. This can include faulty sockets and wiring that are often a cause of fires or electric shocks. In addition, an electrician can also see whether there are any issues that require fixing or replacing in order to improve the safety of the installation.

Electrical devices can become damaged as time passes due to age, or other elements such as flooding. This can lead to malfunctions that will affect the device's functionality or even cease to function at all. An EICR can identify these issues and help the landlord with any repairs that are required.

An EICR can also help reduce energy costs by identifying areas where equipment is overcharged or is being used excessively. This can be a great way for landlords to reduce costs and cut down on their costs for utilities.

It is also a good idea for landlords to have their EICR completed by a licensed and certified electrician. This will ensure that the inspection is completed to a high standard, and that any issues are discovered and rectified quickly.

A qualified engineer can utilize the results of the EICR to recommend any changes that could be made to an electrical installation. This is a fantastic tool for landlords looking to improve the safety and efficiency of their property, and provide tenants with better quality appliances and wiring.

stevenage electrical provides a wide variety of electrical services, including EICRs that are located in Stevenage and surrounding Hertfordshire areas. Our engineers are highly skilled and certified to provide a high level of care and efficiency throughout the day. For more information on our services or to book a EICR for your property, contact us today.

How do I get an EICR?

It is recommended to speak with an electrician who is fully qualified when you need an EICR. Before they can conduct the test, they will need to shut off your electrical systems. Once they have completed this they will conduct an extensive examination of your wiring and electrical systems looking for indications of faults or signs of deterioration. This will be compared with the UK standard for safety installations - BS7671 IET Wiring Regulations.

The EICR will then identify areas that require remedial work. The next step is to complete the work within 28 days, or the shorter time frame stipulated in the report. You'll need written confirmation from an electrical professional that the remedial work is completed. Once this is completed, you can contact your electrician to set up a date for the next inspection to be scheduled.

Regular EICRs are important to be aware of problems before they become serious. This will not only help prevent injuries and fires but also save you money in the long run since you'll avoid costly repairs or replacements. It's a legal requirement for landlords to carry out an EICR on their property every five years. This will ensure that you're in compliance with the law and that your tenants are secure.

Landlords must ensure that all electrical safety is in place within their properties. They should conduct regular inspections to make sure all electrical equipment is safe. A quality electrical engineer can perform an EICR at a time that is convenient for you and provide an in-depth report.

Landlords are required to have an EICR for all their rental properties. It is a legal requirement under the Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation Regulations (England), 2006, that every privately owned rental property has one. This was made even stricter in April 2021, when new regulations were brought in that stipulated that all rented properties must be equipped with an EICR.

Who can carry out an EICR


An EICR can only be conducted by a registered electrician who has the appropriate qualifications and experience. They must have passed a rigorous test and maintain their certifications. It is typically conducted in conjunction with an established professional organization like the JIB, or a recognized training provider.

Landlords are required by law to ensure that the electrical systems in their homes are safe for tenants to use, which is why having an EICR done at regular intervals is important. This will ensure that any potential issues are caught early and fixed before they become serious issues that could result in fires or injuries.

EICR inspections are recommended for homeowners too, since electrical installations can be subject to deterioration and wear and tear over time. They are also affected by environmental factors like extreme weather or flooding. It's a great idea to have an EICR performed before you sell your property so that you can show your prospective buyers that the electrical system is in good working order.

It's also worth getting an EICR when you're a landlord of BTL or rented properties since BS7671 requires that the electrical system are tested at the time of changing the tenancy, and at least every five years. It's also a good idea for businesses, since a commercial EICR can help them comply with their legal obligations under the Health and Safety at Work Act. The frequency of these inspections is contingent on the nature and size of the business as well as the complexity of the electrical systems.

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