An EICR from a commercial establishment, a domestic residence, or a landlord will accurately assess the condition of the all-electrical installations and draw attention to any trouble spots. In accordance with the specifications of the version of BS 7671, an EICR evaluates the state of an electrical installation while it is in use.
What an EICR test is?
A report that summarises the safety of electrical installations in residential and commercial premises is known as an EICR or Electrical Installation Condition Report.
In general, it refers to the safety of the occupants of any building and how this may be impacted by the damage, flaws, and probable deterioration of electrical goods.
In addition to being required by law, this report is crucial for the tenants of residential or commercial buildings to remain safe.
Without this evaluation, there is a significantly increased chance of problems, including fire and electrocution, which are frequently brought on by carelessness and poor electrical maintenance.
The EICR will examine a number of things, including testing for insulation resistance, earth fault loop impedance, and protective conductor continuity.
Electrical installations and appliances are tested to ensure that there are no flaws or issues with the wiring, sockets, or casings, and that electricity cannot leak from them.
A fixed wire testing or installation service, or an EICR, will demonstrate that your company complies with different health and safety laws.
Whether EICR is needed legally?
Although it is not required by law, many business owners and property owners have legal obligations to their employees, clients, or renters that might be satisfied by an EICR inspection.
The obligations that landlords and employers have with regard to the safety of tenants and employees are outlined in laws like the Landlord and Tenants Act (1985) and the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974).
Who should be responsible for the EICR test?
It is your duty as a business owner to ensure the health and safety of your workers. Employers have a legal obligation to protect their employees’ health, safety, and welfare to the best of their ability.
Additionally, even if you are a business landlord, you still owe your tenant a legal duty of care (s). This requires company owners and landlords to ensure that all electrical systems are secure for occupants and to make repairs as soon as they are discovered.
According to the law, the EICR test must be carried out by licenced engineers who have received the necessary training. You must have the property surveyed using an EICR in order to be in compliance with the law. This EICR must be completed by the landlord before the property is rented to renters because it is not their obligation.
Once you have secured the services of an engineer (who is duly authorised to carry out an EICR), it is their duty to spot any potential hazards.
If anything is discovered, you will need to arrange for changes to be done so that the property does not present a risk to potential future tenants or occupiers.