An electrical installation condition report – or EICR – can help to make sure your electrics are safe. Here’s all you need to know about electrical installation condition reports near you – from how much they cost to who can carry one out.
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Your questions answered about EICR testing near you
What is an electrical installation condition report?
An electrical installation condition report – or EICR for short – is when your wiring and electrics are tested to make sure they’re safe and won’t cause any fire risks or electric shocks.
EICR testing is also known as the landlord safety test or the homebuyer’s test. You may also hear it called fixed wire testing, which it was previously known as.
Who carries out an electrical installation condition report?
An electrical installation condition report must always be carried out by a qualified electrician. They’ll:
- Find and report any damage or wear and tear that might make your electrics unsafe
- Check for anything that doesn’t meet the IET wiring regulations
- Check for anything that might cause electric shocks or high temperatures
- Record the results of their inspection and tests
How long does an electrical installation condition report take?
An electrical installation condition report will usually take between one and four hours to complete.
However, exactly how long it takes will depend on lots of factors, including:
- The size of your property
- How accessible the electrical systems are
- How much electrical equipment there is
- The electrician’s findings
Is it illegal to not have an EICR certificate?
That depends. If you’re a residential landlord, you’re legally required to get an EICR certificate every five years – or sooner if your most recent report says that’s necessary.
In contrast, having an EICR certificate isn’t a legal requirement for homeowners. But it’s still recommended that you get one roughly every 10 years, to make sure you’re safe at home.
Do I need an electrical installation condition report to sell my house?
You don’t need an electrical installation condition report to sell your home. However, having one readily available can be useful.
Why? It can help speed up the conveyancing process, as some buyers and solicitors may request it as part of the property information pack. Plus, it can give your buyer peace of mind.
On the other hand, if you’ve had electrical work done to your property, you will need an electrical installation certificate (EIC). This certificate is issued by a registered electrician when you carry out significant electrical work on your property – or when you complete a new electrical installation – to confirm that it meets regulations.
What happens if your EICR fails?
If your electrician finds issues with your electrical system during your EICR, the results will be ‘unsatisfactory.’
This means that repairs are needed. If you’re a landlord, you must complete the repairs within 28 days. However, your electrician may also insist that the issue be resolved sooner if urgent.
Why hire a professional for an EICR certificate near me?
An EICR has to be carried out by a skilled professional. So, hiring an electrician is vital.
Here are the benefits:
Safety
An electrician will have the tools, skills and experience needed to make sure your electrics are truly safe. This will give you peace of mind.
Expertise
An electrician experienced in electrical installation condition reports can advise you on the condition of your electrics. In addition to recommending repairs, they can give you tips on how to maintain your electrics and what to look out for.
Regulations
A skilled electrician will have a thorough understanding of relevant wiring regulations. In this way, they can make sure that your property is compliant as well as safe.
How much does an electrical installation condition report cost?
The average cost of an EICR is £200.
However, your total cost will vary depending on factors such as the:
- Size of your home
- Complexity of your electrical circuit board
- Number of appliances in your home that need to be tested
- Hourly rate of your electrician
- Accessibility of your electrics
Head over to our electrical safety check cost guide to learn more.
How do I find reputable specialists for an electrical safety certificate near me?
Wondering how to find reliable electricians for an electrical safety certificate near you? Here are our top tips.
Read reviews
Always check to see what other homeowners say about any electricians offering EICR testing near you.
That way, you can make sure to choose someone that others rate.
Get multiple quotes
It’s best to get at least three quotes for an electrical safety certificate.
This will allow you to get a feel for a range of different professionals. Plus, you’ll be able to check that you’re getting a fair and competitive price for the work.
Ask about insurance
Check that the companies you’re considering have the right insurance in place. This will give you confidence that you have protection in case things go wrong.
Checkatrade members have up-to-date public liability insurance to be a member.
Get recommendations
Do you know someone who recently had an electrical installation condition report completed? Why not ask if they would recommend the electrician they used?
Make sure to cross-reference any recommendations on Checkatrade, so you know we’ve checked them too.
Use Checkatrade!
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