What is an Electrical EICR Report?
Are you trying to understand what an EICR report is? and why you need one? Then simply read the post below to find out more about EICR reports.
What is an EICR Report?
An electrical installation condition report (EICR) identifies any damage, deterioration, defects and/or conditions which may give rise to danger along with observations for which improvement is recommended. It is a more detailed report than just a Visual Inspection and will involve the testing of various circuits which will require the turning off of the electrics at the main supply. This allows the contractor to identify any possible hidden defects or issues that cannot be identified during a Visual Inspection. The purpose of an EICR (formally known as periodic inspection and testing of an electrical installation), is to determine, so far as is reasonably practicable, whether the installation is in a satisfactory condition for continued service. Depending on the type/usage of an installation, it is generally recommended that an EICR is carried out every 3 to 5 years (3 years for industrial, 5 years for commercial and privately rented properties).
Why have an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)?
All electrical installations, over time, will deteriorate naturally as they are a working mechanism made up of various components and working systems. Much like an MOT for cars it is important that you ensure you carry out checks on the condition of the electrics at regular intervals. This will help identify any faults or defects which could require improvement and will ensure the continued operation of the installation in a safe and effective manner and your compliance with the “Electricity at Work Act 1974” and the “Electricity at Work Regulations 1989”. An inspection should always be carried out by a qualified and competent electrical engineer.
It is generally recommended that an EICR is carried out every 3 to 5 years
How long will an EICR take?
There are several factors to be considered to determine how long an EICR inspection should take.
- Size of the installation (the number of distribution boards/ number of occupied ways)
- Age of the installation (fabric of the building/ electrical distribution)
- Operational requirements (vacant/ occupied/ full production)
- Agreed limitations (scope of works/ specification)
However it will ultimately boil down to the number of distribution boards and occupied ways (circuits/fuses) the installation has – A site survey is always recommended if you have a large installation, the surveyor should be in a position to advise how long the inspection will take.
What will an EICR report tell me?
What will an EICR report tell me?
An EICR will provide a full summary of the condition of the electrics and determine whether it complies with the current British Standard for electrical safety (BS 7671). It will record a number of observations in line with BS 7671 and make various recommendations where improvement may be necessary or beneficial to improving safety in your property. Once the EICR is completed the contractor will provide you with a certificate outlining the overall condition of the electrical installation. Generally, an EICR will provide codings against the condition of the installation.
The classification codes are as follows:
- Code C1: his code indicates that danger exists, requiring immediate remedial action. The persons using the installation are at immediate risk (the inspection engineer will normally isolate the danger at time of test)
- Code C2: This code indicates that, whilst an observed deficiency is not considered to be dangerous at the time of the inspection, it could become a real and immediate danger if a fault or other foreseeable event was to occur in the installation or connected equipment.
- Code C3: This code indicates that, whilst an observed deficiency is not considered to be a source of immediate or potential danger, improvement would contribute to a significant enhancement of the safety of the electrical installation.
It is recommended that corrective action to rectify any C1 and C2s is completed as soon as possible.
Original source of information: NICEIC Fact Sheet
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Plant and Safety Limited are the UK trading business for the LB International Group, which operates from the Middle East, and Africa. Plant and Safety are national providers of Inspection, Testing, Certification, Lifting Equipment, and Training Services on equipment within the work place. This includes electrical Equipment, lifting equipment, work equipment, plant equipment, and access equipment.
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